Lac Assal sits over 150 metres below sea level, the lowest point on the African continent, and its extreme salinity, among the highest of any lake on earth, makes floating effortless in water ringed by stark white salt flats.
It is one of Djibouti's most photographed, and most physically striking, landscapes.
Lac Assal is a hypersaline lake over 150 metres below sea level, the lowest point in Africa, with salinity high enough to make floating effortless, set against dramatic white salt flats and volcanic terrain.
- Elevation: over 150 metres below sea level, Africa's lowest point.
- Salinity: among the highest of any lake on earth.
- Floating: effortless, similar to the Dead Sea.
- Landscape: white salt flats against dark volcanic terrain.
- Best time: early morning or late afternoon, avoiding peak heat.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Elevation | Over 150m below sea level |
| Salinity | Among the highest of any lake on earth |
| Best Time | Early morning or late afternoon |
1. Africa's Lowest Point
Lac Assal's basin sits over 150 metres below sea level, a geological rift landscape unlike almost anywhere else on the continent.
2. Why Floating Is So Effortless
Extreme salinity, comparable to the Dead Sea, makes sinking almost impossible, a novel and genuinely fun experience for most visitors.
Read More: Read about planning around the Afar Depression's heat3. The Wider Landscape
White salt flats meet dark volcanic rock in a stark, otherworldly setting, one of the most photographed landscapes in the Horn of Africa.
A Genuinely Otherworldly Swim
Few experiences combine geology and novelty quite like floating in Lac Assal, one of Djibouti's clearest must-see landscapes.
Want Lac Assal included in your Djibouti itinerary? Tell us your dates and we will confirm the route.
Start PlanningFrequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to swim in Lac Assal?
Yes, though avoid getting the water in your eyes given the extreme salinity, and rinse off with fresh water afterward.
How far is Lac Assal from Djibouti City?
A few hours by road, typically visited as a day trip or combined with Lake Abbe.
What should I bring?
Sun protection, water, and fresh water to rinse off after floating.
