Lake Assal, a hot place on earth

The Lake Assal, Bahr al Assal, the sea of honey (150 m below sea level) is located west of Djibouti.
They are two practical ways to get to the Lake from Djibouti.

1-From Tadjoura follow the costal line down to the magnificent bay of Ghoubet, commonly called “La grande ile du Diable. You will be at about 75 kms from the lake.

2-Follow Arta and Yoboki and you arrive south of the Lake.

The Lake Assal is an aquatic wilderness of locked sea water and high density of salt that was once part of a major geographic upheaval. The volcanic activities have transformed Djibouti and its region into desolate spectacles and unusual places.

It’s a hot place on earth and the air temperature can reach 50 degrees Celsius easy.
The closer you get to the Lake the higher gets the temperature. They are several thermal sources that reach 40 degrees of their own .
The brightness is so intense that you’d think you are at a ski resort on a sunny day, minus the cold. Better have your sunglasses.

The Lake is a reserve of salt and a source of income for the locals. Caravans of camels render there to extract salt and sale it for 10 Djiboutian francs per kg.

Surrendered by abrupt mountains the lake is alimented through cracks, underground from the Gouhbet and the lake keeps evaporating, leaving behind more salt adding up to the large “ice foe” already existing. This large surface of salt is about 35 to 40 cms thick and you could easily drive a car on the surface.
It is possible to go for a quick bath but don't forget to wear some kind of shoes. The bottom could cut due to salt crystals forming on the lake bed.

The high density of salt keeps you afloat with great power, it's stunning.

If you’d like to see more pictures of the lake Assal, visit: www.alovelyworld.com/webdjib/htmgb/assal.htm

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