A pirogue ride on the Pink Lake means gliding over the pink waters of Lake Retba, between dunes and salt pans, for 15 minutes, 30 minutes or an hour. A local guide goes with you, the pirogue (a traditional wooden boat) takes up to six people, and the price is per person.

Three lengths to see the lake

Lake Retba changes colour with the time of day and the season: pink, orange or violet reflections. The ride lets you admire it from the water, at the pace of the pirogue, with a local guide on board. There are three options, all priced per person: 15 minutes for a quick look, 30 minutes with a guide, or an hour to take in more of the landscape.

On the water you look out over the dunes around the lake, the salt pans and, depending on conditions on the day, the salt harvesters at work along the shore. The pace is calm and suits families: children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, subject to weather and safety conditions. Equipment and an instructor are included, and the pirogue takes up to six people.

The best times are the morning or the late afternoon, when the temperature is milder and the light brings out the colours. Bring comfortable clothes, sunglasses, a hat, sun cream, water and a camera.

If you live in Dakar, this is an easy half-day outing, about thirty kilometres away; if you are visiting, it is a different viewpoint on one of Senegal’s best-known postcard scenes.

Lake Retba, 30 km from Dakar

The Pink Lake, or Lake Retba, lies thirty kilometres north-east of Dakar, where the Sahel meets the Atlantic. This lake, barely three square kilometres in size, is known around the world as the finish line of the Paris-Dakar rally. It also lives from salt harvesting, crafts and adventure sports. The Pink Lake page tells its story and describes how it is used, and the Dakar region gives the wider setting.

Combine it with other activities

The ride goes well with other outings around the lake: a camel or horse ride, a quad or buggy tour, or a 4×4 excursion in the surrounding area.