The color of the lake is characteristic of those where very high evaporation rates occur. As water evaporates during the dry season, salinity levels increase to the point that salt-loving microoranisms begin to thrive. These salt-loving organisms include some cyanobacteria – tiny bacteria that grow in water and make their own food with photosynthesis as plants do. The red pigment in the cyanobacteria produces the deep reds of the open water of the lake, and orange colors of the shallow parts of the lake. As salinity increases, so do the number of cyanobacteria, and the lake can support more Lesser Famingo nests. These flamingoes flock along saline lakes in the region, where they feed on Spirulina (a blue-green algae with red pigments).
Wildlife
Lake Natron is the only breeding location for Lesser Flamingoes because its caustic environment is a barrier against predators trying to reach their nests.
Birdwatchers will be very interested with Lake Natron, which is home to the endangered Lesser Flamingoes and other exotic birdlife. Other activities within the lake include photography, walking safaris and camping safaris in the Great Rift Valley.