Lake Assal

Amazing salty lake in Djibouti

Lake Assal in Djibouti is one of the saltiest lakes in the world. Lake Assal is located 155 meters below sea level in the Afar depression.

It is one of the most special lakes in the world. And especially beautiful because of the much salt. The water has various mesmerizing colours; from white to many shades of blue. Including bright blue.

The world of salt

The colours os Lake Assal in Djibouti.

Salt has been extracted here for decades. You can see the catchment basins in various places. Also, keep an eye out for the locals looking for salt crystals. These tubers are dried and sold as salt pearls. They are beautiful. Camels that transport the salt also walk here. And with luck you will see baboons looking for a meal here.

Lowest point in Africa

The water has a salinity of no less than 35%.  It is the second saltiest lake in the world, after Lake Don Juan in Antarctica. Lake Assal lies no less than 155 meters below sea level in the Danakil Depression. This is therefore the lowest point on the mainland in Africa.