When the lava's natrocarbonatites mix with rainwater, they run into the lake, where they spike the lake's salinity. Ol Doinyo Lengai has erupted at least eight times since measurements were first recorded in 1883, and lava has been flowing since the 2007 eruption.

In other words, it's much saltier than the more common silicate-rich lava. Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only volcano on the planet that spits out natrocarbonatite lava, which is rich in sodium and potassium carbonates, nyerereite and gregoryite. Natron made its way to the lake through volcanic ash from Ol Doinyo Lengai, a Rift Valley volcano just south of the lake. Records show that ancient Egyptians used this natural salt to dry out organs during the mummification process. Lake Natron takes its name from natron, a mineral often referred to as sodium carbonate decahydrate.

But as Brandt's photos show, even the flamingoes sometimes fall victim to the lake. Salt islands within the 12-by-30 mile lake are actually the only breeding ground used by lesser flamingoes ( Hoenicopterus minor).

Other species are able to survive as long as they do not completely submerge.

Lake natron mummy