Lake Natron Tanzania. Blood lake in Africa with dried salt skeletons of animals
"Salted" flamingo skeleton on Lake Natron. In addition to the bones, the "salted" feathers of the dead bird have been preserved.
On the territory of Tanzania there is Lake Natron, the waters of which contain substances that contribute not only to the death of animals that have touched the surface of the reservoir, but also to their petrification. The rare phenomenon is caused by the chemical composition of the lake, which leaves behind petrified creatures, like from a horror movie. The effects of this rare chemical phenomenon were captured by photographer Nick Brandt in his book Across the Tortured Earth. Nick Brandt writes in his new book that the petrified creatures around the lake are preserved thanks to a constant pH of 9 to 10.5. Such alkalinity preserves these creatures for eternity. How exactly did these birds die, the bats and other animals are not known.
Lake Natron (Lake Natron) is translated as "red", because of its special color, which is given to it by certain microorganisms that appear when salinity and alkalinity increase excessively. The main such organism is cyanobacteria, a tiny bacterium that, like plants, absorbs light through photosynthesis. As a result, from the accumulated photons, the pigmentation of this amazing bacterium changes towards red color, and millions of bacteria of the cyano species formed in the alkali of Lake Natron give a deep red color to all water surfaces. Only in shallow water, where these bacteria are slightly less, the water is no longer bright red, but orange. This is truly a miracle canvas of nature, painted by a local God named Lengai, the progenitor of all that exists on Earth among the Masai tribes.
Dead Lake Natron is located in northern Tanzania on the border with Kenya. This salt Lake has a shallow depth - a maximum of 3 meters, and constantly changes its coastline depending on the season and water level. The water temperature in the wetlands can reach 50 degrees Celsius, and depending on the water level, the alkalinity can reach a pH of 9 to 10.5. Dead Lake Natron is covered with a crust of salt that periodically turns red and pink. This is the result of the vital activity of microorganisms that live in the lake.
The lake is located in one of the most active volcanic zones in the world, constantly in motion - this is the area of the Great Rift Fault north of the Ngorongoro Crater and Empakai. Along with Lake Eyasi, located southeast of the Ngorongoro Protected Zone, and Lake Rukwa in western Tanzania, Lake Natron is one of the unique alkaline lakes in the world, predominantly consisting of salt and soda. A similar chemical interaction of underground flows, water and air is a specific microclimate around these reservoirs. The landscape itself is also subject to change. First of all, because of the evaporation that turns the shores of the lake into a petrified salted white desert.
The total area of the reserve is 700 sq. km.
It is here, not far from this dead sea» Tanzania is one of the sacred places Ancient Africa- Volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, which in translation from the language of the Masai tribe means "Mountain of the Gods" or "Mountain of Spirits". This volcano is today one of the "LIVING WONDERS OF TANZANIA", which you can read more about in the fascinating article "Why Tanzania's Volcanoes Don't Sleep?".
According to some reports, Ol Doinyo Lengai woke up for the last time in October 2008, but he never fell asleep. According to the latest data, the volcanic eruption was also observed in 2010, which is apparently caused by the growing discontent of the "gods living in the crater of the volcano."
One of the main reasons for their dissatisfaction could be the active discussion of the construction of a soda processing plant on the shores of Lake Natron - right at the foot of Ol Doinyo Lengai. The second reason could be plans to build a hydroelectric power station at the northern end of the lake, which would provoke a change in the alkaline balance in the lake.
Be that as it may, the Natron Lake Reserve, which includes sacred mountain is increasingly exposed to the external influence of large companies, which violates the peace zone and can provoke, according to the Masai shamans, the “wrath of the gods” Ol Donyo Lengai.
There are many articles on the Internet on this topic, many tell about the inevitable death after touching the surface of the lake. But actually it is not. Millions of flamingos live here. And the lake is the only breeding area for the 2.5 million endangered Lesser Flamingos that live in the valley.
