One year ago today: Oct 3, 2005 (Lake Natron waterfalls and flamingos)

[Note: original post from the trip is posted here]

This day was definitely one of the highlights of our Tanzania safari. First, a long dusty bumpy drive from Lake Manyara to Lake Natron, a large saline lake about 5-6 hours away. Lake Natron sits at the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the world's only active carbonate volcano. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time (and probably didn't have enough fitness) to do the climb to the top.

We passed by many Maasai -- and therefore many cattle -- during our drive. The Maasai are largely nomadic, travelling from one place to another with their cows and goats. Apparently, Maasai boys must kill a lion to become men. Maasai are also known for their large earplugs that disfigure their lobes and distinctive clothing, which makes them look very regal.

Upon arriving at Lake Natron Camp, our tented camp for the evening, we set out on a hike to a local waterfall with Lemwa, our Maasai guide. Lemwa talked a lot about wanting to buy more cows, so he could have a wife; probably tells the same story to all the tourists to get a bigger tip, but he's a great guy all the same and we enjoyed his company and guidance.

As for the hike, it's a fun, wet romp of a hike through a gorge up the riverbed. At the end, there's a series of waterfalls perfect for swimming.



Following the waterfall hike, we head back down toward the lake in search of flamingos. Lake Natron is the primary breeding area for greater and lesser flamingos in East Africa, with an estimated flamingo population of 2.5 million birds. And because it's a good day's drive off the primary safari trail, there were hardly any tourists there.



As we neared the lake, we could see a field of pink dots. Once in a while, a large number of them would fly up together and then settle back down. The sheer number of flamingos was astounding, and the pink color in the afternoon light was mesmerizing. Here's a short video from our digital camera. Two of my favorite flamingo photos we took that day are below.





For some reason, everything at the camp including the water smelled and tasted like cattle. And foul cattle at that. One drawback of staying in a Maasai-operated lodge, I suppose, but definitely didn't take away from an amazing day.