Lac Rose, also known as Lake Retba, is situated in Senegal, north of the Cap Vert peninsula and north east of Dakar. The pink colour is caused by Dunaliella salina, harmless halophilic bacteria which love the 40% salt content of the lake. Michael Danson, an expert in bacteria from Bath University says, 'The strawberry colour is produced by salt-loving organism Dunaliella salina. They produce a red pigment that absorbs ad uses the energy of sunlight to create more energy, turning the water pink.'
Like the Dead Sea, people float easily on Lac Rose. Salt is collected from the lake to be sold, and those who are working for extended periods for up to seven hours daily must protect their skin with shea butter. The colour is strongest in the dry season, and colour varies from light purple to deep magenta, dependent on the time of day.
