Lake Natron & Oldoinyo Lengai

Classified as a Ramsar site {Wetland of international importance}, Natron is an Alkaline lake home to endemic algae, invertebrates and birds. The lake is the only regular breeding area in East Africa for over 2.5 million Lesser flamingo whose status is “near threatened” due to their dependency on this destination. South of the lake Oldoinyo Lengai { “The Mountain Of God” from Maasai translation} stands tall at an elevation of 3188m. Oldoinyo Lengai is unique among active volcanoes in that it produces natrocarbonatite lava, the spread of cabonatite ash over the grasslands leads to enriched and succulent pastures. Making this area significant to the Great Migration of thousands of wildebeests who breed and calve here.

Day 1

Arusha to Lake Natron

Highlights;

  • Drive 137km from Arusha to Lake Natron
  • See the Great Rift Valley
  • Game drive to Lake Natron and Ewaso Ng’iro river and hot springs
  • Have lunch lakeside
  • Visit rift valley escarpment, Embalulu crater and Leparakash plains
  • Drive to Lake Natron Camp for overnight stay and dinner

Day 2

Oldoinyo Lengai

Standing at an elevation of 3188m, Oldoinyo Lengai is a mere 10-12 hour ascend and descend. Ascend starts at Midnight so today we’ll spend most of the day relaxing and game driving the base of the mountain.

Highlights;

  • Drive 49km to Oldoinyo Lengai base
  • Game drive
  • Relax and have fun pool side by the lodge.
  • At midnight we start our ascend up the mountain and by midday the next day you’d have descended.
  • Rest and recuperate

Day 3

Engaresero Village to Arusha

Highlights

  • Village tour
  • Maasai Etho-Botanic Tour
  • Hot springs visit
  • Visit the waterfalls and have fun
  • Drive back to Arusha.