Salt Lakes of the Danakil Depression

Lake Afrera sits over 100m below sea level in the Danakil Depression, and contains the world’s lowest lying island, known as Deset. At the horizon, dormant volcanoes protrude out from Afrera’s shimmering green topology, and Afrera’s extreme salt concentration results in mounds of salt building up on the lakes shores. 

Afrera remains liquid despite the Danakil’s relentless heat due to a system of hot springs and streams that feed the lake. It’s a principle salt extraction point for the Afar people, with makeshift rectangular basins constructed on the shores of the lake capturing water which soon evaporates in the sun, leaving behind the ever-valuable salt crystals. 

Unlike Lake Karum, Lake Afrera can be swum in, and its hypersaline nature leaves you floating weightlessly. It’s a refreshing respite on your journey in the Danakil, and there are nearby freshwater hot springs that make for natural jacuzzis to wash the salt off before jumping back into the air-conditioned Landcruisers.

Lake Karum (also known as Lake Asale) looks more like an Arctic desert than a saline lake. The lake-bed is a jet white salt crust chequered in irregular contours that slowly becomes submerged in the clear water of Lake Karum. The transition from the salt pan to salt lake is so gradual that it feels as if the salt pan simply starts to shimmer and shine as it juts off into the horizon.

Despite the nearby wonders of Erta Ale and Dallol, Lake Karum is a real highlight of a journey into the Danakil. A stop-off at the lake won’t last more than 20-30 minutes, after which point the shear heat will force you back into the relative comfort of the air-conditioned Landcruisers, but the lake only needs a fraction of that time to leave an unforgettable impression.