26 Real-World Places So Magical They Belong in a Fantasy Film

21. Lake Natron, Tanzania: The Blood-Red Mirror

At first glance, Lake Natron looks alien—its waters shimmer in shades of crimson and pink, the result of salt-loving microorganisms. But the lake’s surreal color is only part of the intrigue. As the water evaporates, it creates calcified crusts that seem to freeze birds and animals in eerie sculptures. Despite its harsh chemistry, Lake Natron is a vital breeding ground for flamingos, who thrive in its caustic shallows. The juxtaposition of life and lifelessness, color and starkness, makes this one of the world’s strangest and most captivating natural wonders.