These flamingos congregate along salt lakes in areas where they feed on Spirulina (blue-green algae with red pigments). Lake Natron is the only breeding ground for the Lesser Flamingo because its caustic environment acts as a barrier against predators trying to reach these birds' nests. Temperatures in wetlands can reach 50 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit), and depending on rainfall, alkalinity can reach a pH of 9 to 10.5 (almost as alkaline as ammonia).
In 1962, due to heavy rains, there was a flood. According to experts, more than a million eggs were destroyed.
There are two endemic species of alkaline telapia in the lake - Alcolapia latilabris and Alcolapia ndalalani. The species Alcolapia alcalica is also present in the lake, but it is not endemic.
Threats to salinity balance from increased freshwater inflows come from the projected flooding watersheds of Lake Natron and planned hydroelectric operation. Although development plans include the construction of a dam at the northern end of the lake to contain fresh water, the threat of dilution is still to be serious.
A new threat to Lake Natron is the development of a soda processing plant on the shores of the lake. The plant pumps water from the lake and then chemically extracts the sodium carbonate to convert it into washing powder for export. Also, housing for more than 1,000 workers was built near the plant, and coal was brought to the power plant to provide energy for the entire plant complex.
Because of its unique biodiversity, Tanzania has named the Lake Natron Basin to the List of Wetlands of International Importance - Ramsar, July 4, 2001.
The hunting grounds on the territory of the Natron Lake Reserve are located on its northern and southern borders and are called, respectively, the Southern and Northern Controlled (Protected) Hunting Zones of Lake Natron (Lake Natron South Game Control Area and Lake Natron North Game Control Area).
The southern hunting grounds of the reserve are located north of Arusha in the famous Maasai Steppe, spread over 1500 sq. km. To the west they border the Ngorongoro Protected Area, and to the north and east they border Kenya and Lake Natron, respectively. These areas are home to two permanent luxury campsites and two adventure fly camps. The demi-season camp "Kiserian adventure camp" offers accommodation in a valley with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and excellent opportunities for hunting Grant and Thompson's gazelle and in the very north of the protected area - gerenuk and small kudu.
Not less than great place to observe the life of the Maasai lands, is the luxurious Kitumbeine luxury base camp, located at the Kitumbeine mountain of the same name (2800 meters), where savannah acacias grow. The camp is located at the foot of this mountain and offers indescribable beauty panoramas overlooking the mountain ranges of the Great Rift Rift and the white smoking cap of the still active volcano Olduvai. Here are some of the most the best places for hunting oryx, mountain buffalo and large leopard.
Northern hunting grounds (Lake Natron North Game Control Area) 0 are much more extensive. They run along the border of Tanzania and Kenya, east of Lake Natron itself, where the mountain ranges of the Great Rift Rift rise, covered with a dense array of mixed tropical forest, where mountain buffalo are preserved in large numbers - a special trophy of Masailand. You can stay in one of two mobile hunting camps, which will be delivered along with provisions by plane from Arusha or Kilimanjaro.
Here is the most wild and untrampled by man terrain than in the south. That is why the villages of the original African Masai tribe here seem to fit especially organically into the landscape of the Lake Natron reserve. This is one of the best places for photo safari. Just imagine the red expanse of water with the same red haze in which thousands of small flamingos drown on the horizon, coloring their wings in orange and pink hues as if involuntarily.
Here it is allowed to hunt typical representatives of the fauna of Masailand: mountain buffalo (buffalo), bushpig or bard hog, leopard, lion, hyena, jackal, white antelope, savannah zebra, small cats (caracal, genet, kivet, serval and wild cat), small antelopes (dikdika, duiker and Steinbeck's antelope), medium antelopes (gerenuk, lesser kudu, East African bushbuck, impala) and Thompson's, Grant's, Robert's and mountain reedbook gazelles.
Among the allowed game species, large antelopes are also available: oryx, patterson and large kudu. It is also possible to hunt for feathered inhabitants of the northern forests of the Natron Lake Reserve. Among the local population of the Maasai, the meat of grouse, pigeon and quail is especially valuable.
