The Engare Sero waterfall walk
The Engare Sero waterfall is the main walk near the south end of Lake Natron. A stream runs down from the escarpment into the lowlands, and the path to the falls follows it through a gorge. You cross the water several times, so expect wet feet and wet legs. The walk needs a local guide, and camps and operators arrange it for you.
The name is spelled Engare Sero or Ngare Sero. Both mean the same place. The walk to the falls takes 30 to 45 minutes from the camps. The whole waterfall activity, including the time at the water, takes 2 to 3 hours. Plan a morning or an afternoon, and start early to avoid the heat of the day.
Our picks: Engare Sero waterfall tours
Two day trips from Arusha with a guided waterfall hike, and a 3-day ride that ends at the falls.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
3-day Lake Natron tour with a horseback ride
- Guided horseback ride
- Entry and activity fees
- Lodge stay with meals
A lake walk on the first day, the guided ride on day two and the Ngare Sero waterfall on day three. There is no Lengai climb on this one.
Check availability →
Flamingo and waterfall day trip from Arusha
- Lake Natron entry and conservation fees
- Guided Ngare Sero waterfall hike
- Hotel pickup and picnic lunch
A private safari vehicle with a driver-guide, plus a local guide for the walk along the lake. Flamingos and other birds are on the programme.
Check availability →Lake walk, footprints and waterfall hike from Arusha
- All entrance fees
- English-speaking guide and a Maasai guide
- Lunch and water
The route covers the shore with flamingos, the ancient footprints and a waterfall hike of about 45 minutes. It is a long day of about 13 hours, with no overnight stay.
Check availability →Engare Sero waterfall and Lake Natron tours
Safaris and multi-day trips in northern Tanzania that include or pass Lake Natron, with live prices and availability.
What to wear and bring
The ground is stony and you will get wet.
Shoes
Wear firm shoes that can get wet. The ground is stony, and flip-flops are a poor choice for river crossings.
Clothes
Choose quick-drying clothes and expect to be in the water to your knees or higher. Bring a change for after the walk.
Water and sun
The lowlands are hot. Bring drinking water, sun protection and a hat. Go in the early morning or late afternoon rather than at noon.
Valuables
Keep phones and cameras in a waterproof bag, because the crossings can be deeper than they look.
Swimming at the falls
Offered as an activity, not an official guarantee.
Swimming at the waterfall is offered as part of the visit. That does not mean the water has been tested or that the pool is safe on your day, and you should not count on a lifeguard or rescue service being there. Ask your guide whether the water level and the current allow a swim, and follow their advice.
The soda lake itself is strongly alkaline and is not a swimming lake. Do not go into the lake, and do not mix up the stream at the falls with the lake water. For the lake and its birds, see the flamingo guide.
When rain changes the walk
The same stream that feeds the falls can rise fast.
Heavy rain can flood the river and make roads impassable. The rainy months in northern Tanzania are mainly March to May and October to December. After rain, ask your guide about the water level before you enter the gorge, and accept that the walk may be shortened or cancelled. No guide can promise that the crossings are safe.
Check the details on the weather and best time page. If the waterfall is not possible on your day, the footprints visit is a short activity on the same trip.
Costs and how to book
Ask what the price covers.
Costs at Natron come in several parts, so do not assume a single price for the waterfall alone. Ask whether the guide and the entry are included, whether the waterfall is part of an activity package or priced separately, and see the fees page for the cost types. You can also combine the falls with a stay at the lake, and the tours page shows how a full day fits together.
Engare Sero waterfall: frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide for the Engare Sero waterfall?
Yes. The path crosses the stream several times, and a local guide goes with you. Your camp or operator arranges it.
How long is the walk to the waterfall?
It takes 30 to 45 minutes to reach the falls from the camps, and 2 to 3 hours for the whole activity.
Can I swim at the waterfall?
Swimming is offered at the falls. Ask your guide on the day whether the water level allows it. Do not count on a lifeguard, and the soda lake itself is not for swimming.
Is Engare Sero the same as Ngare Sero?
Yes. Both spellings are used for the same place.
Can I do the walk in the rainy season?
Sometimes, but heavy rain can flood the stream and the roads. Ask your guide about the water level before you go in.
Is this the official waterfall website?
No. This is an independent travel guide and not connected to any village, authority, camp or tour operator.