Lac 'Assal — Attraction in Tadjourah

Incredible place that’s very much worth seeing. You can drive there easily with a rental car. It looks, feels & is considerably saltier than the Dead Sea.

This could be a big source of tourism revenue for Djibouti, but absolutely nothing has been done to develop tourism here. Don’t count on as much as a bathroom or kiosk to buy soda between here and Djibouti. There’s zero tourism infrastructure.

If the main that Google Maps wants to take you on by the lake is closed, take Rue de Assal in grey on the map (I put red over it in the photos) which will also take you by the lake.

At the end of the road there is a parking lot. Children who beg in the parking lot will ask for money when you get out of & back into your car, but they will not pursue you onto the lake past the sign. The entire site—parking & everything—is free, so you do not have to give any money to anyone unless you want to. Walking on the salt plain by the lake itself is very peaceful.

On the road you will see many areas where you can go swimming in the water. The saltiness is intense so if you get in, make sure you have no cuts & that you brought fresh water in bottles from the city to rinse off with. I wore a bikini with no problem (everything was secluded with no other tourists anyway). Wear shoes into the water because the salt crystals are jagged.

I recommend buying food & water from the Géant in Badawi Mall before you drive out, since there’s no food stops on the way. Fill up on petrol too since I saw no gas stations en route.

The road is really interesting. The whole thing from downtown Djibouti toon about 2.5 hours going & 1.45 hours coming back because there’s just one lane in either direction, so traffic can be bad. You’ll see wrecked trucks & cars along the road of indeterminate age. But brace yourself for the poverty. It’s the worst I’ve seen anywhere, including next door Ethiopia. Many adults & children you pass will hold their hands to their mouths asking for food.

I’ve never seen a superlative tourism site so completely undeveloped by a government as Lac Assal. You’ll see camel herders on the vast salt plain, for example, but no one even offers paid-for camel rides, let alone an industry of spa wellness & hotels like the Dead Sea. Crushing poverty visible en route makes this reality feel more depressing than romantic.

But it’s still 1000% worth seeing. A must-see...

Review of Lac Assal, Djibouti

Lac Assal, located in the heart of Djibouti, is one of the most mesmerizing natural wonders in Africa. As the lowest point on the continent and the third saltiest body of water in the world, this crater lake offers a surreal, otherworldly landscape. The stark contrast between the bright white salt crust, the deep blue waters, and the surrounding black volcanic rocks creates a breathtaking sight.

Visiting Lac Assal feels like stepping onto another planet. The lake’s high salinity allows swimmers to float effortlessly, similar to the Dead Sea. However, the extreme heat (often exceeding 40°C) and the sharp salt crystals require caution. The drive to the lake, passing through rugged terrains and dormant volcanoes, adds to the adventure.

While the area lacks tourist facilities, its raw, untouched beauty is part of its charm. Local guides are helpful in navigating the terrain and explaining the lake’s geological significance. The silence and isolation make it a perfect escape for those seeking solitude and natural wonder.

Overall, Lac Assal is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its striking beauty and unique characteristics make it one of Djibouti’s most unforgettable destinations. Just remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a good...

Lake Assal is the world's third most salty body of water outside of two ponds (in the nearby Afar region in Ethiopia, is the world's saltiest Gaet'ale Pond. The second-most salty goes to Don Juan Pond in Antarctica). Lac Assal was an oddity I most enjoyed in Djibouti. After a long day of hiking, there's nothing like a cool salt water bath to relieve muscle pains. The two ponds would not be considered very safe to swim in, so Lake Assal is the safest of the most salty lakes to swim in. Visitors can arrive by road or by hiking through the adjacent wadis. Guides and supplies are essential. Make certain you have enough drinking water. Water shoes are advisable (if not essential) if you...