Lake Natron and Mt. Ol Doinyo Lengai are located in northeast Tanzania, between the Ngorongoro Highlands and the Serengeti plains. This is the home of the Maasai, who have maintained all of their traditions and have been little touched by contemporary society. The remoteness and striking terrain, more than the variety of animals, draw people here.

2.5 million lesser flamingos take shelter in Lake Natron, making it a spectacular place. The ash and lava deposits from Ol Donyo Lengai give the lake a high saline content and transform it into a very important eco-system. Its surface has impressive purple and red brown colouring which is caused by millions of Cyanobacteria and Spirulina algae. These constitute the basic source of nutrition for the flamingos who build their nests on the water surface. Periodically, large parts of the lake are dried out and the place turns into an impressive white lunar landscape. Giraffes, zebras and other mammals are often seen nearby. This unique area, although it is very warm, is great for walking and photo shooting.

At the eastern side of the lake is the massive Mount Lengai with a height of 2,941 m. Ol Donyo Lengai in the Maasai language means ‘Mountain of God’. It is estimated to be about 350,000 – 400,000 years old. It is an active volcano whose last recorded eruption happened in 1966 and lesser eruptions in 2007 and 2008. The foothills of the mountain are green and Masai are often seen grazing their cattle and goats. When there is no fear of a sudden eruption, we can arrange a climb up to the top of the volcano so that adventurous visitors can admire the steaming crater and the lava flows.