lake_retba_pink_lake

Dakar, senegal

Lake Retba, also known as Pink Lake (Lac Rose), is a unique saltwater lake located 30 km northeast of Dakar, Senegal. The lake’s pinkish hue, caused by Dunaliella salina algae, is most vivid during the dry season (November–June) due to high salt concentrations (up to 40%), similar to the Dead Sea. It was historically the finish line of the Paris-Dakar Rally and is still used for traditional salt harvesting, where workers extract salt by hand while coating their skin with shea butter for protection. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, floating in the salty water, and quad biking along the dunes. Entry is free, but guided tours cost around $10–$20 per person.