Lake Karum
A shallow salt lake about 120 meters below sea level. Its thin water creates a mirror-like surface, and tours often watch the sunset here.
Lake Karum, also known as Lake Assale, is the lowest lake in the depression, about 120 meters below sea level. Its water is very shallow and extremely salty, and its shores are hexagonal salt plates formed by crystallized salt. When shallow water covers the salt flats, it becomes like a mirror reflecting the sky. Many tours take visitors barefoot into the lake in the evening to watch the sun set on the water, which is one of the most classic scenes of the Danakil journey. The salt crystals are sharp, so wear sandals. The water is salty and bitter, so rinse off with fresh water afterward.
Opening hours
Group tours only; best in the evening