Lake Natron in Tanzania is one of the most dangerous lakes in the world and is known for turning animals into stone-like figures. The lake’s highly alkaline water can burn the skin and eyes of animals that come into contact with it. Because of its extreme chemical makeup, dead animals found near the lake often look petrified rather than decomposed. Despite its deadly nature, Lake Natron is not lifeless and supports unique forms of life, including millions of flamingos.

Lake Natron lies in northern Tanzania and is famous for its deep red colour, which can be seen even from the air. The lake was formed around 1.5 million years ago due to volcanic eruptions and tectonic activity in the region. These natural processes also created the nearby volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, known as the “Mountain of God” by the Maasai people. The same volcanic activity filled the lake with large amounts of sodium carbonate and calcium bicarbonate, making the water extremely alkaline.

The lake is shallow and has no outlet to rivers or seas, which means the salts and minerals remain trapped. It is fed by small rivers and hot springs, and during summer, water temperatures can rise to around 41°C. Lake Natron has a sibling called Lake Bahi, which shares similar alkaline and terminal characteristics.

In 2013, photographer Nick Brandt drew global attention to Lake Natron through his book Across the Ravaged Land. He photographed dead birds and bats found along the lake’s shore that appeared turned into stone. According to scientists, the lake’s high pH level of around 10.5 can damage animal tissue. The sodium carbonate in the water acts as a natural preservative, preventing normal decomposition and giving dead animals a mummified, stone-like appearance.

Animals do not die instantly upon touching the water. Instead, the alkaline liquid slowly removes moisture and fat from their bodies, leading to dehydration and death over time. Their preserved bodies often remain stiff along the shoreline.

Despite its deadly reputation, Lake Natron supports life. Salt-loving microorganisms such as cyanobacteria and haloarchaea thrive in its waters and are responsible for the lake’s red colour. These algae are also the main food source for lesser flamingos, making Lake Natron one of their most important breeding grounds.

Since most predators cannot survive here, flamingos breed safely, and during nesting season, millions of birds turn the lake pink and crimson. Other animals like wildebeest, ostriches, pelicans, and fish eagles are found in nearby freshwater and wetland areas, though they do not depend directly on the lake itself.