How to get there
The roads to the lake are quite broken, and basically you can only get through Arusha or Lake Manyara Park (5-6 hours). But, nevertheless, the local route is one of the most difficult compared to other tourist areas. An alternative "route" of the safari trophy to the lake passes through the eastern corridor of the Serengeti - Loliondo.
Things to do
Watch flocks of flamingos on Lake Natron, climb to the coldest active crater in the world - Ol Donyo Lengai, arrange an antelope safari.
Features of Lake Natron The phenomenon of Lake Natron an eerie sight
Lake Natron is the most alkaline body of water on planet Earth. It is located in the northern part of Tanzania, near the border with neighboring Kenya. The reservoir got its name not by chance, but from the mineral of the same name, which this area is rich in. There is another version. As if the lake got its name because of its color, which means “red” in translation. The reservoir is fed from hot mineral springs and the Iwaso Nyiro River.
Natron has a relatively shallow depth - less than three meters. It depends on the season and is constantly changing. In summer, the lake is much shallower due to strong evaporation. It is at this time that the concentration of salt and sodium carbonate in the water rises, and the surface of the reservoir becomes covered with a thin crust. Mineral salts come here along with the ash of a volcano located in the East African Rift Valley.
The uniqueness of the area
The lake itself is a very mysterious and unique phenomenon. Natron is part of this same rift valley, which is over a million years old. It appeared here thanks to volcanic eruptions. Even now, this volcanic zone is considered one of the most active in the world. The volcano next to the lake is called Lengai. locals claim that he woke up in 2008. This is not known for sure, but the fact that he still does not sleep is a fact. The last time an eruption was observed was in 2010.
The surroundings of the lake are also rich in archaeological surprises. Excavations were once carried out here, during which the remains of Homo Sapiens were found, which had lain in the ground for more than thirty thousand years. Researchers claim that earlier hominids lived along the shores of the lake, which, according to some versions, are the ancestors of modern people. Today, the Salei tribe lives here. These are representatives of the Maasai clan, they are engaged in cattle breeding, thanks to which they exist.
Killer beauty Lake Natron phenomenon
The phenomenon known as the Lake Natron phenomenon is an eerie sight. There you can see petrified statues of birds and even some animals. And these are not man-made sculptures of sculptors, but real birds that have fallen into a deadly trap. Once in the lake, they die almost instantly, and their bodies are covered with minerals, turning into these creepy statues, like pictures from horror films.
The Lake Natron phenomenon has a scientific explanation. The thing is that the alkalinity of its water is approximately 9-10.5 pH at water temperatures up to 60 ° C. This is what causes the death of the inhabitants of the fauna that get here. Despite the deadly phenomenon of Lake Natron in Tanzania, several species of inhabitants somehow managed to take root in it. Among them are unique fish for which the alkaline environment is completely harmless. No wonder they are called alkaline telapia.
The ability to kill and turn birds into mineral statues is the most unique and shocking phenomenon of Lake Natron. Photos of these natural statues were first taken by photographer Nick Brandt. He accidentally discovered them during his trip to Africa. His photographs became part of the report. Frozen birds from a distance seem to be alive, but in fact, having touched the deadly water, they have long turned into stone. Many who saw these terrible statues compared the lake with the mythical river Styx, which leads to the kingdom of the dead.
Flamingo abode lake natron phenomenon in tanzania
But the phenomenon of Lake Natron is not limited to dead sculptures. A lot of small flamingos live here. This is a rather rare species, but Lake Natron is one of the places of their mass accumulation and reproduction. The most beautiful birds are under the reliable protection of the waters of the lake, as they build their nests on the hillocks of salts in the middle of the water. It is dangerous for chicks, which can accidentally fall out of the nest, while it is no less dangerous for predators to get to them.
