Lake Natron | Tanzania

Why go to Lake Natron Region?
That was what I was trying to discover when I went with my friend, expert guide Paul Oliver on my Safari in Feb-March 2015. Located within the Great East African Rift Valley, Natron is an off-the-grid [not for long though] Safari destination in Northern Tanzania.  I think I know why those who love being on Safari come here to explore.  

Stunning landscape.
This place is for those who want to photograph amazing varied terrain.

Ol Doinyo Lengai with ash on the side.

The most obvious is the glorious volcanic mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai, the mountain of God for the Maasai tribe members. The deep ridges carved from erosion, the spewed lava that comes out every 10 years or so or the depth of vegetation all reflected differently from different angles. This active mountain is very  mesmerizing to watch.

Glorious Lake Natron in the evening.

Alkaline rich Lake Natron and its reflective surface, the many rock outcrops that dot the mirror-like lake, the white soda ash on the shores, and the lovely reeds that create interest. The hills are alive with character. You have to see the many hills with mini peaks that are formed to release the gas from the belly of the Earth.

If you are into landscape photography with the occasional wildlife spotting, this is your place.

Walking Safari.
The area near our camp, Lake Natron Tented Lodge is about an hour walk to the caustic Lake Natron. You have to pass through surprisingly cool water springs, [it was around 90F in February], muddy patches with lots of footprints to inspect from the zebras to the little bird prints, and then the unique crunchy dry soda from the salty lake. 

Walking in Lake Natron.

There is also walking to the waterfall from the Engare Sero village. After your trek during the day, a cool dip sounds refreshing. 

Lake Natron is an alkaline lake with the right ph for the flamingoes to breed. I was expecting to see lots of flamingos but that was not the case as they had flown away further south to Lake Eyasi and east to Lake Magadi in Ngorongoro Region. You could hear them flying at night from my room. Non the less, getting so close to the flamingos by foot was quite special.

Then you have the large count of migratory birds coming all the way from Europe and even Alaska. Paul, who is a birder was clicking away. Wadders were skittish around us and Paul told me about bird netting and bird poaching. Birds are facing a huge problem in many European countries like Italy, Malta to countries like Jordan. Millions of these lovely birds are served as a delicacy to satisfy humans.

Of course, the local birds are every present. We had fun with the Spotted Morning-thrush hanging on the branches of the acacia tree. He and Paul had a good conversation about our lovely ‘Safari life’.

Cultural stop.
Historic footprints have been found here. They calculated the age of these footprints and they are around 120,000 years old, the first modern straight standing man. This area is very close to Oldupai Gorge, were one of the first homo sapiens skull was found by the Leakey family. 

That is homo sapien Paul Oliver leaving his footprints in the fresh spring water.

Who would like Lake Natron?

Anyone who likes to drive through open wide spaces, enjoys a bit of heat [especially from December to March], loves the freedom to take many walks, birds and migratory birds, can stare at stunning landscape and finish off with a cool dip in the fresh spring waters near Lake Natron Camp.

To enjoy Lake Natron, you need to spend a minimum of 2 nights. 
If going off-the-beaten-path it of interest and you have time, adding Lake Natron and the lovely Lake Natron Camp to your Tanzanian Safari will be an amazing experience. 

Food on Safari

One question that I often get from clients booking their Tanzanian Safari is, "What is the food going to be like on Safari"? Yummy! If you are staying in our preferred lodges and tented camps, I can confidently say ::

• Fresh and Tasty. Our chefs will cook you some amazing meals with basic equipment. Think hot and fresh breads + beef and veggie barbeque using a coal grill + organic salad plucked from the garden right around the corner as in Plantation Lodge. They really want you to enjoy their culinary experience.
• Well Prepared. Our well-trained camp chef and crew will come up with gourmet meals in the middle of the bush and they are prepared in high standards. The last thing anybody wants is a sick person on Safari. 

And... besides the food, think beautiful setting.  

Pre-Breakfast.
On Safari you normally start off your day with a wake-up call. You can start really early should you have chosen to go on a sunrise morning game drive or morning Walking Safari. You sit on your lovely patio and have your cookie [biscuits as we say in Tanzania] and sip your hot cuppa tea or coffee listening to the sounds of the wild and watching the sun rise. 

A perfect start to your day on Safari!

