Featured Image Credit: Space Frontiers/Getty Images
Topics: Africa, Environment, Nature, Photography, Science, Travel
Callum Jones
Topics: Africa, Environment, Nature, Photography, Science, Travel
While it may look absolutely stunning, the truth behind 'one of the world's deadliest' lakes that turns animals to 'stone' has changed people's perspective.
Lake Natron, which is found in northern Tanzania, is no doubt a pretty sight - but a lot of mystery surrounds the landmark.
So, here at UNILAD, we are here to clear up any confusion.
Sat at the border with Kenya, the lake is brimming with wildlife around it, who are seemingly unbothered by the danger it poses.
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Optimal as a breeding ground for the endangered lesser flamingo, Lake Natron also sits in the shadow of Ol Doinyo Lengai - or 'Mountain of God' - an active volcano.
As is the case with any active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai could erupt at any time, adding to the danger of visiting the ascetically-pleasing looking lake.
On top of that, the 56km-long body of water is a pretty pink, thanks to a type of algae known as cyanobacteria.
Essentially, it's recommended animals and humans avoid at all cost, as the bacterium in the water is deadly, as it releases a chemical that damages the cells, nervous system, and livers of most that drink from it.
Sodium carbonate is present in the water too, which is certainly something you won't want on your skin as it was once used in Egyptian mummification.
And with animals, you've got the small fact of them turning to 'stone' when they make contact with the lake.
It’s the salt and high alkaline pH in the water which can cause burns for these animals, and once a living thing touches the water, calcification occurs, which takes over the body and essentially turns it to 'stone'.
Thankfully to those who are succumbed to the horrible way of going, it is a quick death.
Silver lining and all, eh?
While coming in contact with the lake is extremely dangerous, it remains a very popular tourist destination largely, in part, to its stunning scenery.
Nick Brandt, a wildlife photographer, who has previously snapped pictured of stoned corpses, told NBC News: "I unexpectedly found the creatures - all manner of birds and bats - washed up along the shoreline of Lake Natron in Northern Tanzania.
"I took these creatures as I found them on the shoreline, and then placed them in 'living' positions, bringing them back to 'life'."
Because of the incredible heat, the 400mm of rainfall on Lake Natron each year is 'phantom rain', which evaporates before hitting the surface of the water.