In 1962, there was a big flood, as a result of which the number of flamingos suffered significantly. According to researchers, then more than a million eggs were destroyed. However, visiting these parts now, you can observe about two million flamingos at the same time.
bloody water lake natron phenomenon photo
Alkalinity in a lake tends to rise due to evaporation. Due to this, some bacteria are activated. Due to their vital activity, the water in the lake from time to time acquires a red color. Cyanobacteria belongs to this type of bacteria. It is able to absorb light during photosynthesis and produce a bright red pigment. This ability gives the water the appropriate shade.
"Bloody water" is another phenomenon of Lake Natron. Indeed, the lake is amazing not only with stone sculptures of birds. True, there is an assumption that in fact the water does not kill the birds, they died a natural death. It's just that the fumes covered their remains with salt and mineral deposits, which is why they turned to stone. And the photographer, who became famous himself and glorified Lake Natron, simply found them on the shore, planted them on branches, as if they were alive, to give the effect of instant death from touching the water surface. Lake Natron in Tanzania is an incredibly beautiful area with magnificent landscapes, which has no analogues in the world.
I want to continue the topic about the unusual reservoirs of the planet. Today I want to tell you about Lake Natron, which is located in the north of Tanzania, near the border with Kenya.
I have already said that there are on Earth, the water in which has a pink and even blood-red hue. All these wonders of nature are located in different parts of the world. The color of the water is due to various factors: in some reservoirs, special bacteria or algae live, in others, minerals dissolved in the water are the reason for the unusual color.
Lake Natron is unique in its own way. Firstly, it is one of the most alkaline water bodies on Earth, the pH of the water reaches 10.5.
Also, the uniqueness of this lake is also in the fact that the water in it, in addition to being very salty, its temperature reaches 50-60 degrees Celsius. In such conditions, there are very few organisms that could survive here. But they are! You might think that I'm about to start talking about some algae and incredible bacteria? And here and there There are two types of alkaline telapia found in Lake Natron! These two species are endemic and can only be found here. Of course, where else to find such living conditions!
Also on the lake, a very rare species of small flamingos breed and hatch chicks. This lake is practically the only place where they breed. They build their nests on islands of salt, which are formed by the strong evaporation of water.
The lake has another property. Due to the fact that the water in the lake is hot, animals or birds that accidentally fall into the water die, and the salt turns them into stone statues. Terrifying view!
By the way, I have not yet told why the water in the lake is red. Halophilic cyanobacteria live in it, which are capable of photosynthesis like plants. But as a result of photosynthesis, they release a red pigment. He is the reason for the red color of the water. By the way, Lake Natron is not always red, but only when the salinity reaches very high levels (due to evaporation of water in the dry season), then these bacteria begin to multiply actively.
Lake Natron is a real natural phenomenon, frightening with its properties. It consists of salt and alkali, which turns the reservoir into dangerous place. The name of the lake was in honor of a similar mineral, which can be mined in abundance in the vicinity. In addition, surrounded unusual place located active volcano, which also affects the properties of the miracle of nature.
Main indicators of Lake Natron
The reservoir is located in Tanzania in the Arusha region. Its main source of nutrition is the Ewaso Ngiro River, which is rich in minerals. The depth of the lake does not exceed three meters, while in summer time it dries out considerably due to the high temperature. The maximum recorded length is 57 km, and the width is 22 km. In wetlands during the evaporation period, the water temperature can reach 60 degrees, and the pH value ranges from 9 to 10.5. 
Due to the strong evaporation and emissions of the volcano, the concentration of salt and soda increases significantly in summer, which causes the surface to become covered with a crust, and mineral bumps form everywhere. They give the area a picturesqueness that can hardly be found anywhere else.
Red waters, creating an eerie impression
As a result of high mineralization and the unique properties of the reservoir, the lake is not suitable for life for most of the flora and fauna. However, it is inhabited by microorganisms that, when the temperature rises, actively absorb the products of photosynthesis and release substances into the reservoir that color it in a blood-red color. 
Such an eerie spectacle is smoothed out by hundreds of small flamingos that have chosen Lake Natron as their breeding ground. Due to the danger posed by the waters, predators do not come here. Birds, on the other hand, are not afraid of an alkaline environment, as they build their nests on protruding areas of salt deposits. Of course, there is a risk of active chicks falling into the water, which will lead to their death, but this does not happen often.
