Many lakes around the world glow pink, but most of them are protected, off-limits, or unsafe for swimming. One famous exception stands out: Lake Retba in Senegal, also known as Lac Rose. It is naturally pink, and people safely swim in it every day.
Located just north of Dakar, Lake Retba gets its colour from microscopic algae called Dunaliella salina. These algae thrive in extremely salty water and produce red pigments to survive harsh sunlight.
When mixed with the lake’s pale blue water, the result is a striking pink hue that can shift from soft rose to deep strawberry depending on the season.
WHY THE WATER IS SAFE FOR HUMANS
Lake Retba’s salt levels are incredibly high, close to those of the Dead Sea. This extreme salinity prevents dangerous bacteria from surviving, making the water safe for short swims.
Locals regularly enter the lake to harvest salt, often floating effortlessly due to the dense water.
Swimmers do need basic precautions. People usually coat their skin with shea butter to prevent dryness or irritation. With that protection, floating in the pink water is not only safe but surprisingly gentle.
WHY OTHER PINK LAKES DON’T QUALIFY
Australia’s Lake Hillier may be the world’s most famous pink lake, but swimming there is restricted to protect its fragile ecosystem.
Several other pink lakes across Australia and Europe are either seasonal, shallow, or environmentally protected.
Lake Retba remains unique because it combines natural colour, human access, and everyday use.
A LAKE THAT SUPPORTS LIFE AND LIVELIHOODS
Beyond its beauty, Lake Retba supports thousands of families. Salt mining here is a major local industry, passed down through generations.
The lake’s pink colour isn’t just a spectacle; it’s part of daily survival.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT LAKE RETBA
- Lake Retba’s pink colour comes from algae reacting to salt and sunlight
- Its salinity can reach over 40 percent in dry seasons
- People float easily, similar to the Dead Sea
- Swimming is safe with skin protection
- The lake supports a major salt-mining economy
- Its colour changes with weather and time of day
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