Lake Assal, Djibouti

Dip your feet in the salty waters of Lake Assal, a crater lake situated at the top of the Great Rift Valley in the Danakil Desert. Although rich in minerals, the lake water does not support any life other than bacteria. Still, salt collection here--in the world's largest natural salt deposit--provides an income for local farmers. One of the hottest places on earth, the underground of the lake continuously evaporates, creating ever more layers of solid salt bed, over which you can even drive a car. Gaze at the surreal, sunken landscapes with scant thorny bushes, camels, lizards, small birds, and insects. Using our online itinerary creator, Djibouti attractions like Lake Assal can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.