Explore Lake Natron
Explore Lake Natron: Located northeast of the Ngorongoro Crater, this breathtaking region is a part of Africa’s vast Great Rift Valley. At 600 metres above sea level, Lake Natron is the lowest point of the rift valley and is likely the most caustic body of water in the world. It is surrounded by deep craters and undulating volcanic hills.
In northern Tanzania, Lake Natron is a salt or soda lake close to Lake Manyara. It is situated in the eastern branch of the East African Rift, known as the Gregory Rift. The lake is situated at the base of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano.
Less than three metres deep, Lake Natron is quite shallow, and its width changes with the water level. The lake’s dimensions are 22 km in width and 57 km in length. Seasonal rainfall is unpredictable in the area, mostly around December and May. The lake frequently experiences temperatures above 40 °C.
Lake water that contains large quantities of salt minerals, such sodium and trona, evaporates as the fresh water evaporates. The lake is so alkaline that its pH might be higher than 12.This habitat is favourable for the growth of certain bacteria and blue algae, which provide a perfect breeding ground for birds. Some cyanobacteria that, like plants, make their own food through photosynthesis are examples of such halophilic creatures. The lake’s deep crimson waters and the orange hues in the shallow sections are caused by the red pigment found in those cyanobacteria. The alkali salt crust on the lake’s surface is reddish or pink due to the presence of salt-loving microorganisms.
The perfect breeding place for Flamingos
Since most other animals find Lake Natron’s caustic climate, high salinity, and temperatures as high as 60°C to be uninhabitable, flamingos find a safe nesting site there.
For this reason, it acts as a strong deterrent to predators attempting to approach eggs on seasonal evaporation islands. More than two million flamingos visit this location each year to deposit their eggs, and the young emerge between September and April.
The salt of the water causes cyanobacteria to proliferate, and the lake may support more nests. Wadden Sea flamingos are known to breed larger as well. Several indigenous algae, invertebrates, and other birds can be found in Lake Natron. Near the lake, tens of thousands of additional birds can be seen, making Lake Natron a popular site for African birdwatchers.
Day trip to Mkomazi National Park
For those who are interested in observing the rarest species of both plants and animals, this is the ideal choice for them. Travellers who came to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and have a few additional days after the trip can also use it. One of Africa’s richest savannahs, this park serves as a key haven for two critically endangered species: the gregarious African wild dog and the captivating black rhino. Both species were successfully restored in the 1990s; however, black rhinos are kept in fenced-in areas to ensure their safety and the prosperity of future generations.
It is also one of the few protected sites in Tanzania with a significant concentration of Beisa Oryx and a sizable and visible gerenuk population.
Lake Jipe
An inter territorial lake that spans Tanzanian and Kenyan borders is called Lake Jipe. It is situated in Tanzania’s Mwanga District in the Kilimanjaro Region, and it is situated south of the village of Nghonji in Kenya. A portion of the lake’s northern shore is protected by Tsavo West National Park, and Mkomazi Game Reserve is located close by in Tanzania. Fish, waterfowl, animals (including hippopotamus), wetland vegetation, and wetlands near the lake’s side are all well-known features.
A day trip to Bongoyo Island
The popular Tanzania safari island paradise Bongoyo is located 2.5 km north of Dar es Salaam, off the Msasani Peninsula. Beautiful white sand beaches with thatched umbrellas, pristine waters ideal for snorkelling or a leisurely swim, unique marine life residing in the nearby coral reef, and meandering nature trails through the baobab trees are just a few of the remarkable experiences that await exploration in Bongoyo.
When you get to Bongoyo Island, you can hang around, enjoy the beach, and wait for lunch. On Bongoyo Island, guests can enjoy fun activities like trekking, exploring, snorkelling, swimming, and lounging beneath a covered Banda.
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Bongoyo Island is the ideal location for relaxation, recuperation, and rejuvenation.
Hike Kilimanjaro Shira Plateau
The Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro is among the mountain’s most captivating and picturesque regions. At 3872 metres, it is also Mount Kilimanjaro’s oldest peak.
Following a 2-hour drive to the Londorosi Gate in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, following a 7 a.m. hotel pickup (2100m). Following registration, formalities and a bathroom break, continue driving through a rain forest to the 3400-meter-altitude Morum Barrier Gate and Picnic Site.
Proceed on foot or by hiking from the Morum Picnic Site to Shira 1 Camp, Lion Gorge, and the Shira Pinnacles’ slopes. Views of nearby glaciers and Kilimanjaro’s famous snow-covered table top, Kibo Peak, should be possible from this location.
The jungle beyond the gate is home to a variety of animals, such as blue and white colobus monkeys, baboons, Eland, Dik-dik, and black and white colobus monkeys. You will eventually be able to see Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira peak while driving, but the vista of all the peaks is breathtaking from Morum Picnic Site.
You can see the very close-up Kibo summit from its base. The area is covered with moorland, and every plant is short, allowing for vast views. Because buffalo trek to the higher altitudes in search of salt and other minerals from rocks, you can find their excrement and footprints along the route.
