Overall, Lake Natron is a dangerous evironment for most organisms.īut miraculously, this lake does provide a safe haven for a few species.

At this temperature, just 6 seconds of contact would result in third degree burns.

In addition, this lake regularly holds temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and has been known to reach temperatures of 140 degrees. Lake Natron is a salt lake whose caustic properties and high pH make this lake uninhabitable by nearly all life forms for most organisms, venturing into this body of water results in bodily harm such as burned or corroded skin, or even death. But this lake sustains little other life aside from these microorganisms. This salt is called natron, for which the lake was named. See the area during a safari in Serengeti National Park or Great Rift Valley.The deep red appearance of Lake Natron’s waters is a consequence of the salt crust on the surface of the water, created by microorganisms, such as cyanobacteria, that call this environment home. However, during the wet season (November to May) the afternoon thundershowers are often expected. See this unique lake and the Natron area, which provides spectacular sites: from flats to escarpments, to volcanoes.Īnytime – the weather is always warm. It is a safe breeding place for these birds, since no predators come to this unfriendly terrain. Surprisingly, this lake is a habitat for flamingos, that nest here and feed on red algae despite the alkaline water. The color varies from orange to red, to pink and is produced by the bacterias and other microorganisms. A very shallow salt lake is very dangerous for those, who are not adjusted: the temperature can reach 60✬ and its ph level is 10! However, its rare red color makes Lake Natron a very unique and beautiful destination, which can be compared only to Laguna Colorada found in Bolivia.

What makes lake natron dangerous