"Among the most primal and starkly beautiful of Rift Valley landscapes, Lake Natron is a long shallow sliver of viscous ultra-alkaline water renowned as the only known breeding site for East Africa’s several million flamingoes. The low-lying lake is enclosed by blinding white salt flats studded with angular black volcanic protrusions, and overlooked by the ash-strewn volcanic contours of Ol Doinyo Lengai.”
- Philip Briggs
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PLAN MY JOURNEYLake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai
The geological violence that formed the Great Rift Valley is on graphic display at Lake Natron. The lake itself is a thrillingly primordial apparition, enclosed by a fragile crust of desiccated salt and sodden volcanic ash, and reed-lined swamps where the sulphuric springs that sustain its caustic waters bubble to the surface.
Particularly beautiful in the soft light of dawn and dusk, this remote and little-developed corner of Maasailand also boasts one of the crispest and most mesmerising night skies imaginable.
Overlooking Natron, the 2,960m-high Ol Doinyo Lengai – the Maasai ‘Mountain of God’ – is one of East Africa’s most active volcanos, having erupted several times since the turn of the millennium. The ascent of its shadeless slopes, best undertaken at night, is popular with fit and adventurous travellers, offering spectacular views back towards the Rift Valley and leading to a caldera dotted with ash cones, lava pools and steam vents.
Rather more accessible, Engaresero, close to the lake shore, hosts the oldest known set of fossil footprints associated with Homo sapiens – left behind by a party of 18 adults and children as they traipsed through a field of muddy ash deposited by the eruptive Lengai 120,000 years ago.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Natron has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low altitude (610m or 2,000ft) means that it tends to be quite hot, with an average midday high of 32°C/90°F. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible before the beginning of the rains. Mornings are a more pleasant 22°C/72°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. The biggest issue with Lake Natron is that heavy rains can make the roads incredibly difficult. Given the distances involved in getting to Lake Natron, travellers should be cautious about organising a journey here during the short rains. We would rule it out as a destination during the long rains, and possibly during early June too.
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Natron has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low altitude (610m or 2,000ft) means that it tends to be quite hot, with an average midday high of 32°C/90°F. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible before the beginning of the rains. Mornings are a more pleasant 22°C/72°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. The biggest issue with Lake Natron is that heavy rains can make the roads incredibly difficult. Given the distances involved in getting to Lake Natron, travellers should be cautious about organising a journey here during the short rains. We would rule it out as a destination during the long rains, and possibly during early June too.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rain spells vary, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year, making game drives potentially quite difficult. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Natron has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low altitude (610m or 2,000ft) means that it tends to be quite hot, with an average midday high of 32°C/90°F. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible before the beginning of the rains. Mornings are a more pleasant 22°C/72°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. The biggest issue with Lake Natron is that heavy rains can make the roads incredibly difficult. Given the distances involved in getting to Lake Natron, travellers should be cautious about organising a journey here during the short rains. We would rule it out as a destination during the long rains, and possibly during early June too.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
With frequently overcast skies and consecutive days of rain, this period is the wettest time of the year, making travel to and from lodges potentially difficult.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Natron has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low altitude (610m or 2,000ft) means that it tends to be quite hot, with an average midday high of 32°C/90°F. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible before the beginning of the rains. Mornings are a more pleasant 22°C/72°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. The biggest issue with Lake Natron is that heavy rains can make the roads incredibly difficult. Given the distances involved in getting to Lake Natron, travellers should be cautious about organising a journey here during the short rains. We would rule it out as a destination during the long rains, and possibly during early June too.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
With frequently overcast skies and consecutive days of rain, this period is the wettest time of the year, making travel to and from lodges potentially difficult.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Natron has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low altitude (610m or 2,000ft) means that it tends to be quite hot, with an average midday high of 32°C/90°F. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible before the beginning of the rains. Mornings are a more pleasant 22°C/72°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. The biggest issue with Lake Natron is that heavy rains can make the roads incredibly difficult. Given the distances involved in getting to Lake Natron, travellers should be cautious about organising a journey here during the short rains. We would rule it out as a destination during the long rains, and possibly during early June too.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Natron has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low altitude (610m or 2,000ft) means that it tends to be quite hot, with an average midday high of 32°C/90°F. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible before the beginning of the rains. Mornings are a more pleasant 22°C/72°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. The biggest issue with Lake Natron is that heavy rains can make the roads incredibly difficult. Given the distances involved in getting to Lake Natron, travellers should be cautious about organising a journey here during the short rains. We would rule it out as a destination during the long rains, and possibly during early June too.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Natron has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low altitude (610m or 2,000ft) means that it tends to be quite hot, with an average midday high of 32°C/90°F. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible before the beginning of the rains. Mornings are a more pleasant 22°C/72°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. The biggest issue with Lake Natron is that heavy rains can make the roads incredibly difficult. Given the distances involved in getting to Lake Natron, travellers should be cautious about organising a journey here during the short rains. We would rule it out as a destination during the long rains, and possibly during early June too.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Natron has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low altitude (610m or 2,000ft) means that it tends to be quite hot, with an average midday high of 32°C/90°F. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible before the beginning of the rains. Mornings are a more pleasant 22°C/72°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. The biggest issue with Lake Natron is that heavy rains can make the roads incredibly difficult. Given the distances involved in getting to Lake Natron, travellers should be cautious about organising a journey here during the short rains. We would rule it out as a destination during the long rains, and possibly during early June too.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Natron has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low altitude (610m or 2,000ft) means that it tends to be quite hot, with an average midday high of 32°C/90°F. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible before the beginning of the rains. Mornings are a more pleasant 22°C/72°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. The biggest issue with Lake Natron is that heavy rains can make the roads incredibly difficult. Given the distances involved in getting to Lake Natron, travellers should be cautious about organising a journey here during the short rains. We would rule it out as a destination during the long rains, and possibly during early June too.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Natron has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low altitude (610m or 2,000ft) means that it tends to be quite hot, with an average midday high of 32°C/90°F. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible before the beginning of the rains. Mornings are a more pleasant 22°C/72°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. The biggest issue with Lake Natron is that heavy rains can make the roads incredibly difficult. Given the distances involved in getting to Lake Natron, travellers should be cautious about organising a journey here during the short rains. We would rule it out as a destination during the long rains, and possibly during early June too.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. Nevertheless we would still consider this a good time to visit, since the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Natron has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low altitude (610m or 2,000ft) means that it tends to be quite hot, with an average midday high of 32°C/90°F. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible before the beginning of the rains. Mornings are a more pleasant 22°C/72°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. The biggest issue with Lake Natron is that heavy rains can make the roads incredibly difficult. Given the distances involved in getting to Lake Natron, travellers should be cautious about organising a journey here during the short rains. We would rule it out as a destination during the long rains, and possibly during early June too.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. Nevertheless we would still consider this a good time to visit, since the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Natron has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low altitude (610m or 2,000ft) means that it tends to be quite hot, with an average midday high of 32°C/90°F. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible before the beginning of the rains. Mornings are a more pleasant 22°C/72°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. The biggest issue with Lake Natron is that heavy rains can make the roads incredibly difficult. Given the distances involved in getting to Lake Natron, travellers should be cautious about organising a journey here during the short rains. We would rule it out as a destination during the long rains, and possibly during early June too.
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
