Lake Assal is a crater lake in the center of Djibouti. The lake lies 155 meters below sea level in the Afar Lowland, the lowest point in Africa. The salinity of the lake is 35%, which makes it one of the saltiest lakes in the world along with the Dead Sea and Lake Elton. The lake is surrounded by a dense saline layer of soil. Salt is mined and sent by caravans to Ethiopia.
 |
| Lake Assal Crater Lake |
Lake Assal in Djibouti is an evil hoax. At first, it appears as a glorious expanse of blue-green water and blinding white sand, easily mistaken for a Maldivian beach. Behind the facade, however, lies a painful lesson: the vast white plain is not sand at all but salt: jagged shards that stand on end and leave you itchy from the water.
 |
| Lake Assal Crater Lake |
You can venture out for a swim, but no respite can be found there either. Lake Assal, a crater lake in central Djibouti, is 10 times saltier than the sea. In fact, it's the second saltiest body of water in the world and will sting your eyes and scratch your skin if you work up the courage to go for a swim.