Breakfast. 
A good breakfast to start off the day full of adventures. You are going to have an array of options. Cereals, variety of juices, eggs with warm bread sometimes cooked in the bush for a bush breakfast, bacon and potatoes and more.  Nothing like having the most important meal of the day with a great view as you see here from Sayari Camp in Northern Serengeti.

Snack.
When on your game drive, you need a snacks.
Game driving is tough! Our vehicles carry water, soft drinks, juice and snacks which you can enjoy during your game drive. In some areas, like what we are experienced in Northern Serengeti, you can stop, set a table and enjoy your snack with the animals close by.

Don’t worry. Our guides will choose an open area away from the thick bushes. 

Dinner time.
Magicial.
Soft flicker of the candles or lanterns invite you to your table. Here you will chill with a glass of wine or the drink of choice while chatting with other Safari goers or share a meal with the camp manager and share stories that go beyond the parks you are visiting.  Bush dinners are available for those who want a private dinner or just want to sit under the stars. Bon appetite!

And the wonderful cycle begins again for the rest of your Safari.

Doesn't that make you want to be on Safari snacking or having a delicious meal right now?
We can Make It Happen. Life worth Exploring. 

Specialist Guide on Safari

Our Safari guides are fantastic! We feel incredibly lucky to have some of the best trained guides working with us.

Sometimes, some clients want something different. They want to dig a lot deeper as they crave more knowledge of the animals and the land. They want in-depth answers to the what, why, how, when, why not, what if, what now, what more. Specialist guides will have your in-depth knowledge soar.

What makes them specialist guides?

• Guides that have been guiding for more than 15 - 20 + years.
• They train other guides.
• They are friends/mentors with other specialist guides.
• They cater to clients who already know a lot about the land, its people and wildlife.
• Guides who are in the news as they have done research or have been part of research teams or organizations.
• They are into photography and have articles published or are mentioned in articles.
• They care about conservation and are our public voice. They have access to a larger platform.

But above all, they want you to come and enjoy being on Safari. They will have you love our country as much as they do. Twende [let's go] Safari. There are fantastic memories to be made.

Paul Kirui.
We were first introduced to him in 2005 when we were on Safari in Masai Mara. Our luck we crossed paths with him. Paul, who has a gold standard certification, has been a source of information. He was involved with BBC's Big Cat production as well as Disney's African Cats.  He has been on many top Safari guide list. A Safari with him would be equal to winning a lottery.

Paul Oliver.
You have head of him many times on our blog. He has been our mentor when we first started Journey To Africa. At that time he operated Oliver's Camp in Tarangire. Today he divided time between Tanzania and Australia. His passion for guiding is unwavering. He is an avid birder. He and his trusty land-rover can take you from Northern to Southern Tanzania. Get ready for a witty time.

Ethan Kinsey.
I knew Ethan when he was little boy and used to come over with my brother from school in our home town of Arusha, Tanzania. Today, Ethan is an accomplished specialist guide and a sought after guide trainer. Not only does he lead Safaris in every corner of Tanzania but goes to Rwanda as well as Congo. He will lead you into uncharted adventures without shoes - literally - that is how comfortable he is with the environment and wildlife. 

Safari with Children, why Yes!

Taking children on Safari? Brilliant idea.  You will be making some great memories together
on your Family Safari.

We have been lucky to introduce Tanzania and Kenya to many children over the years.  The ideal children age to go on a Safari of course depends on the maturity of your child but generally we say 8 – 9 years old is a good age to head out. That is also a minimum age at some of the lodges.

Together when planning the Safari with the parents and grandparents, our Safaris with children have included more cultural stops. School visits are arranged, spending time with Maasai or Hadzabe tribe, village stops, and shopping in the local food markets.  An eye-opening experience for your children and adults alike.

Kyle H, 16 year old young traveler stands out.  
Her parents had already booked their Safari and Kilimanjaro climb and warned me she was not interested in ‘Africa’. Her friends were going to Europe. Well, after conquering Kilimanjaro, she called to say she was so glad she went on her Safari.  She made great friends on Kilimanjaro, learned Swahili words, and berry picked with Hadza girls. My day was made.

Four tips when planning your Family Safari.

1. Slow down.
We would definitely recommend spending at least two nights in each lodge. This way the children get a sense of ‘home’.  Find lodges that welcome children and have activities to keep them entertained. We have a list of lodges and tented camps that do just that.

