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Lake Natron: Explore The Lake That Turns Animals Into Stone

By Urenna Ukiwe
27 June 2018   |   7:00 pm
In the northern region of Arusha close to the Kenyan border lies Tanzania's Lake Natron. It is a salt lake that is alkaline. This lake is not very deep but it is mesmerizing, it appears to have a beautiful reflection. As beautiful as this lake appears, it is as dangerous. It turns animals to stone…

In the northern region of Arusha close to the Kenyan border lies Tanzania’s Lake Natron. It is a salt lake that is alkaline. This lake is not very deep but it is mesmerizing, it appears to have a beautiful reflection.

As beautiful as this lake appears, it is as dangerous. It turns animals to stone but this is not as a result of any mystery or folktale. It is as a result of the salt and high alkaline ph present in the water. When animals touch the water, calcification occurs and the animal dies yet appears like a stone. Every part of the body down to its hairs are still in place. The sight of these dead animals makes a very compelling image.


Although it serves as a breeding place for the endangered Lesser Flamingo and houses some algae it is not conducive for life form.

<em>Dead Buffalo on Lake Natron. Photo: Pinterest</em>

The lake is red because of the bacteria that live in it this makes its temperature very high. Although it sounds petrifying, it is an exciting tourist attraction.

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