The reason for the mass disappearance of eggs in 1962 was a flood that flooded the entire brood of small flamingos. This reduced their numbers, but at the moment the flock has grown again. Tourists visiting these places can admire the charm of the red waters and the many pink birds that build their nests.
Deadly fumes as a source of inspiration
An unusual natural property of the lake at the slightest touch to its surface turns animals into stone. Death occurs due to hot vapors that many species cannot endure. The abundance of salt and soda with fumes instantly covers the bodies of dead animals and birds, turning them into mummies. Such a phenomenon was first discovered by Nick Brandt, who took a series of photos and organized an exhibition dedicated to the deadly beauty of Lake Natron. 
Salt lake Natron (Lake Natron) is one of the amazing lakes of our planet, capable of turning almost all living things into a stone statue. This body of water is located in East Africa, in Tanzania, on the border with Kenya.
As the water in the lake evaporates during the dry season, salinity levels will increase to the point where salt-loving micro-organisms will thrive, temporarily turning the lake blood red.
In general, the water level in Lake Natron depends on the time of year - and at the most full-flowing time, its depth does not exceed three meters. At this time, it looks quite normal.
The water temperature in the reservoir reaches 60 degrees Celsius, and the alkalinity level of the pH factor is from 9 to 11. High water temperature and high pH level are not afraid of only one species of living creatures that inhabit these waters - alkaline tilapia (Alcolapia alcalica) - a type of fish adapted to such difficult living conditions.
The only birds that have adapted to the unusual conditions of the lake are lesser flamingos. Natron is considered the only regular nesting site for these birds in East Africa, their number reaches 2.5 million individuals here.
The salty waters of the reservoir created excellent conditions for the growth of blue-green algae spirulina, the favorite food of small flamingos. In addition, the "unfriendly" waters of the lake reliably protect them from predators, so millions of these birds "registered" here. Some of them build their nests right on the formed salt islands surrounded by waters.
Well, if other birds get into such “unfriendly” waters, they usually don’t die, as the authors of many blogs on the Web write, having seen enough photos of petrified birds by photographer Nick Brandt, nothing terrible happens to them at all, they just can’t live here, so how unadapted.
And about these petrified birds, indeed, due to the high salinity and alkalinity level, the bodies of dead birds in such a saline solution do not decompose, but are covered with a layer of calcium and turn into statues over time.
Personally, it was funny for me to read posts on the Internet where it says something like “a bird flew to Lake Natron and turned into a statue” ...
Lake Natron, located in the north of Tanzania, is one of mysterious places on our planet. Interest in him arose in connection with the publication of the illustrated edition "Across the Ravaged Land" ("Across the ravaged land"). Its author is the famous photographer Nick Brandt, who is well acquainted with African nature. He claims that the ominous lake has the ability to turn bats and birds that fly here into stone.
The mysterious lake in Tanzania attracted the attention of the photographer not by chance: Nick Brandt specializes in black and white photography of wild African animals. Visiting Natron, the photographer was struck by the abundance of bird skeletons that can be found in the coastal strip, so it became necessary to find an explanation for this phenomenon.
The main feature of the lake is the high temperature of the water, in the swampy part it can reach 60 C. In addition, a high level of salt content is recorded in the water, the alkalinity can reach a pH of 9 to 10.5. These factors contribute to the "mummification" of animals that fall into this aggressive environment. In fact, the birds gradually turn into limestone.
Nick Brandt was able to find several surviving "statues" of birds. He set them in natural poses against the background of the water, because in the pictures they look like they are alive. In the photographs you can see a small flamingo, a dove and an eagle. By the way, Lake Natron is unique in that it is the only place where small flamingos breed (although, as we can see, some birds die right there).
There is no exact explanation for the cause of the death of birds. Scientists believe that they can be disoriented due to the powerful reflectivity of the lake's surface. Like birds breaking on transparent glass, African flyers crash into the surface of the lake.
