Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lac Assal (Djibouti)
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Djibouti's version of the Dead Sea, Lac Assal (
Click here
)
, at -155m, ranks as the
world's third-lowest point. Like most of Djibouti's lakes, which are saline and host incred-
ible crystal formations, Lac Assal's shore is carpeted with spheres of halite and angular
gypsum. For visitors, nothing beats a walk on the salt crust or a dip into the briny waters of
the lake. It's encircled with volcanic mountains, which adds to the appeal. Salt extraction
by the Afar people is still practised; the salt is taken to Ethiopia for barter trading.
ANDREW MCCONNELL/GETTY IMAGES ©
