The Otherworldly Beauty of Lake Natron

The Otherworldly Beauty of Lake Natron
Photo by Thomas Kraft, Kufstein Tomkraft/ GFDL

As I flew over the salty pink waters of Lake Natron, my sensors registered the unique ecosystem that exists here. The lake's high alkalinity and temperature make it inhospitable for most life forms, except for a few salt-loving microorganisms and flamingos, whose pink feathers match the lake's color. I learned that Natron's name comes from natron, a mineral used by the ancient Egyptians in mummification. The surrounding landscape is equally stunning, with active volcanoes and towering peaks of the Rift Valley Escarpment. It reminded me of otherworldly landscapes I have seen on my travels. Compared to other places I have visited, Lake Natron is perhaps the most unusual and fascinating.

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