Pink lakes, also known as pink lagoons, are a natural wonder that has captivated the attention of travelers and photographers around the world. These lakes, as their name suggests, have a striking pink hue that ranges from soft pastel to deep magenta, and is a sight to behold.
While the exact cause of their unusual coloration can vary, these lakes are often the result of a combination of factors, including microorganisms, algae, and even salt levels. There are many pink lakes around the world, each with its own unique characteristics and natural history. Here are some of the most fascinating and beautiful pink lakes to explore.
Related media: 10 Best Pink Lakes In The World || Pastimers
#1. Lake Hillier, Australia 🇦🇺
Lake Hillier is one of the most famous pink lakes in the world. The only way to reach it is via a boat charter or by taking an aerial tour. Located on Middle Island, the biggest island in Western Australia’s Recherche archipelago, which is also titled an A-Class Nature Reserve, visits by boat are limited and only available at certain times of the year.
The lake’s vibrant coloration is due to the presence of Dunaliella salina, a type of algae that thrives in high-salt environments. The water is so salty that visitors can easily float on its surface, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
#2. Lake Eyre, Australia 🇦🇺
Lake Eyre, officially known as Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, is the largest salt lake in Australia and is known for its pink hue, which can range from pale pink to deep red. While more likely pastel than punch during the dry season, every so often Lake Eyre floods, and this is considered the best time to see the lake turn the most exquisite shades of pink, tangerine, and saffron and fill with flocks of birds.
The lake’s coloration is due to the presence of algae and bacteria, which thrive in the high-salt environment. The lake is also an important site for migratory birds and is a popular spot for birdwatching. This is one of nature’s most spectacular sights and is considered a must-do for a true Australian bucket-list experience.
#3. Lake MacDonnell, Australia 🇦🇺
Of all the pink lakes in Australia, Lake MacDonnell on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula is one of the most popular. A road splits the bubble gum pink waters on one side with equally vibrant blue-green waters on the other. The pink here is perfect as the water has a higher salt content than most which promote bacterial and algae blooms. It is also the only pink lake in Australia to boast a beach at the end of its strip that has pumping surf and a remote beachside camping spot nearby at Cactus Beach.
#4. Lake Retba, Senegal 🇸🇳
Lake Retba is located northeast of Dakar. It is usually called the ‘LacRose’ because of its pigmentation caused by the presence of algae. Senegalese say, the time of the year when those circumstances are more favorable for the lake to turn pink is in January. Like Lake Hillier, the coloration of Lake Retba is due to the presence of D. salina, which thrives in the high-salt environment.
The lake is also a popular spot for salt harvesting, as the salt content is so high that it can be easily collected from the surface. The water of the lake has a salinity of about 40 percent, which is more than the salinity of the Dead Sea. As such, it is practically impossible to swim in these waters. The maximum that people manage to do is float. And this really is a funny experience.
#5. Lake Natron, Tanzania 🇹🇿
Lake Natron is a salt lake located in the Arusha Region of northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. It is one of the most unique lakes in the world, known for its bright red hue and high salt content. The lake is situated in the Great Rift Valley, a region of East Africa that is known for its geological activity and stunning landscapes.
The lake is home to a thriving ecosystem of wildlife, including a large population of flamingos, and is an important site for human history and culture. The lake and its surrounding area have been designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. However, the lake faces environmental threats, highlighting the need for conservation efforts and sustainable management practices.
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Written by: Afiba Polley, Wed, Jan 26, 2023.
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