Lake Natron, located in northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border, is one of the most stunning yet deadly lakes on Earth.
Known for its striking pink hue and eerie ability to turn animals into “stone”, this lake is not a place you’d want to swim in.
A Lake of Contrasts: Beauty and Danger
Lake Natron is a 56km-long body of water that shimmers with a pink color, thanks to a type of algae called cyanobacteria.

This algae thrives on the lake’s minerals, which are as dangerous as they are beautiful.
The lake is also home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the endangered lesser flamingo, which uses the area as a breeding ground.

However, the lake’s beauty is deceptive. It sits in the shadow of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, also known as the “Mountain of God.”
This 7,650ft volcano could erupt at any time, adding an extra layer of danger to the already perilous lake.

Why Is Lake Natron So Deadly?
The lake’s deadly reputation comes from its unique chemical composition.
The water contains a bacterium that releases a toxic chemical, damaging the cells, nervous systems, and livers of animals that drink from it.
Additionally, the water is rich in sodium carbonate, a substance once used in Egyptian mummification.
When animals come into contact with the lake, the high salt content and alkaline pH (as high as 10.5) cause severe burns.
This leads to a process called calcification, where the animal’s body essentially turns to “stone”.
The result is a quick but eerie death, with every detail of the animal, from its hair to its toenails, preserved in a rock-hard state.

Extreme Temperatures and Phantom Rain
Lake Natron isn’t just chemically dangerous, it’s also incredibly hot.
The water temperature can reach up to 140°F (60°C), making it more like a boiling hot spring than a typical lake.
This extreme heat also causes a phenomenon known as “phantom rain.”
The 400mm of rainfall the lake receives each year evaporates before it even hits the water’s surface.
A Morbid Tourist Attraction
Despite its dangers, Lake Natron attracts curious tourists and photographers.
Wildlife photographer Nick Brandt famously used the calcified animal remains as models for a haunting photo series.
He described finding birds and bats washed up on the shoreline and posing them in lifelike positions to:
“bring them back to life.”
The lake’s surreal beauty and macabre reputation make it a popular destination for those seeking something out of the ordinary.
However, visitors are strongly warned not to swim in or drink from the lake, as the consequences could be fatal.
Conclusion: A Natural Wonder Best Admired from Afar
Lake Natron is a fascinating example of nature’s extremes—stunningly beautiful yet incredibly deadly.
While it’s a captivating subject for photographers and scientists, it’s best experienced from a safe distance.
This lake is a reminder that some of the world’s most breathtaking places are also its most dangerous.