Accommodation

Lake Natron Camp

“Truly amazing landscapes and fantastic eco-camp, highly recommended!”
Budget level: Mid-Range
Country
Tanzania
When to Go
All year
Property Type
Camp Temporary
Location
Northern Tanzania

Lake Natron Camp is near the volcano, Ol Donyo Lengai, at the lowest point of the Great Rift Valley in East Africa at an altitude of 600m above sea level. Here, between the only active carbonatite volcano in the world, Oldonyo Lengai to the south, pinnacles of Mt Gelai to the east, the gorge etched escarpment of the Rift Valley to the west, and the mirror-surfaced lake, a sanctuary to millions of flamingos to the north, is the oasis adjacent to the soda flats where Lake Natron Camp lies! Just breathtakingly beautiful!

Ake Lindstrom, owner and managing director of Lake Natron Camp, has been coming to Lake Natron since the late 1990’s with his parents Peter and Aletta. His wife Nangini, co-founder of the Camp, was born close by in Naiobi village and lived in Ngare Sero, the home of Lake Natron Camp. As a result, the management team have a truly deep and protective connection to the area and the amazing people that live there.

View on Google Earth

Lake Natron Camp has been designed to be as ecologically sensitive as possible. It is arguably the most ecologically sensitive permanent camp in Tanzania and the camp has been designed to be 100% removable with a 3 month return to natural state policy.

Lake Natron Camp holds ten spacious guest tents, cleverly disguised under camouflaged shade netting. Each tent is comprised of a porch area, main bedroom and en-suite bathroom with a shower and eco toilet. The main bedroom is furnished with a comfy king size bed*, luxurious Egyptian linen and furniture made from greenwood. *Each tent can also accommodate 2 extra single beds upon request.

A private path leads from each tent to our natural swimming pool in the spring-fed stream.

As the sun rises behind Gelai the mess tent fills with exquisite colours of orange and pink. Soon after, the strength of the sun heats the land quickly but the material of the tent is designed to keep you cool even during the hottest of days. Guests can enjoy 360°views of the striking landscape that surrounds Lake Natron Camp. Look north to the lake where hundreds of thousands of flamingos come to breed; or to the south where Ol Doinyo Lengai dominates the landscape in every way. To the west, watch the sunset with a gin and tonic over the Masonic Mountain above the famous escarpment of the Great Rift Valley or just relax on our Bedouin style furniture (also made from waste plastic) and watch the world go by in one of the most peaceful environments you can imagine.

The mess is equipped with a bar, fridge, Wi-Fi and charging point for your cameras and phones. Please note this is the only place to “plug in” throughout the camp. Outside, guests can sit around the campfire in the evening and gaze at the millions of stars overhead from both the northern and southern hemisphere.

The Camp offer a myriad of Activities/Adventures/Treks. Notably some as follows:

  • Activities: Flamingo Walk/Hominid Footsteps/Natural pool swimming.
  • Adventures: Ngare Sero Waterfall hike/Ol Doinyo Lengai climb/Rift Valley Hike.
  • Trekking: Great Rift Valley Trek/Walk in the Footsteps of Man/The Gol Mountain.

A min stay of 2 days is recommended, but 3 days are best to make most of this wonderful place!

A 3-day stay could like look like this:

DAY 1:
Arrive at Lake Natron Camp with a warm welcome, a cold face towel, and a fresh fruit drink. You will have a briefing about the camp and then meet your private guide to discuss what activities you would like to do. Once checked into your room you can relax in the natural pool, with a drink of your choice, and take in the breathtaking views. Watch the sun go down behind the Masonic Mountain with a gin and tonic whilst our Chef prepares a lovely 3 course meal for you.
DAY2:
Wake up with your butler bringing you fresh tea or coffee and home-made cookies to your room and watch the sun rise from the comfort of your bed. Head to the lake for a dawn flamingo walk before heading to a tasty breakfast. After breakfast you can head to the local village, Ngare Sero, then hike to the spectacular waterfalls. After a fun packed morning it’s back to camp for lunch and to relax in pool in the heat of the day. At 16:30 go back in time and visit the hominid footprints with simulated hunting to dramatic sundowners and stargazing. Dinner will be served back at camp.
DAY 3:
Leave camp at midnight to base of Mount Lengai. An overnight ascent to the summit of the famous “Mountain of God”, climbing the 2,962 volcano under moonlight is an unforgettable and mystical experience. Back to camp for lunch and a well-deserved rest. The evening will be filled with singing and dancing entertainment and a traditional Maasai BBQ around the campfire.
DAY4:
Rise with the sun coming up behind Gelai and take in the colours of the of the sky, this time is perfect for photography. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and depart at your own leisure to your next adventure! Packed lunch can be taken upon request.

Absolute magic, SAFARI FRANK highly recommends!

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