Lake Retba (Lac Rose) Senegal 's treasures . Also known as " Lac Rëtba " in Wolof, it is located about 30 kilometers northeast of Dakar and a few hundred meters from the Atlantic Ocean. It covers an area of 3 square kilometers. It is one of the most visited places in Senegal and also one of the most famous worldwide, as Lake Retba was for a long time the finish line of the famous Paris-Dakar Rally. It is also a UNESCO . Its famous pink hue, due to the presence of certain microorganisms within it, makes this lake truly unique. Let's explore Lake Retba and all its features so you can learn everything about this iconic landmark of the land of Teranga (hospitality).
Why this pink color?
Lake Retba (Lac Rose) in Senegal gets its color from a particular algae that protects it from the sun and high salt concentrations by producing a red pigment, astaxanthin. This pigment colors the lake's water, giving it its pink hue. This microbiological activity is even more intense when the wind blows across Lake Retba. This is also why, from June to October, during the rainy season, the water's pink color is less noticeable, as the sun is often hidden by clouds at this time of year.
The rising water levels in recent years have significantly increased the lake's depth. As a result, with a lower salt concentration, the lake appears to be losing some of its color, becoming more brown and gray.
The salt concentration in Lake Retba (Lac Rose) is one of the highest in the world: 350 grams per liter of water ! That's nearly 10 times more than the ocean. You can try lying down on the water and you'll be surprised that you don't sink!
Salt extraction is the main activity on Lake Retba in Senegal.
Since 1970, nearly 3,000 families have been working in salt extraction and sales . This activity is confined to the southern shore of Lake Retba (Lac Rose). The men, standing chest-deep in the water, break up the salt from the lakebed using a stake. They then scoop it up with a shovel and load it into canoes. The women are responsible for bringing these canoes to a sunny location to unload the salt and dry it, causing it to turn white. It is one of the most arduous jobs imaginable, and the people protect themselves from the damage the salt can cause to their skin by applying shea butter.
The workers often come from neighboring countries like Guinea and Mali. Their situation and social protections are extremely precarious. This activity is not legally regulated, and people of all ages can be seen working there. Annual salt production on Lake Retba (Lac Rose) in Senegal is difficult to quantify, but some estimate it to be between 30,000 and 60,000 tons per year.
You may encounter these workers during your journey around the lake. They will likely ask for a small fee if you want to take photos with them, but it's really the least you can do, especially when you see how difficult their work is.
Tourism at Lake Retba in Senegal
As we mentioned earlier, Lake Retba (Lac Rose) attracts many tourists every year. And for good reason: there are countless activities to enjoy! Among them:
- Visit to the saltworks : Aboard a dugout canoe, guided by a local expert, you'll have the opportunity to navigate the ochre-colored waters. You'll see the entire extraction process up close. Dip your hand in the water while the canoe is moving; it will be filled with salt in seconds!
- Swimming in Lake Retba (Pink Lake) : During this canoe trip, you'll have plenty of opportunity to swim. Even with the best will in the world, you'll find it very difficult to swim without your legs surfacing. This is due to the very high salt concentration, as we mentioned earlier.
- A ride in the dunes : Whether on horseback, quad bike, 4x4, or even on the back of a camel, you can explore the area around Lake Retba (Pink Lake). The scenery is fantastic, and the panorama is immense!
- Discovering the village of Niaga : This is the closest village to Lac Rose. Typically Senegalese, Niaga became known to the general public as it was the finish line of the Paris-Dakar Rally.
- Spend a night at Gîte du Lac : Built entirely of wood and offering an ideal view overlooking the lake, this small gîte is the perfect place to spend your night at Lac Rose. You'll enjoy delicious meals and sample cheese from its goat farm.
Lake Retba in Senegal is threatened by rising water levels
As mentioned previously, some aspects of Lake Retba (Lac Rose) are now threatened by rising water levels . Torrential rains, particularly during the 2022 rainy season, nearly doubled the lake's depth. Consequently, salt extraction has become very difficult in certain areas because the salt deposits at the bottom have become inaccessible. Furthermore, the risk of drowning is significantly increased.
This same rising water level, also caused by the intense urbanization around the lake and making the land less permeable, risks dealing a devastating blow to its appeal to tourists . Indeed, Lake Retba (Lac Rose) in Senegal attracts visitors because of its unique color. If this color were to disappear, a significant portion of the local economy would be affected. Many families depend on tourism, as it generates income for them through the various activities offered to visitors.
Real estate around Lake Retba in Senegal
Like Diamniadio and Diass, Lac Rose is one of the areas undergoing rapid urban development . Located near Dakar, however, land prices there are significantly lower. Therefore, buying land around Lac Rose for investment seems like a smart bet for the future.
You will also find many new residences being built there, where the starting prices will be much more attractive than in the capital.
View all real estate listings in Lac Rose.
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