| The roads to the Lake Natron from Arusha
and Lake Manyara are very primitive, and lead through sparsely
populated areas. They may be less safe to travel than the roads in the nearby tourist
areas. Another route is approaching the lake from the Loliondo region east of Serengeti
National Park. Attempting it, you should be prepared for a rough ride.
Some safari operators offer tours to Lake Natron or to nearby volcano Oldoinyo Lengai.
Recent volcano eruptions
Access to the Lake Natron area was limited in early 2008, due to the nearby Oldoinyo
Lengai volcano erupting. The volcanic activity has now subsided (October 2008), but
you may want to check up the local conditions before visiting the area.
Soda ash plant
Plans to build a soda ash extraction plant by the lake have been proposed, but are meeting
opposition from scientists and conservation organisations, who fear that the project
is likely to destroy the lake and decimate the world's population of lesser flamingos
by 75 %. Lake Natron is a Ramsar site, recognised internationally as a Wetland
of International Importance.
Camps
Lake Natron is off the normal tourist routes of northern Tanzania, but may be of interest for special
safaris, for example travelling to Serengeti the hard way through the Loliondo area. The camps are not
far from the active volcano Oldoinyo Lengai, which can be climbed.
 Natron
Tented Camp is a tourist class camp with nine permanently pitched tents, situated in a grove
not very far from Lake Natron. The surrounding landscape is scenic. The tents have ensuite bathrooms
and private verandas. There is a restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool.
Web site: www.moivaro.com
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Lake Natron Camp has eight guest tents, each one with its own toilet and shower tent, and a dining
and bar tent. The camp is set right in the bush, and the tents are covered by camouflage nets to make
them blend into the surroundings. A variety of walks and outings in the area are offered.
Web site: www.ngare-sero-lodge.com
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