Planet Africa Safaris

  

Lake Eyasi and Lake Natron offer interesting ‘off the beaten track’ additions to a Northern circuit safari itinerary.  For anyone on a longer safari or looking to include some time out from the safari vehicle, these areas offer the opportunity to spend time hiking, biking, interacting with local tribes and culture or simply relaxing in some of the spectacular scenery outside of the national parks. 

 

 

 

ACCOMMODATION IN LAKE EYASI AND LAKE NATRON

We highly recommend the Lake Eyasi area for an off the beaten track experience.   One of the most unique and interesting atcitivities at Lake Eyasi is the interaction with the fast-diminishing Hadzabe hunter-gatherer tribe, who still hunt in their ancient traditional way using bows and arrows.  You will go out early morning with the men from the tribe, to see and learn about their ancient hunting techniques and tracking wild animals – this is a very real experience and it not a ‘touristy’ activity.  Those uncomfortable with the hunting can go gathering with the women from the tribe.  Guests can also simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings or a host of other activities such as visits to the local blacksmith and village, birdwatching, swimming at the pool and hiking.

Kisima Ngeda Ngeda is located on the shores of Lake Eyasi, beautifully set in a date palm and acacia forest - part of 200 acre family-owned farm with a natural spring nearby which feeds into the lake. The Alipi escarpment wall which rises 2,000 feet up into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area provides a stunning backdrop.

This rustic style camp provides a nice quiet base from which to explore the surrounding area that includes the fast-diminishing Hadzabe hunter-gatherer tribe and the other activities mentioned above.

Kisima Ngeda is a special place – different and original for guests looking for a unique experience.

 

 

Lake Natron is located northeast of the Ngorongoro Crater, amongst volcanic hills and deep craters.  It is well and truly off the normal tourist track and is a great place to visit for its spectacular scenery.  In December to March, its location makes it an interesting route into the Loliondo concession area and the Southern Serengeti (for the migration), however it is hot, dry and dusty at this time of year.  In winter season (June, July and August) the weather is cooler.  

One of the other reasons people like to visit Lake Natron is to climb Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano on the southern shore of the lake.  You start climbing up the volcano around midnight and reach the summit as the sun rises.  This is a very challenging climb and since the volcano erupted in 2007, not many people climb the mountain as it is has become quite treacherous.  This is not an activity we currently recommend to clients.

Ngare Sero Natron Camp. Located out on the plain just to the south of Lake Natron, this innovative camp was designed to cope with a testing environment which is hot and often windswept, creating something truly unique: a 'desert combat' safari camp.

A very different, interesting place that is slightly over-priced but a truly unique experience. Ngare Sero Natron is the only decent camp in this area and has suprisingly good food!