Lake Assale – Ethiopia’s Shimmering Salt Flat in the Danakil Depression

Lake Assale, also known as Lake Karum, is one of Ethiopia’s most otherworldly natural wonders, located deep within the Danakil Depression—one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth.

Surrounded by vast salt flats and flanked by active volcanoes and geothermal landscapes, Lake Assale offers a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience in a region unlike any other on the planet.

What Makes Lake Assale Unique?

• • • Extreme Location:
      Lake Assale sits at around 120 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest points in Africa and the second-lowest place on Earth after the Dead Sea.

    • Salt Wonderland:
      The lake is surrounded by massive salt flats, where the ground shimmers white under the blazing sun. These salt fields are still actively harvested using traditional methods by the Afar people, who cut blocks of salt and load them onto camel caravans—a practice unchanged for centuries.

    • Natural Buoyancy:
      Like the Dead Sea, the lake’s extremely high salinity allows visitors to float effortlessly. Taking a swim in its warm, mineral-rich waters is both refreshing and surreal.

    • Breathtaking Sunsets:
      Sunsets over Lake Assale are a highlight. The light reflecting off the salt crystals and shallow waters creates a dazzling display of color—perfect for photography and peaceful reflection.

Culture & Salt Trade

Lake Assale is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural landmark. The Afar communities who live in this harsh environment have relied on salt for generations. Watching the camel caravans arrive at sunrise, cut the salt by hand, and begin their long journey across the desert is a rare and authentic glimpse into Ethiopia’s living heritage.

📍 Location & Accessibility

• • • Region: Afar, northeastern Ethiopia

    • Part of: Danakil Depression

    • Elevation: ~120 meters below sea level

    • Best Time to Visit: November to February (cooler season)

    • Starting Points: Tours typically depart from Mekele or Semera

🚙 How to Visit Lake Assale

Lake Assale is typically included in multi-day Danakil Depression tours that also cover:

• • • Erta Ale Volcano (active lava lake)

    • Dallol (geothermal acid springs and colorful sulfur fields)

    • Afar salt caravans

    • Camping under the stars

Reach out to Join Our Daily Tours to The Danakil Depression. Request Our 3 Days Dabakil Depression Tour Itinerary.

✅ Highlights of Visiting Lake Assale

• Walk on vast, blinding-white salt flats

• Float in a natural saltwater lake

• Witness centuries-old salt mining traditions

• Experience the beauty of sunrise and sunset in the desert

• Capture incredible photos in one of the most unique landscapes on Earth

Lake Assale is a destination of extremes, beauty, and tradition. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventurer, photographer, or cultural explorer, visiting this iconic salt lake will be one of the most unforgettable parts of your Ethiopian journey.