Lake Chala

- We do not recommend to swim in the lake, although you see people doing it and it is not prohibited. But we don´t consider it safe, because of the lake´s depths and a small chance to encounter crocodiles in the water (mostly at night).

The high concentration of natron gives the lake extreme alkaline levels, and it is one of the deadliest lakes on the planet.

The only native fish in this lake is the Lake Chala tilapia (Oreochromis hunteri), which is found nowhere else in the world. It is considered critically endangered by the IUCN, and now greatly outnumbered by other tilapia species that have been introduced to Lake Chala.

Lake Natron in Tanzania is known for its high alkalinity, which can preserve the bodies of animals that die in its waters, giving them a stone-like appearance. This preservation effect is due to the lake's high salt and mineral content, particularly sodium carbonate, which can calcify animal remains.