Auric Air has announced the addition of Lake Natron as the newest destination on its network, with daily scheduled flights now operating to Engaresero Airstrip.
Set beneath the dramatic silhouette of Ol Doinyo Lengai, Lake Natron offers striking beauty, extraordinary wildlife and unforgettable landscapes that capture Tanzania at its most raw and remarkable.
Travellers can now seamlessly connect Lake Natron with Zanzibar, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, the Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire, Kigali and Entebbe.
This new air link makes it far easier to add the magic of Lake Natron to any safari or broader East African itinerary.
Highlighted Tourist Attractions
Lake Natron sits in northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border in the Gregory Rift Valley. The lake’s highly alkaline waters create otherworldly red, orange and pink hues, especially when viewed from the air or shore.
The standout attraction is the massive concentration of lesser flamingos, Lake Natron is the primary and most important breeding ground for up to 2.5 million birds, representing around 75% of East Africa’s population.
Peak viewing often occurs between August and October, though flamingos can be seen year-round.
Towering above the lake is Ol Doinyo Lengai, the world’s only active carbonatite volcano and a sacred “Mountain of God” to the Maasai people.
The surrounding volcanic plains, salt flats, rocky gorges and wide-open wilderness complete a landscape unlike anywhere else on the northern safari circuit.
Trips and Activities around Lake Natron
Visitors typically spend one or two nights to fully experience the area. Top activities include:
- Flamingo watching and photography along the shoreline and soda flats.
- Guided walking safaris across arid plains and volcanic terrain.
- The rewarding hike through Ngare Sero Gorge to hidden waterfalls and natural freshwater pools for swimming, a refreshing oasis in the otherwise stark environment.
- The challenging overnight climb of Ol Doinyo Lengai for sunrise views across the Rift Valley (suitable for experienced hikers with local guides).
- Authentic cultural encounters with Masai communities in villages such as Engaresero or Gelai.
- Birdwatching for additional species including pelicans, egrets and other waterbirds.
These experiences pair perfectly with classic northern Tanzania parks, allowing travellers to combine flamingo spectacle and volcano drama with wildlife-rich game drives in the Serengeti, Lake Manyara or Tarangire National Parks.
You can also checkout our secenic flight tours that we offer in and around Kampala;
BAR Aviation Cessna C-172 Scenic Flight Tour
BAR Aviation Scenic Flight Tour
Transport Options to Lake Natron
Previously, reaching Lake Natron required a 5 to 6 hour 4×4 journey from Arusha over mixed tarmac and rough gravel roads (via Mto wa Mbu or alternative routes). Road conditions can deteriorate in the rainy season.
Auric Air’s daily scheduled flights to Engaresero Airstrip now provide a fast, convenient alternative.
Direct connections link the airstrip with major hubs including Arusha, Serengeti airstrips, Manyara, Tarangire, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kigali and Entebbe.
This opens effortless multi-destination itineraries and makes Lake Natron newly accessible for travellers starting in Uganda.
Once on the ground, short transfers and guided activities are easily arranged from local lodges and camps near the airstrip and village.
Explore Responsibly with Responsible Tourism Company Ltd
Ready to experience Lake Natron’s flamingos, volcanic landscapes and the wider wonders of East Africa? Contact Responsible Tourism Company Ltd, a Kampala-based specialist in sustainable, tailor-made journeys across the region.
We design responsible itineraries that can now seamlessly incorporate Auric Air’s new Lake Natron flights, combining flamingo viewing and Ol Doinyo Lengai adventures with gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, classic wildlife safaris in Tanzania or Uganda, and cultural experiences.
Travel with purpose, support local communities and minimise environmental impact.
Visit www.responsibletourismcompany.com or get in touch with their team to craft your perfect East African adventure that includes this remarkable new destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Auric Air start flying to Lake Natron?
Auric Air has recently added Lake Natron (Engaresero Airstrip) to its network with daily scheduled flights.
Which destinations connect directly to Lake Natron?
Flights link Engaresero with Zanzibar, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire, Kigali and Entebbe.
What is Lake Natron best known for?
It is the most important breeding site for lesser flamingos in East Africa and sits at the foot of the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai.
What activities can I do there?
Flamingo watching, waterfall hikes with swimming, walking safaris, Maasai cultural visits and climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Is Lake Natron easy to combine with other parks?
Yes, the new flights make it simple to add to itineraries involving the Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire or even cross-border trips via Entebbe or Kigali.
Who can help me plan a responsible trip that includes Lake Natron?
Responsible Tourism Company Ltd specialises in sustainable East African safaris and can arrange flights, transfers, guides and multi-country packages.
A new gateway has opened. Experience the flamingos, discover the volcanic landscapes and feel the stillness of one of Tanzania’s most extraordinary destinations, now more accessible than ever with Auric Air.