You have places like Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge in Ngorongoro Area where your children will be playing soccer with the kids in the field or chatting about future aspirations and dreams.  Life long friendship may develop from these evening chats.

Lodges like Mkombe House Lamai let's you have some 'down time'. The guide will engage the children on a walking Safari [over 12 years old]. They discuss wildlife, plants, discuss local customs, learn conservation - your children will come back with memorable experiences. 

2. Short hours.
Parents traveling with children realize that spending long hours enjoying wildlife may not be ideal. Take breaks. Get out and stretch for a longer time like we did at Tarangire Picnic spot. The children got to run around, enjoy elephants coming for a drink in Tarangire River and see monkeys groom each other on the fence. 

3. Stop.
In Stone Town, I had plans to walk the alleyways in the afternoon and do some antique shopping.  Well, diving into the Indian Ocean happened. Our children were happy to sit and watch the Zanzibari children jump the wall into the Indian Ocean for hours. Stop. I had to let shopping go and instead I captured their happiness with the beautiful sunset. And we enjoyed some delicious food at Forodhani Gardens. 

Our families on Safari do the same. We chose lodges with amazing views so they can stop. One family spent the day at their Luxury Lodge enjoying wildlife while lounging at the pool and their tent. The father told me he managed to read a book, a luxury for most parents while still enjoying elephants, birds, wildebeests and zebra strolling in the distance. A good stop for everyone.

4. Savor the moments.
Traveling with your children is all about memory making as a family.  Taking them on a Safari will inspire them to be future conservation leaders, wildlife researchers, and maybe even assist Tanzania + Kenya in other areas like education and technology.

“To travel is to take a journey into yourself” – Danny Kaye.

Our young Safari traveler turned 17 years old in Serengeti.  The staff at the Permanent Tented Lodge they were overnighting baked him a birthday day and sang happy birthday. We hope that memory is special to him and his family forever.

On our July 2014 Safari, my then 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter are huge Wild Kratt fan, a PBS show. It was great to hear my son asking our guide Elisa all these questions about the animals.  Why is the giraffe tongue dark? Have you seen a caracal? What makes flamingos pink? You could see him testing Elisa with what he had heard from Chris and Martin Kratt.

When I asked him to record his sightings, he would somehow tie in the animals with his love for Star Wars. Death Star and the warthog. The journal with his observations is a keeper. My 3-year-old daughter, she wants to be Aviva and save the animals.

Take your children on Safari. It is definitely worth it!
Write your own Family Safari Story! We can help you get there. 

Tanzania was by Far the Best Trip.

It's always fun for me to meet clients before they leave for their Safari. I meet with Fr. Bierschenk in Dallas, TX at Starbucks. He was very calm and had no real questions for me -- this was his third Safari to Africa [Kenya and South Africa were his previous Safaris], his first one with Journey To Africa and Tanzania. He was excited to taking time off from his duties and submerge in the quiet Bush Life.

Thank you for letting us show you Tanzania, Fr. Bierschenk!

"Fr. Mocio and I want to thank you for all your work in putting together out wonderful trip to Tanzania.  It was our third trip to Africa, and we agreed that Tanzania was by far the best trip. We had a wonderful time.

The Guides: We enjoyed John Bingo very much.  He was very personable and showed us so much.  He is an excellent guide, and since we spent so much time with him, I appreciated his friendliness and interest in us and his sharing of so much information about the life of the people in Tanzania.

At Kimondo, we were picked up by our guide at the airport. He took us on a drive, and we witnessed a crossing by the Wildebeests, during which one was carried away by a crocodile, and as the animal was bleating, a lion ran out from the brush looking to see what he could get – it was amazing.

The Lodges:  Each was unique, well run and enjoyable to stay in.  The most fabulous was Kimondo, and we happened to be there on the night the that the owner of Asilia and his family were visiting.  We had a wonderful and interesting dinner with them.

We also enjoyed the camp at Rhotia Valley.  We had a wonderful view across the valley from our deck. There was one issue there you should ask them about before you book with them again.  They use solar power to heat the water for the shower.  Our first evening we took a cold shower, and I told them about the trouble.  The next day, we had the same problem, and during dinner the manager assured me that when we got back to the tent there would be hot water, but there was no water at all. They did comp our drinks for the inconvenience.  [*Journey To Africa note - we talked to the lodge owner and the assured us that this problem has been looked over and fixed ]

We enjoyed the hotel you put us in for the final night in Arusha.  It was very relaxing and restful before the long trip back.

