While it may appear breathtaking, the reality behind one of the world’s deadliest lakes, known for turning animals to “stone”, has shifted many people’s perspectives.
Lake Natron, located in northern Tanzania, is undeniably a stunning sight, but it carries an air of mystery that has long intrigued scientists and travelers alike.
To clear up any misconceptions, we’re diving into the facts.
Situated near the Kenyan border, the lake is surrounded by thriving wildlife that seems unfazed by its potentially lethal waters.
Despite its harsh conditions, Lake Natron serves as a vital breeding ground for the endangered lesser flamingo. It also lies in the shadow of Ol Doinyo Lengai, or the “Mountain of God”, an active volcano that adds to the lake’s mystique.
As with any active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai poses an unpredictable threat, making the already perilous Lake Natron even more dangerous despite its striking beauty.
Stretching 56 kilometers, the lake’s mesmerizing pink hue comes from cyanobacteria, an algae that thrives in its extreme conditions.
For both humans and animals, Lake Natron is best avoided. The bacteria in the water release toxins that can severely damage cells, the nervous system, and the liver of most creatures that drink from it.
Adding to its lethal nature, the lake contains sodium carbonate, a substance once used in Egyptian mummification. Contact with it can cause severe burns.
Then there’s the eerie phenomenon of animals appearing to turn to “stone” upon touching the water. This occurs due to the lake’s incredibly high salt and alkaline levels, which cause rapid calcification, preserving the creatures in an almost fossil-like state.
The one grim silver lining? Those who succumb to this fate experience a quick death.
Despite its deadly waters, Lake Natron remains a popular tourist destination, thanks in large part to its breathtaking scenery.
Renowned wildlife photographer Nick Brandt, who has captured haunting images of calcified animal remains, described his experience to 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, the intense heat causes nearly all of its annual 400mm of rainfall to evaporate before ever reaching the surface, a phenomenon known as phantom rain.
