January 25, 2024 | Sammy Tran

Lake Natron


Lake Natron

In North Tanzania, there is a beautiful lake with a deadly power. Sometimes called “The Lake of Fire”, Lake Natron is an alkaline lake that has become an intriguing attraction for experts and analysts all over the world.

The crimson water—as beautiful as it may be—is a warning to stay out. But why?

Let’s dive deeper into one of the world’s deadliest lakes.

Lake Natron red water salineLitepix, Shutterstock

The Location

Lake Natron is located in north Ngorongoro District of Arusha Region in Tanzania at the border with Kenya. It is within the Lake Natron Basin, a Ramsar Site wetland of international significance.

The lake is mostly fed by the Southern Ewaso Ng'iro River and by mineral-rich hot springs.

Lake Natron is very shallow, less than three meters deep (9.8 ft), and is 22km wide.

Lake Natron, True color, 2016Sentinel Hub, Flickr

The Water

Lake Natron is a very visible red color, which is what catches people’s attention before anything else.

It is also extremely dangerous due to its chemical composition. It is a hypersaline and highly alkaline lake. The alkalinity of the lake can reach a pH of greater than 12.

Lesser Flamingos nesting in shallow salt waters of Lake Natron.Danita Delimont, Shutterstock

The Cause

Lake Natron sits below an active volcano that lets out alkali-rich natrocarbonatites. With the help from rain water and nearby hot springs, the flow of lava releases natron—a mix of sodium carbonate and sodium biocarbonate—and it makes it way into the lake below. This is what creates the high pH levels.

The red color comes from blooms of haloarchaea, a salt-loving microorganism that thrives in the hot temperatures of the water.

Aerial view of the salt pan and mineral crust with red algae of Lake Natron.JordiStock, Shutterstock

The Deadly Power

So, what exactly can this lake do?

The chemical properties of the water are known to calcify anything that touches it—usually animals stuck in the lake—turning them to stone.

This is a similar process to that of the Egyptian’s mummification process—which also used sodium carbonate. This means it would likely affect living humans in a similar way.

Lake NatronNick Brandt 2013, Courtesy of Hasted Kraeutler Gallery, NY

Human Skin

What would happen if a human took a dip in Lake Natron?

Well, first of all, human skin is soft and squishy, much different than most animals that do survive the area, so the effects of the lake wouldn’t take too long to kick in. There are a few things that could be harmful to human skin.

The extremely high temperatures would be the first problem. Temperatures at Lake Natron can reach a whopping 140 F, which would burn you in seconds.

Then there are the sharp clumps of salt that lie along the bottom, that would slice through your skin with ease.

And finally, there’s the salty, high-alkaline water that would burn your skin the longer you linger.

Girl's feet on water with pink salt.Vera Larina ,Shutterstock

Submerged Human Skin

Now, if your body were to stay submerged in the water for a long period of time, the water would stop the decomposition process—meaning you’d be preserved.

If the water were to evaporate enough to expose your body, it would be no different than the animals—turned to stone.

It is highly suggested that you stay out of the water if visiting this lethal lake.

Big Group of Pink Lesser Flamingo at Lake Natron, Tanzania, AfricaGideon Ikigai, Shutterstock

Animal Life in Lake Natron

Not all animals can survive the deadly waters of Lake Natron, but believe it or not, there is one animal that thrives in it—the Lesser Flamingo.

More than 2.5 million endangered Lesser Flamingos breed at Lake Natron. Seventy-five percent of the world’s population are born here.

The flamingoes are drawn to this spot because it is essentially a predator-free zone, given that very few species could survive the water. Their tough, scaly skin can withstand the temperatures and rough beaches, and they feed on the microorganisms that live in the water.

Colony of Flamingos on the Natron lake. Tanzania Africa.Sergey Uryadnikov, Shutterstock

Incidents at Lake Natron

In 2007, a helicopter carrying eight members of a wildlife documentary crew crashed into Lake Natron. They were filming the flamingoes for an African wildlife documentary.

The helicopter was flying at a very low altitude, and had only been hovering over the lake for a few minutes when the pilot dipped a little too low, catching the water with one of the landing skis.

Instantly, the helicopter plunged nose-first into the shallow lake, breaking apart and sending the crew members flying into the hot, acidic water.

The crew members report feeling instant burning sensations in their eyes, experiencing impaired vision as they struggled to make their way to shore.

Most people made it out and went back in to drag out the pilot and another member who suffered more extensive injuries. Women and children from the local Masai tribe helped everyone get to safety.

Maasai warrior in the dried part of Lake Natron in the North of Tanzania, Africa. - 2015Magdalena Paluchowska, Shutterstock

Final Thoughts

Lake Natron is a remarkable but perilous natural wonder.

Despite its dangers, it is considered a niche destination for travelers interested in unique and extreme natural environments, wildlife photography, or scientific research.

While it may not attract mass tourism, the lake's stark beauty, mineral formations, and the opportunity to witness lesser flamingos in their natural habitat can be appealing to a certain segment of adventurous travelers.

However, due to its harsh conditions and remote location, visiting Lake Natron typically requires careful planning, appropriate gear, and a sense of adventure.

A flock of lesser flamingos sitting on the Salt Red Water of Lake Natron. TanzaniaGideon Ikigai, Shutterstock


READ MORE

wallup.net

Blood-Curdling Facts About Horror Movies

"We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones." - Stephen King
December 31, 2023 Miles Brucker

Myths About Motherhood

Uncover 14 assumptions often made about motherhood, and whether or not they are true. From having natural instincts and instant bonding to the challenges of breastfeeding and feeling frustrations, some of these misconceptions can be harmful to mothers causing undue stress and greatly impacting their mental health.
May 31, 2024 Penelope Singh
Woman is cooking in home kitchen. Female hands cut salami, vegetables, greens, tomatoes on table on wooden boards. Ingredients for preparing italian or french food. Lifestyle moment.

The Surprising “Secret” Ingredients Home Chefs Reach For

Every good home chef has a few tricks up their sleeve when it comes to cooking. And that includes some seriously surprising “secret” ingredients that they add to their signature dishes.
May 31, 2024 Samantha Henman
the konyaks

The Konyaks, India's Last Headhunters

Join us as we uncover the secrets of the Konyak Naga. Explore their fearsome headhunting history and learn more about their unique traditions and way of life.
January 31, 2024 Kaddy Gibson
Fraud Internal

America’s 25 Most Notorious Fraudsters

From Wild West outlaws to the robber barons of the Gilded Age, it seems like America as we know it was built on fraudsters.
May 31, 2024 Samantha Henman

Travel Etiquette 101: How Not to Annoy Fellow Travelers

Unveil the top 12 travel etiquette missteps that irk fellow travelers the most. From loud conversations to ignoring cultural norms, discover how to be a courteous traveler and ensure a pleasant journey for all. Dive into the unwritten rules of travel and make your next adventure annoyance-free!
October 31, 2023 Allison Robertson