Lake Natron is one of the most remote and dramatic landscapes in Tanzania. The shallow, highly alkaline lake is the main breeding site for East Africa's lesser flamingos, while the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai — the "Mountain of God" to the Maasai — rises on its southern shore.

Things to do

• Walk to the Ngare Sero waterfalls through a narrow gorge
• See fossilised human footprints at Engare Sero
• Watch flamingos feeding on the lakeshore
• Climb Ol Doinyo Lengai overnight (for fit adventurers)

Lake Natron can be combined with the northern Serengeti for an off-the-beaten-track route.