4 Days Lake Natron – Estrella de la Mañana Safaris

4 DAYS LAKE NATRON

Day 1: Arrive in tanzania

Upon your arrival at kilimanjaro airport, our representative will meet you and drive you to your hotel for a first evening in tanzania. arusha is a major international diplomatic hub. the city hosts and is regarded as the de facto capital of the east african community. arusha is surrounded by some of africa’s most famous landscapes and national parks. situated below mount meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the great rift valley, it has a mild climate.

the road transfer from the kilimanjaro international airport to your lodge will take about 1 hour, so sit back and enjoy the ride through the city’s sub-urban arriving at your lodge for a well deserved overnight.

Day 2: Arusha - Lake Natron

Our driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha and you will drive out to Lake Natron. You drive via Engaruka Town towards Lake Natron on a partly bumpy and dusty road. En route you see many Masai villages, termite mounds, gazelle, giraffe, zebra, baboons, bee boxes, and birds such as vultures, ostrich, starlings and Cory Bustards. The transfer takes you some 4 hours. After checking in at your campsite and some lunch you go in the afternoon on a guided walk around Lake Natron the lowest point of the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania (600m / 2000 ft) and famous for a vast numbers of flamingos and other water birds due to a high concentrate of in sodium carbonate, algae, and zooplankton. You can go for a hike up the Ngare Sero River which flows in the Lake Natron In contrast to the surrounding dry landscape, here you can find a small paradise.

Rise at midnight to a coffee, tea and a light snack before heading off in your safari vehicle toward the foothills of Ol Doinyo Lengai, where your trek to the summit will begin. The trek is quite demanding and as there is no shade on the mountain, you will need to bring a good hat and plenty of water. The climb takes about 5 to 7 hours. The terrain underfoot consists of rough scree, lava and volcanic ash, with steep gullies and furrows to negotiate. Once you reach the summit you can explore the two craters with caution, as one of them is still active. Enjoy the breathtaking views across Lake Natron and the Great Rift Valley. Descend down by mid morning to the foothills of Ol Doinyo Lengai where your safari vehicles awaits you. Transfer back to your camp for some rest and breakfast.

Day 3: Lake Natron

After breakfast you will visit lake natron: one of the most alkaline lakes in the world. home to millions of tiny crustaceans, the lake is a haven for thousands of lesser flamingos and is one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds on earth. the area around the lake is dry and desolate. the strangely beautiful landscape is the attraction in this area.

In the afternoon, you can take a long walk to the Ngare Sero river. After a strenuous walk up the stream, you will reach the source of the river, in cascading waterfalls the river gushes out of the mountains. You will enjoy a refreshing swim in the river and under the waterfalls for a nice cool-down from the hot sun. There may be baboons or other wildlife in the gorge. You will return to camp where your cook would have prepared you dinner. Enjoy your meal under the stars before retiring for the night.

Please note that Lake Natron is very hot. It is therefore strongly recommended to bring protective clothing, hat and sunscreen. We also recommend bringing water shoes, or shoes you don’t mind immersing in water for the hike through the river.

Day 4: Lake Natron - Arusha

After breakfast you will leave the camp ready for the road transfer back to Arusha. You drive via Engaruka Town towards Karatu on a partly bumpy and dusty road. En route you see many Masai villages, termite mounds, gazelle, giraffe, zebra, baboons, bee boxes, and birds such as vultures, ostrich, starlings, Cory Bustards, and kites. The transfer takes you some 6 hours. You will enjoy a picnic lunch enroute stopping for souvenir shopping along the way.