Lake Natron: Engare Sero River

The beginning of the walk.

An unexpected activity at Lake Natron is a hike to a waterfall. I say it's unexpected because the area is so dry and desolate and even the main body of water, Lake Natron, is caustic and unbearably hot (60C/140F). However, some small streams flow into the lake and one of the largest rivers provides a great walk and swimming opportunity.

The start of the walk is very near to the town and accommodation options in the area. A short ten minute drives brings you to the beginning of the walk and irrigation pipes are a bit of an eyesore as they are seemingly haphazardly attached and poorly organized. The river immediately thins and several crossings are necessary. The most exciting crossing requires you to grip the side of a wall and shimmy across on slippery footholds as the current is strong and the water level is very deep. One of the footholds goes down to your waist and it gives the sensation of a "leap of faith" when you drop down towards it.

There is a smaller waterfall that is quite beautiful but the real show stopper is the larger waterfall at the end of the hike. It has beautiful lush growth on the side and a small pool allows you to swim. You can then hike underneath the waterfall into a kind of semi-covered corridor with water streaming in from above. It's difficult to describe but someone with a waterproof camera took a video on youtube so I'll link it here.

River hike.

Picturesque small falls.

Having a swim!

Shimmying along the wall.

Our guide walking out.

The river eventually dries out as soon as it meets the plains. This is a mere few kilometers from where the hike was.