Lake Masek is a soda lake located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) in Tanzania. It is situated in the southern plains of the Serengeti ecosystem and is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, hippos, and other water birds. The lake is also a popular destination for game viewing and is often visited by tourists on safari.
Lake Masek is a seasonal lake, and its size and depth vary depending on the time of year. During the wet season, the lake can expand to cover an area of over 100 square kilometers. However, during the dry season, the lake can shrink to a fraction of its size, and can even dry up completely.
The lake is fed by a number of streams and rivers, and its water is alkaline. The high alkalinity of the water makes it unsuitable for drinking, but it does support a variety of algae and bacteria. These algae and bacteria are the food source for the flamingos and other water birds that frequent the lake.
Lake Masek is a popular destination for both tourists and wildlife. The lake’s stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife make it a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Lake Masek is a natural wonder that showcases the best of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscape. If you’re planning a trip to Tanzania, make sure to include Lake Masek in your itinerary.
Here’s everything you need to know about Lake Masek.
Lake Masek: A Wildlife Paradise
As one of the most important water sources in the area, Lake Masek attracts a wide variety of animals throughout the year. During the dry season or long droughts, the lake’s shallow depth causes it to lose most of its surface area. But even then, it remains a vital watering hole for the animals in the region. As such, the lake is a popular destination for game-watching and wildlife photography.
The herbivores, such as wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and Thomson’s gazelles, come to drink from the lake, bringing with them the predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Watching the predators stalk their prey, and seeing the prey’s evasive tactics is a fascinating and thrilling sight that is sure to captivate any wildlife enthusiast.
Apart from the terrestrial wildlife, Lake Masek is also home to a large number of flamingos, which flock to the lake to feed on the algae that grow in its waters. With their striking pink feathers, the flamingos provide a beautiful and serene sight against the backdrop of the vast savannah grasslands.
Lake Masek: A Natural Wonder of Tanzania
The first thing you’ll notice about Lake Masek is its stunning beauty. The shallow, alkaline lake sparkles in the sunlight, and the surrounding landscape is dotted with acacia trees and grasses.
But Lake Masek is more than just a pretty sight. It’s also an important water source for the animals that live in the area, including wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and Thomson’s gazelles.
What to Do at Lake Masek
One of the best things to do at Lake Masek is to go game-watching. As mentioned earlier, many herbivores come to drink from the lake, which attracts predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. The best time to see animals is during the early hours of the day, as most of them spend the rest of the day grazing in the surrounding lands.
You can also spot flamingos at the lake, as they flock to the shallow waters to feed on algae and small crustaceans. If you’re lucky, you might even see a few of them take flight.
Aside from game-watching, you can also take a leisurely stroll around the lake and admire the scenery. The calm waters and the colorful birds that fly above make for a relaxing experience.
Apart from game-watching and wildlife photography, there are several other things you can do when you visit Lake Masek. Some of these include:
Bird Watching
Apart from the flamingos, Lake Masek is home to several other species of birds, including ostriches, eagles, and vultures. Bird watching is a popular activity among visitors, and the lake’s serene environment provides the perfect backdrop for this activity.
Guided Walks
You can take a guided walk around the lake’s perimeter, which will give you a chance to explore the surrounding savannah grasslands
Best Time to Visit Lake Masek
The best time to visit Lake Masek is in December when the wildebeest migration is in or near the area. You’ll get to see thousands of wildebeest and zebras moving in herds across the grassy plains, and watch as predators hunt for their prey.
If you can’t make it in December, don’t worry. Any time outside of the rainy seasons of March to July would be ideal for a visit.
How to Get to Lake Masek
Getting to Lake Masek is relatively easy. You can either fly to the area using a small passenger plane and land at the Ndutu airstrip, or drive to the area from Naabi gate or the Olduvai Gorge museum.
If you’re driving, be sure to rent a 4×4 vehicle as the roads can get rough during the rainy season.
FAQs About Lake Masek
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lake Masek:
Q: Is Lake Masek seasonal?
Yes, Lake Masek is seasonal and its depth fluctuates depending on the rainfall. During the dry seasons or long droughts, most of its surface area is lost.
Q: What other attractions are there in the conservation area?
There are many other attractions in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the Ngorongoro Crater, the Olduvai Gorge, and the Empakaai Crater.
Q: Can I swim in Lake Masek?
No, swimming in Lake Masek is not allowed as it is an alkaline lake and can be dangerous to humans.
Q: What should I wear when visiting Lake Masek?
Wear comfortable and breathable clothing, preferably in neutral colors like beige or khaki. Also, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen as it can get hot and sunny during the day.
Q: Can I camp at Lake Masek?
Yes, there are many tented camps and lodges around Lake Masek where you can stay overnight. Just make sure to book in advance as they can get fully booked during peak seasons.