Lake Retba (Lac Rose)
Dakar, Senegal
Just over an hour's drive up the coast from Dakar will take you to a pink lagoon with water so salty that you can float effortlessly, as if in a flotation tank or the Dead Sea. While some people come to just marvel at its color, it’s worth taking a dip to experience the power of the lake’s high salt content for yourself.
The basics
Known as Lake Retba or Lac Rose (which means "Pink Lake" in French), this lake is estimated to have about double the salt content of the Dead Sea, which is why it’s so easy to float in. The waters usually have a flowery pink hue due to the presence of harmless algae known as dunaliella salina, though it can appear in different shades of red depending on how the sun hits it.
Half- and full-day tours run from Dakar to the lake, and some also allow you to see salt mining up close or go on an ATV ride on the shore. Some tours also include stops at the Bandia Wildlife Reserve. If you plan to swim, it’s worth checking with your guide to see if you need to bring a towel.
Things to know before you go
Lake Retba is a must-visit for science buffs or photographers and is worth seeing even if you don’t feel like taking a dip.
The lake is very salty, so avoid rubbing your eyes and cover any scrapes or wounds with petroleum jelly before entering.
People next to the lake will wash you off with buckets of fresh water after your soak for a small fee. This service is worth it.
How to get there
Lake Retba is about a 23-mile (37-kilometer) drive up the coast from Dakar, and getting there from the Senegalese capital usually takes just over an hour without traffic. Your best bet for getting there is signing up for a private tour that includes hotel pick-up, as bus service can be unreliable and a hassle.
When to get there
The best time to visit Senegal is during the dry season from October to May, and the same goes for Lake Retba. Clear, bright days generally make for the most vibrant hues of pink on the water, but you’ll still be able to see the lake’s color no matter when you visit.
The Bandia Wildlife Reserve
Some tours to Lake Retba also visit the Bandia Reserve, about a 90-minute drive south of the lake. Spread out over 8,650 acres (3,500 hectares), this reserve provides a home to all sorts of creatures, including zebras, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, and even white rhinoceros. There's also an onsite restaurant serving Senegalese and European fare, including wood-fired pizza.
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