Lake Retba

The lac rose is no longer pink due to torrential rains. Hope it gets its wonderful hue soon. Some activities nearby (atv ride, salt dunes, etc)

After a week in Dakar, it was a total pleasure to visit Lac Ros. Although it wasn't pink at the time of our visit, the lake was so tranquil and peaceful. The surface of the lake hardly ripples while you take a boat ride to see salt being harvested with wicker baskets. Their motto: "No Stress!" And it's true.

Lac Rose measures just three square kilometres and is placed approximately 45 kilometres north-east of the capital, Dakar. It is a unique feature of not only Senegal, but the rest of Africa. You can see salt diggers in the lake carting out loads by the bucket. Then if you feel inclined, float in it. It's one of the most buoyant bodies of water on earth and resembles the Dead Sea in Palestine and Jordan. The obvious difference is that you're rewarded by spotting its ever-changing colours from pink to reddy-orange. Only Lake Hillier in Australia has similar features of this size. For those thrill seekers out there Lake Retba - formally referred to - is just the place to head to. The water gets its striking hue from a bacteria called Dunaliella which changes colour in order to absorb sunlight. I spent a quarter of an hour in its waters enjoying the warm sun beating down. The agreeable water temperature as I squelched my feet in the jet black clay at the bottom was somewhat soothing.

Lake Retba, also known as Lac Rose (meaning "pink lake"), lies north of the Cap Vert peninsula in Senegal, some 35 km (22 mi) north-east of the capital, Dakar, in northwest Africa. It is named for its pink waters caused by Dunaliella salina algae and is known for its high salt content, up to 40% in some areas. Its colour is usually particularly strong from late January to early March, during the dry season; however, flooding in September 2022 not only disrupted salt harvesting activities on the lake, but because it caused the lake to lose its colour, had a negative effect on tourism. The lake is situated 35 km (22 mi) north-east of Dakar, separated from the Atlantic Ocean only by a narrow corridor of dunes, and is named for its pink waters, which are caused by Dunaliella salina algae. The algae produce a red pigment to help them absorb sunlight, which gives them energy to create ATP. The color is particularly visible during the dry season (from November to May) and less visible during the rainy season (June to October).

The place is situated just about 35-40 kms from the Senegal's capital city, Dakar. The name comes from the lake's colour, pink. The lake's high salinity enables easy swimming capability. One can experience the salt extraction process by the local Senegalese. Apart from the stunning view of the lake, you can experience the quad bike ride to the adjoing ocean, via sand dunes. One should not miss this ride which is at affordable prices.

LAKE RETBA = The first lake i saw that is different from the other lake because it has very high salt content of 40% which is much higher than the Dead Sea. The Lake when it has less water during hot and dry seasons the tendency to become pink-red or bubble-gum pink is much higher because of high concentration of these Dunaliella salina red algae that lives in this salty water. But when it is rainy the lake is too much diluted with much water from the rain and no presence of the sun the colour of the lake is normal. Sometimes i see reflections of reddish orange on the shallower part of the lake. Boat riding is one of the unique experience on this lake.

Nice really Pink lake. Howkers will hunt you to propose an excursion on the lake for few bucks.

Nature is mesmerising. This pink lake reminded me of that. 😍🔥 I recommend taking a tour. Touch the water, feel it’s consistence. Buy sand paintings from Picasso and check the jewellery and mask shops around.