2. Lake Retba’s Dune Summit, Senegal
From the top of the nearby sand dunes, Lake Retba—also known as Lac Rose—offers most amazing views on its western shore. From pale rose to deep magenta depending on the season and time of day, this raised location offers a broad perspective of the lake’s many pink tones. From the vantage point on top of the dunes, guests may see the customary salt-harvesting operations below, as local laborers gather salt in the buoyant waves. The pink color is more vivid and the salt concentration is maximum during the dry season, which runs from November to June, hence the ideal viewing periods are there. During daybreak, when the morning light produces a magnificent glow across the pink surface, the dune summit also provides great photography prospects. The dunes’ natural elevation gives photographers a perfect stage for capturing the lake’s grandeur as well as the minute features of the salt-harvesting operation. With little infrastructure to preserve the real desert environment, the viewing area has been gently maintained in its natural state. Local guides may provide amazing insights on the cultural value of the lake and the age-old salt-harvesting techniques handed down through the years. Among pink lake viewing sites around the globe, this perspective is especially unique because of the mix of natural beauty and cultural legacy.
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