From beginning to end Journey to Africa prepared a wonderful experience of Tanzania for us.  Everything we needed was taken care of.  I will be recommending you without any reservation.

Even though your literature says in many places that it could be cooler there in the evening, I was not really prepared for the temperature, especially in the Rhotia Valley.  A wonderful change from Texas in July!

Thanks again for assuring that our trip to Tanzania was so fabulous!"

Fr. Bierschenk.
July 2015

Life worth Exploring. ™
Make memories on your Journey To Africa Safari.

Don't Mess with Me!

When Heather T. kindly shared her November 2015 Tanzania Safari photos with me, this sequence of photographs made me want to know more. What happened here? What was the end result?

I emailed Heather and this is her account.

” The elephant was chasing a lion couple because it was leading a small group of elephants which included a baby elephant they wanted to protect.  Indeed there was trumpeting and the elephant stood its ground, scaring the little cats away – twice!  The first time they did not move far enough away for her liking. ”

Oh, I would have loved being part of this conversation in the Safari vehicle with my friends.
“Here she comes.” “She’s scooting them away.” “Oh watch out lions. Don’t make her angry” “What, moving in again” “Go get them mama elephant.” “Oh, the look of defeat.” “Better luck next time.” “Pick another animal.” “She was so scared, she pissed in her pants”

Okay, this is what is going through my mind when I am looking at these photographs having read Heather’s account.

A memorable moment on Safari!

Write your on Safari Story!

Take a Break from Game Driving ... go Walking.

A memorable experience to add to your game driving Safari / wildlife viewing adventure, is to do a walking Safari in the wild. The feeling of being out in the wildlife's own territory brings about many emotions.

You have your hair raising experiences from healthy fear to pure joy to what you are witnessing.

Sally and I were walking in Selous when we spotted a pair of lions about 20 ft. away, you read right - breath and stay calm, a herd of elephants, a lone hippo waddling outside the pond and so much more. In wild Ruaha, the tall grass always kept us on our toes. Healthy fear. There was a moment when we all experienced rainbows in the sky. A moment that I couldn't capture on camera but will always remember.

Why go on a walking Safari?
Introduction to details.

• Holding the plant and flowers and getting a lesson on its many uses by both humans and animals.
• The little bugs, we are talking ants and dung beetles, that have a huge impact to the large environment. Watch out for siafu.
• The animal and bird footprints that you get to identify and maybe follow.
• The carcasses that leave behind a story.
• Topography of the land! You get to walk on the ancient rocks or splash in the water dating hundreds of thousands years old.

There are two types of walking Safari in Tanzania awaiting you.

A few hours of walking.
There are lodges + tented camps where you can go out for a few hours in the morning or afternoon. You will have a ranger and the walking guide, who may also be your main guide depending on their weapon skills. When on your walks, depending on the weather and the lodge + tented camp, you may come back to the lodge for breakfast or get surprised and find breakfast in the middle of nowhere.

Our breakfast set-up after about 5 hours of walking thanks to Sand River Selous. 

It does feel good to stretch your legs after spending time in the Safari vehicle. And who know, there may be a few hair raising moments on your walk.

Two to three days.
Time to get away from the main areas. There are a few places where we can accommodate this adventure. I have done a walking Safari inside Serengeti and truly enjoyed my time with Richard, my fantastic guide. Our partners on the ground have a special walking area designated for this adventure. You will not see a vehicle.

Tarangire and Selous have the fly camping option within the national park. Then we have areas around the parks, in our private concession areas. Our Alamana Camp in Loliondo area offers this great opportunity of truly being private, in both game driving as well as walking.

You start out from your main lodge and head out with a small crew who will cater to all your needs. From your delicious meals and snacks, setting up your light wilderness tents with a cot, pillows and blankets, setting up shower tents close-by, bring your drink of choice while you are around the campfire, stoke your roaring fire ... you know, basics.

The advantage of doing this. It's Just You.  
Come on a walking Safari with us and immerse yourself with the wild in their own habitat.