Lake Retba (Lac Rose)

Lake Retba is located about 40 kilometres from Dakar. We arrived after many hours in planes and waiting in airports. It was very hot, and we had been eating at a nearby camp. I could not miss the chance to get in the water up to my knees and test its high salinity. Though I only got wet to the knees, I was surprised by the very high temperature of the water and how irritating the salt was on my skin. Definitely an experience. Local people boat to the centre of the lake (they protect their skin with a special ointment) and then take the salt to sell.

The color of the lake depends on the warmth and heat present at that moment. According to our guides, the lake is the most pink in November. You can float in the lake for a maximum of 15 minutes.

After you get a local shower (meaning a bucket of water from a stream nearby to get the salt of your body). The salt from lac rose is used for food as well as for bathing. The salt is also shipped to Europe to use on the roads when it snows.

I would recommend going there! There is a small place where you can change your clothes.