#46 Cruise Lake Retba in Senegal by boat

The lake (referred to as Lac Rose by the locals) is famous for one thing: Its pink colour.

This pretty shade akin to strawberry milk is caused by Dunaliella salina, a kind of micro-algae that’s drawn to the waters’ high level of salinity (the nearby dunes are not much of a barrier for the Atlantic Ocean).

In fact, Lake Retba is said to be as “salty” as the Dead Sea – and you’ll likely find salt collectors getting salt from the bottom of the lake during your visit. Just make sure to time it between November to June, the dry season.

And don’t worry: Dunaliella salina are deemed harmless to humans.

Text done by Ana Ismail.