Cold is relative, though, as it flows at 500 degrees Celsius but this is around half the temperature of regular molten rock. It is also the world’s only carbonatite volcano, spewing out ‘cold’ lava. Ol Doinyo Lengai is 2,890 meters high and is Tanzania’s only active volcano. This superficially desolate land is incredibly ancient and dramatic. The unusual moonscape is an amazing unexplored adventure zone. The blue-green algae that thrive in this environment turn the lake an eye-popping red and orange and as it’s the lesser flamingoes favorite food, it is the most important breeding site for them in the world.

The majority of species can’t deal with the lake’s searing temperatures and high alkalinity, but a small type of tilapia (fish) and flamingos call it home. Sitting at the base of Ol Doniyo Lengai it is one of the most un-inhabitable and harsh environments on Earth. The lake is fed by the waters from both the Ewaso Ngiro River and hot alkaline springs. Lake Natron is 57 km long, 22 km wide and less than 3 meters deep.

About Lake Natron and Oldonyo Lengai Lake Natron If you are active you can even hike to the top in a long day-hike, well worth it for the stunning views from the top. Oldoinyo Lengai, meaning the mountain of God, forms a backdrop to this prehistoric looking area, or perhaps it is better to describe it as from out-of-this-world? The active volcano is pyramid shaped and looks like it is topped with ice or snow, but this is, in fact, white ash. The incredible redness of the lake, best seen from the air, the flamboyance of millions of flamingos in the breeding season, the hot springs ensuring there is still some water left in this vast lake, and the other plains animals (including wildebeest, zebra, oryx, gazelle and even the odd cheetah and lion) that can be found here, especially from December to April. So why would you visit? The harsh surroundings immediately show the origins of this place, but look beyond this desolation and you will see it. Lake Natron, a very alkaline lake almost caustic which hardly supports any life.

Tanzania natron lake