Lake Retba, also referred to as Lac Rose (which translates to Pink Lake in English), is located north of the Cap Vert Peninsula in Senegal, approximately 35 kilometers northeast of the country’s capital, Dakar.

This lake is famous for its vibrant pink waters, caused by a type of algae called *Dunaliella salina*. The lake’s high salt content, with some areas experiencing salt levels up to 40% (similar to the Dead Sea), allows people to float effortlessly on its surface.

“The pink color is most noticeable during the dry season, which falls between late January and early March,” explains Dr. Jean Mbaye, a marine biologist. “This is when the algae thrive, creating the lake’s distinctive hue.”

Unfortunately, heavy flooding in September 2022 disrupted salt harvesting and caused the lake to lose its color, negatively impacting tourism in the area.

Lake Retba is under consideration by UNESCO to become a World Heritage site. It is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors enjoying boat rides, swimming in the buoyant waters, and learning about traditional salt harvesting methods from local workers. These workers protect their skin from the harsh, salty water by using shea butter.

“Despite the challenges, the local community is resilient,” says Fatou Ndiaye, a local tour guide. “We are hopeful that the lake will regain its color and continue to attract tourists.”

Additional facts:
– The lake was once a freshwater lake, but severe drought in the 1980s caused a change in its composition.
– Due to overexploitation, salt harvesting is currently at 40,000 to 50,000 tons per year, posing a threat to the lake’s unique ecosystem.

Dr. Mbaye emphasizes the need for sustainable practices: “To preserve Lake Retba’s unique environment, it’s crucial that we balance economic activities with ecological protection.”