- Location: north of Tanzania, Arusha region
- Area: 1040 square meters. km
- Height above sea level: 800 m
- Length: 57 km
- Width: 22 km
- Depth: up to 3 m
In the north of the African country of Tanzania , on the border with Kenya, there is a unique lake - Natron. Every year it attracts many tourists who come here to admire its unusual look, reminiscent of a surreal alien landscape. So, let's find out what is the secret of the red waters of the lake and why the inhabitants of the surrounding villages avoid this area.
The phenomenon of Lake Natron
Lake Natron is very shallow (its depth varies from 1.5 to 3 m), so it warms up to 50 and even 60 ° C. The content of sodium salts in the waters of the lake is so high that a film forms on its surface, and in the hottest months (February and March) even the water becomes viscous because of this. These conditions favor the activity of halophilic cyanobacteria that live in Lake Natron, due to the pigment of which the water has a blood-red color. However, the shade of water varies depending on the season and depth - the lake can be orange or pinkish, and sometimes looks like an ordinary pond.
But the most interesting and exciting fact is that the waters of Natron in Tanzania are a real danger. Because of the high level of alkali, salt-saturated water leads to severe burns if a person, an animal or a bird is immersed in a lake. It is here that many birds have found their death. Subsequently, their bodies harden and mummify, covering themselves with mineral substances. A lot of these remains of birds were found here by photographer Nick Brandt, collecting material for his book "On Tortured Earth." His photographs, famous for this pond for the whole world, became the basis of the legend, which says that Lake Natron turns animals into stone.
Only a few species of animals can live here. For example, in the summer, during the mating season, thousands of small flamingos fly to the lake. They build nests on rocks and even islands of salt, and the ambient temperature allows birds to easily breed offspring under the protection of the lake. This is not accidental predators, scared off by the unpleasant odor emanating from the lake.
As for people, the tribe of sala from the Masai clan inhabiting the lake are real aborigines. They have lived here for many hundreds of years, militarily guarding their territory, which they use as pastures. By the way, in this area were found the remains of Homo Sapiens, lying in the ground for more than 30 thousand years. Apparently, it's not for nothing that the African continent is considered the birthplace of man.
How to get to Lake Natron in Tanzania?
The largest city of Tanzania , nearest to Lake Natron, is Arusha , located 240 km away. It can be reached by bus from Dar es Salaam or Dodoma . In addition, in the suburbs of Arusha is the eponymous national park .
Lake Natron does not organize individual excursions . You can reach this unique place in two ways: either during the tour to the Oldoino-Lengai volcano, or independently, by renting an off-road car in Arusha. However, keep in mind that an individual visit, first, will cost you more, and secondly, it will be very risky without a guide or guide from among the local residents.
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