Activities in Lake Natron GCA involve Sport or Tourist hunting and Photographic/ Eco-Tourism such as walking safaris, game viewing, swimming, filming, Birds (Lesser flamingos) watching at the Lake shore, Mountain climbing to experience sunrise and volcanic activity.

The table below shows tourism attractions and activities conducted

Uniqueness.

Lake Natron GCA in the northern Tanzania is the most important breeding site for lesser flamingos in the world. Eastern Africa has between 1.5-2.5 million of lesser flamingos-representing 75 per cent of the global population and most of them are hatched at Lake Natron. Breeding periods are erratic, depending on the timing of seasonal rains, but most breeding in January and October in Tanzania however, breeding occur all year round in Lake Natron, if conditions are right.

Spectacular scenery

Lake Natron GCA is the potential area with unique scenery and diverse of attractions ranging from beautiful scenery of volcanic mountains views to historical and cultural attractions. Various natural features like escarpments of the rift valley, Leparakash plain land, Embalulu craters, hills, caves, gorges and canyons gots great and eye catching scenery.

Reserves Keystone species

The lake has beautiful and interesting bird species with Lesser Flamingos having a dominating population of about 1.5-2.5 million forming 75% of its population worldwide.

Wild animals

Lake Natron GCA area has variety number of animals including Buffalo, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffe, Gazelles (Grant, Thomson, Robert), Waterbuck, Eland, Oryx, Impala, Hyena, Lion, Leopard, Jackal, Hare, Greater and Lesser Kudus, Monkeys and Baboons etc.

Birds

Other birds found in the lake Natron GCA are Greater Flamingos, Pelicans, Geese, Ostriches, Secretary birds, Kori bustards, Egrets, Stocks and Hammerkop.

Alkaline fish

Three species of alkaline fish are found at Lake Natron, two endemic fish species, the alkaline tilapia, Alcolapia latilabris and Alcolapia ndalalani thrive in the waters at the edges of hot springs inlets. Alcolapia alcalica is also present in the lake, but not endemic.

Vegetation

Different plant species thrive in the area around the Lake Natron; the dominant halophytes surrounding the the lake are Cyperus laevigatus, Dactyloctenium spp., Juncus maritimus, Salvadora persica, Sporobolus spicatus, Sporobolus robustus, Suaeda monoica and Triplocephalum holstii. The slightly less alkaline plains surrounding the lake are dominated by grasses and by Sesbania sesban with scattered Acacia trees.

Algae

The lake Natron GCA is devoid of macrophytic vegetation, but is very productive in terms of algae, with blue-green algae (cyanophyta) such as spirulina spp. dominating the saline waters. Lesser flamingos feed on by filtering blue-green algae from the salty waters.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls of about 10m long and 5m long found in the escarpments of the Lepalakash in Engaresero village. This area provides recreational activities such as swimming and nature appreciation.

Mount Oldonyo Lengai

This is the only active mountain in Tanzania that erupt natrocarbonatite lava which is cooler than other lavas about (510 degrees C) compared to the temperatures of basaltic lavas (1,100 degrees C) with less silicon. It lastly erupted in 2006. It is 2962m long above the sea level. It is considered a mountain of god by the Maasai tribe as it is used in sacred offerings. While on the summit of Mountain Ol’doinyo Lengai one can see magnificent scenery of the Soda Lake Natron which accommodates and consist of good nesting sites for different bird species especially the Flamingos, pelicans and geese.

Gelai mountain

Is a volcanic mountain of about 2942m tall located on south-eastern edge of Lake Natron in the East African Rift valley. On the lower part of Gelai mountain is the forest area where various wildlife such as Buffalo, Eland, Bush buck, Water buck, Leopard and different bird species are found. It contains various springs that feed the Lake. The visitor can experience a cool climate on top of Gelai Mountain throughout the day and during the night the condition becomes cooler causing formation of dews and fog.

Ancient hominid foot prints

t is believed through research findings; Homo sapiens in 20,000 years ago passed near the Lake Natron on the southern part of it and left marked foot prints on the mud surface. In a matter of time, the mud’s surface dried out, preserving the prints in a cracked crust.

Hot and cold springs are found around the margin of the Lake Natron feeding it. Hot springs are rich in minerals such Cl, Na, F, Ca etc. which make them suitable for healing some diseases especially dermatitis. At the edge of the inlets of hot springs there are alkaline tilapia (Alcolapia ndalalani and Alcolapia latilabris) thriving.

Cultural attractions of Maasai people; their dressing style, Boma (hut) making, traditional dances, Local foods and drinks, handcrafting and traditional medicines make this area more attractive.

Available accommodation facilities around are camp sites with facilities, tented accommodation, luxury tented accommodation and Guest Houses.

Lake Natron GCA constitutes hot climate in low altitude and a cooler climate in higher altitude areas. On average, the temperature ranges between 20°C and 35°C while the rainfall ranges from less than 500mm in low lands to 900mm at higher elevations. High evaporation in the Lake Natron makes it one of the hottest and the driest place in the Northern Tanzania. In January and February temperatures can reach above 40 ⁰C.

The GCA can be easily accessible by main road from Arusha city through Manyara or Mto wa Mbu then the road to Engaruka .

Manager,

Lake Natron Game Controlled Area,

P.O Box 2

Longido-Arusha

Email: lakenatronrs@tawa.go.tz