Lake Natron

Highlights

  • Best Known For

    • Main breeding site for lesser flamingoes
    • Amazing 'martian like' landscape
    • Best seen by a scenic flight
    • Remote area with few tourists

  • Size

    400 square miles

  • Topography

    Saline/Alkaline Lake, Caustic Environment

  • Main Species

    Flamingo

Lake Natron

Lake Natron is the main breeding site in East Africa for 2.5 million lesser flamingoes. The characteristic red color of Lake Natron is a byproduct of salt loving organisms that thrive in the high salinity levels. Algae also flourish in these alkaline waters and is the sole source of food for the thousands of flamingos that can be found here. The flamingoes perform an amazing display; marching in groups, heads up, turning different directions in tight formation. Watching them feed with their upside-down bills is also fascinating.

View East Serengeti Map Lodging Options Seasonal Highlights Nearby Attractions

Lodging Near Lake Natron

Seasonal Highlights

For the Lake Natron

Recommended Month to Visit

Month Season Recommended Weather Wildlife Sightings
Jan Green Season YES 60 - 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo
Feb Green Season YES 60 - 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo
Mar Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration
Apr Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration
May Northward Migration YES 56 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration
Jun Beginning of Dry Season YES 56 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration (early to mid June only)
Jul Dry Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny
Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo
Aug Dry Season YES 55 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo
Sep Dry Season YES 55 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo
Oct Dry Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny
Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo
Nov Southward Migration YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo
Dec Beginning of Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo

Attractions Near Lake Natron