Situated 155 meters below sea level and surrounded by a black volcanic landscape, the great salt lake Lac Assal is a delight to your senses. The shores of Lac Assal are constantly covered in large pieces of salt crystals, which make a stunning contrast to the black volcanic surroundings.
Lac Assal is the lowest point on the African continent, and the third lowest in the world only after Israel’s Dead Sea at 400m, and the Sea of Galilee at 208m. As there are no rivers flowing out of the lake, the water is completely saturated with salt - 330g per litre, and is the most saline body of water in the world.
The Afar people make their living by mining and trading this valuable commodity, so Lac Assal is therefore an important source of income for the locals.
Nearby Lac Assal, one can find several hot springs heated by geothermal activity. In this area, Island aims to cooperate with Djibouti to develop geothermal power. Lac Assal is one of the flag tourist attractions in Djibouti, and well worth a visit.