

The simple answer is no as we are NOT flamingos. They are able to feed on the toxic algae found all over the lake as their stomach are very strong. They have a special gland in their nasal cavity which helps them filter water for drinking.
Calcifying lake natron tanzania skin#
Flamingos thrive in salty lakes as they have tough skin and long-scaly legs that prevent burns. This is why its best suited for flamingos. The lakes toxic waters provide a safe haven from predators. In 2013, a wildlife photographer, Nick Brandt found out that there are dead birds found in the surface of the red water which seemed like as the bird came in contact with the water it turned into stone.Īlthough lot of these birds fly into lake as its reflective and mirror-like and die and turn into stone-this lake is not barren. This gives the lake that Vermillion-Red vibrance.ĬALCIFIED FLAMINGO, LAKE NATRON, 2010 - From Nick Brandt’s book Across The Ravaged Land (Abrams 2013) Hence, this lake has that preservative in a perfect lake form.

These two chemicals were the key ingredients for the ancient Egyptian mummification. It seems like a normal lake when you hear its name, so what makes it lethal? The lake Natron is very close to the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, this volcano forms a rare kind of lava that consists of rich amounts of sodium and potassium carbonate. The lake is a maximum of 57 kilometres long and 22 kilometres wide. It is one of the most shallow lakes in the world, its only 9.8 feet deep. There are only a few upmarket and budget campsites for guests staying in this area.By Devaa Ramalingam – Art in Tanzania internĪlthough Medusa is a Greek mythological character whose eyes when people see turn into stone, the lake Natron is a real place situated in north Ngorongoro District of Arusha Region in Tanzania. Photographer Nick Brandt captured amazing stone-like images of local wildlife that was calcified by the high PH levels in the lake in 2003.The deep red colour of the Lake Natron waters is due to the salt loving organisms and algae living in the water.Lake Natron is so remote it was not even discovered until 1954.Water tempuratres have been recorded as reaching 41 degrees celcius.Is the primary breeding ground for the Lesser Flamingoes in Africa.Lake Natron is one of two Alkaline lakes in East Africa.The resident Alkaline Tilapia has no problems adapting to these high PH levels.In low rain seasons the water PH levels have reached 10.5 making the lake waters caustic to those animals not used to it.Enjoy sundowners with amazing views of the lakes and Rift Valley Escarpment.Plan an overnight climb up Ol Doinyo Lengai.Hike up to the Ngare Sero Source waterfall.Walk along the lake edge for amazing photo opportunites.
Calcifying lake natron tanzania plus#
Annual Lesser Flamingo breeding season attracts 2 million plus at the end of rainy season each year.March to April is the highest rainfall generally recorded and the lowest is generally July to September. The small rainy season runs December – February. North of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Natron is a unique addition to your safari itinerary for those who have a spare 2-4 days available and really want to get off the beaten track.ĭry season generally runs June to October and wet season November to May. Its also a great base for those looking to climb Ol Doinyo Lengai which is just 25 km south of Lake Natron.

An amazing alkaline lake breeding ground for more than 2 million Lesser Flamingoes each year.
