Lake Natron may be breathtakingly beautiful, but its eerie and deadly nature makes it truly unique.
At first glance, Lake Natron appears to be an absolutely stunning natural wonder. However, the reality behind what is often called ‘one of the world’s deadliest’ lakes, where animals seemingly turn to ‘stone,’ has shocked many and changed their perspective entirely.
Nestled in northern Tanzania, Lake Natron is undeniably picturesque, but there is an unsettling mystery surrounding this body of water that has long intrigued scientists and travelers alike.
Situated along Tanzania’s border with Kenya, Lake Natron is surrounded by a thriving ecosystem. Despite the potential dangers it holds, many species of wildlife continue to inhabit the area, seemingly undisturbed by the risks the lake presents.
One of its most remarkable features is that it serves as a crucial breeding ground for the endangered lesser flamingo, which relies on the lake’s unique conditions to thrive. Overlooking this striking landscape is Ol Doinyo Lengai, also known as the ‘Mountain of God,’ an active volcano that looms over the lake’s basin.
Like any active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai poses an ever-present threat of eruption, adding another layer of danger to an already hazardous but mesmerizing environment.
Lake Natron in Tanzania
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The lake’s striking reddish-pink hue is another fascinating aspect, created by the presence of cyanobacteria—an algae that thrives in its highly alkaline waters.
Despite its mesmerizing appearance, both humans and animals are strongly advised to steer clear of the lake. The cyanobacteria release harmful toxins that attack the cells, nervous system, and livers of most creatures that ingest the water.
Adding to its lethal nature, the lake contains high levels of sodium carbonate, a compound historically used in Egyptian mummification. This makes direct contact with the water hazardous, as it can cause severe irritation and burns upon exposure.
Perhaps the most haunting aspect of Lake Natron is its ability to turn animals into what appears to be ‘stone.’
The reason behind this eerie phenomenon lies in the lake’s extreme salt content and its highly alkaline pH levels. When an animal comes into contact with the water, the minerals present quickly begin a process known as calcification, effectively preserving their bodies in a hardened state.
While this process results in a hauntingly beautiful yet tragic sight, the one small mercy is that death comes swiftly to any creature that succumbs to the lake’s unforgiving conditions.
It’s a grim fate, but there is an odd kind of beauty in the process, isn’t there?
The lake is a breading ground for the endangered lesser flamingo
Getty Stock Photo
Despite the significant risks, Lake Natron remains a popular destination for adventurous travelers, largely because of its breathtaking landscape and unique environment.
Renowned wildlife photographer Nick Brandt, who has captured haunting images of animals seemingly turned to stone, once shared his experience with NBC News: “I unexpectedly found the creatures – all manner of birds and bats – washed up along the shoreline of Lake Natron in Northern Tanzania.”
“I took these creatures as I found them on the shoreline, and then placed them in ‘living’ positions, bringing them back to ‘life’.”
Adding to the lake’s extreme environment is the fact that, due to the intense heat, most of the 400mm of annual rainfall evaporates before it even touches the lake’s surface.
This creates an illusion of ‘phantom rain’—rainfall that disappears before it ever lands.