- The pink color is most intense during the dry season (November to June). During the rainy season, the color may vary.
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Lac Rose Day Trip from Dakar — Senegal's Pink Lake
Nature
About this activity
- Free cancellationCancel up to 24h in advance for a full refund.
- Book now, pay laterSecure your spot without paying today.
- Duration 5 hours
Pickup included in Dakar and Saly
Pickup included in Dakar and Saly from your accommodation (eligible zones). The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
What to expect
We pick you up at your hotel in Dakar in the morning. About an hour's drive in an air-conditioned car, and you're at Lac Rose. First shock: the color. It's even more intense in person than in photos. Your guide takes you to meet the salt harvesters — they work waist-deep in the water, and it's something to see. Then a 4x4 ride through white sand dunes along the coast. The highlight: floating. You just lie in the lake and float — it's physically impossible to sink (we rinse you off with fresh water after, don't worry). Optional: visit a Peul village right next door. Back in Dakar by early afternoon.
- Lac Rose and its surreal color — a sight you have to see for yourself
- Salt harvesters working the traditional way, a living tradition
- 4x4 ride between dunes and ocean
- Float effortlessly in the hyper-salty water
- Historic final stage of the Paris-Dakar Rally
Highlights
- Lac Rose and its surreal color — a sight you have to see for yourself
- Salt harvesters working the traditional way, a living tradition
- 4x4 ride between dunes and ocean
- Float effortlessly in the hyper-salty water
- Historic final stage of the Paris-Dakar Rally
- Round-trip transport from your hotel in Dakar (air-conditioned vehicle)
- French & English-speaking guide
- 4x4 ride between dunes and ocean
- Floating swim and freshwater rinse
- Visit to a Peul village
- Mineral water during the trip
- Lunch (available on-site at Restaurant Chez Salim)
- Drinks with meals
- Quad/4x4 rental supplement (optional)
- Tips
- Personal expenses
What’s included
- Round-trip transport from your hotel in Dakar (air-conditioned vehicle)
- French & English-speaking guide
- 4x4 ride between dunes and ocean
- Floating swim and freshwater rinse
- Visit to a Peul village
- Mineral water during the trip
- Lunch (available on-site at Restaurant Chez Salim)
- Drinks with meals
- Quad/4x4 rental supplement (optional)
- Tips
- Personal expenses
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know
Answers to the most common questions about this activity.
Why is the Pink Lake pink?
The Pink Lake (Lac Retba) gets its color from a microalgae called Dunaliella salina, which produces a red pigment to protect itself from the high salinity. The color is most intense during the dry season (November to May) and on sunny days.
Can you swim in the Pink Lake?
Yes, you can swim in the Pink Lake. The water is extremely salty (up to 380 g/l, 10 times the ocean), which lets you float effortlessly, like in the Dead Sea. Just avoid submerging your head and rinse off afterward.
Is the Pink Lake always pink?
No, the color varies by season and time of day. The pink is strongest during the dry season (November-May), especially at midday when the sun is at its zenith. During the rainy season, the lake can appear green or brown.
How long does it take to visit the Pink Lake?
A half-day is enough to visit the Pink Lake: the trip from Dakar takes about 45 minutes, then allow 2 hours on-site for swimming, visiting the salt flats, and a quad bike or camel ride.