Lake Retba (the pink lake of Senegal)
Lake Retba, (outside Dakar) is located 37 km northeast of Dakar (approximately one hour by car), this lake, also known as “Lac Rose”, is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by some sand dunes, and receives Its name of the distinctive pink tone. They show their waters. This unusual coloring comes from the high salt content of the lake (which provides the perfect living conditions for a microalgae called Dunaliella Salina). This high salt concentration also compares it to the Dead Sea in Israel (and also has a constant presence of salt collectors). This Lake’s distinctive color is most evident during the country’s dry season (from November to June). In previous years, auto race enthusiasts recall this Lake being used as the end point of the world-famed “Dakar Rally” race. Lake Retba attracts tourists interested in experiencing the same phenomenon as those who go to the Dead Sea – floating on the water (due to the buoyancy factor of the salt water). A small number of resort hotels are located near the shoreline and cater to tourists.