Situated approximately 35 kilometers northeast of the capital city, Dakar, Retba lies on the Cap Vert Peninsula, amidst arid landscapes characterized by sand dunes and thorny shrubs.

Spanning an area of about 3 km² and with a maximum depth of approximately 3 meters, this shallow saline lake is fed by several small streams and groundwater, with no outlet to the sea.

Surrounded by sand dunes and thorny shrubs, the lake’s striking pink hue stands out starkly against the contrasting desert landscape.

The lake’s high salt concentration, which is even higher than that of the Dead Sea, supports the growth of this microorganism, resulting in the vibrant pink hue that attracts visitors from far and wide.

The lake boosts the local economy through traditional salt harvesting by indigenous communities for centuries.

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The Pink Phenomenon in Retba

The most striking feature of Retba is undoubtedly its vibrant pink coloration, which transforms the water into a surreal spectacle.

Additionally, the lake’s unique hue is attributed to the presence of a microorganism called Dunaliella salina, a type of halophile algae that thrives in high-salinity environments.

This microorganism produces a red pigment to absorb sunlight, which, combined with the lake’s high salt concentration and optimal pH levels, gives rise to the mesmerizing pink waters.

Furthermore, algae rich in red pigments thrive in high salinity, while those abundant in green pigments dominate when salinity decreases.

During the dry season, from late January to early March, the color typically becomes notably vibrant.

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Salt Harvesting and Exportation

The high salt content of the water supports the growth of salt-loving microorganisms, making the lake a natural salt harvesting site.

Up to 3,000 collectors, comprised of men and women from various parts of western Africa, export salt across the region.

This lake yields approximately 38,000 tonnes of salt annually, significantly contributing to Senegal’s salt production industry, positioning the country as the top salt producer in Africa.

Engaging in 6–7 hours of work daily, the local workers safeguard their skin with beurre de Karité (shea butter), an emollient derived from shea nuts that helps prevent tissue damage.

Local workers scrape the bottom of the lake, collect the salt by hand, and put it in baskets in their wooden canoes.

Using wooden tools and pirogues to navigate the shallow waters, they gather salt deposits from the lakebed. Afterward, workers transport the salt back to the shore and divide it into small mounds.

These immaculate white heaps of salt, scattered along the lake’s edge, form a striking contrast with the lake’s pink hue.

Senegalese fishermen utilize the salt to preserve fish, a key ingredient in numerous traditional dishes, including the national favorite, thieboudienne, a combination of fish and rice.

However, in September 2022, Retba experienced extensive flooding, disrupting salt harvesting activities and causing significant challenges for the local salt industry.

The post Retba, Pink Lake Caused by Algae Pigment in High-Salt Waters appeared first on Gluwee.

Hillier spans approximately 600 meters in length and 250 meters in width.

The depth of the lake is relatively shallow, with depths ranging from just a few meters to around ten meters at its deepest points.

This lake attracts visitors from around the world eager to witness its vibrant pink waters.

Surrounding Hillier Lake off the southern coast of Western Australia are dense eucalyptus and paperback trees, adding to its secluded and mystifying allure.

Hillier was first discovered in 1802 by British explorer Matthew Flinders.

However, it wasn’t until aerial surveys in the 1950s that its distinctive pink coloration gained widespread attention.

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The Pink Mystery Unveiled in Hillier

What sets Hillier apart from other bodies of water is its surreal pink hue, which remains a subject of fascination and scientific inquiry.

Additionally, Hillier’s coloration does not change with variations in temperature or sunlight, unlike other pink lakes around the world, such as Lake Retba in Senegal.

A unique microorganism called dunaliella salina is responsible for the enduring pink hue, which is also influenced by a halophilic bacteria known as salinibacter ruber.

Furthermore, dunaliella salina is a type of single-celled algae that thrives in highly saline environments.

When exposed to intense sunlight, dunaliella produces a reddish pigment known as beta-carotene as a protective measure against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

This pigment, along with the presence of salinibacter ruber, creates the distinctive pink coloration that saturates the waters of Hillier.

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Experience Swimming in the Pink-Colored Lake

Despite its striking appearance, Hillier remains safe for swimming due to its high salinity levels, which discourage the growth of harmful bacteria and pathogens.

Moreover, during the summer months, the vibrant pink color of Hillier is most pronounced as the water temperature rises and the concentration of salt and microorganisms reaches its peak.

Accessing Hillier Lake can indeed be challenging due to its remote location on Middle Island, part of the Recherche Archipelago in Western Australia.

The island is situated off the southern coast of Western Australia and is not easily accessible by conventional means such as roads or bridges.

Traveling to Middle Island typically requires taking a boat or a helicopter from nearby towns or cities.

The nearest major town is Esperance, located approximately 150 kilometers to the northwest.

From Esperance, visitors can arrange boat tours or helicopter flights to Middle Island, where they can catch a glimpse of Hillier Lake.

Alternatively, another option for passengers desiring to visit the isolated lake and surrounding forest area is to take cruises.

The post Hillier, an Enchanting Lake with a Pink-Colored Phenomenon appeared first on Gluwee.