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Lake Retba is known for its remarkable pink color and a salinity of 40%, even higher than that of the Dead Sea, which piques the curiosity and excitement of many travelers.
The geographical location and unique beauty of the lake.
Lake Retba spans about 3 square kilometers, situated at the northern tip of the Cap Vert Peninsula in Senegal. It is approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Dakar, the capital of West Africa. Known as "Pink Lake" (Lac Rose) due to its distinctive and captivating pink water, the lake also has a salinity of 40%, which is higher than the Dead Sea.
Locals say the lake's pink color is most vibrant during the dry season, from October to June of the following year. The best time to witness the lake’s pink surface is in January. Throughout the day, the lake's color can change from light purple to deep pink. It is important to note that not every visitor will be able to see the pink color if the timing is not right.
Explaining the color of the lake's water.
Lake Retba has its unusual color due to a chemical reaction between sunlight and the microorganism Dunaliella salina. These microorganisms thrive in high-salinity waters and produce red pigments to absorb and utilize sunlight. It is thanks to these tiny, fascinating creatures that the lake's stunning colors have appeared.
Salinity of the lake.
In addition to its unique color, Lake Retba is also impressive for its salinity, which is about 40%, higher than the Dead Sea. This high salinity ensures that anyone who bathes in it will float effortlessly. Surrounding the lake, there are local communities offering fresh water for visitors to cleanse themselves. The extreme salinity has also made the lake a popular site for salt harvesting before it became a well-known tourist spot.
When visiting, you'll witness men with dark skin navigating boats on the pink waters to harvest salt, while women work tirelessly beside large salt piles. Since October 2005, Lake Retba has been considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, a designation that remains until 2023.
According to Mytour.vn
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Source: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnJuly 24, 2024
