Saturday April 19th, 2025
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Surreal Salt Lakes in the Middle East & Beyond

From bubblegum pink hues to vast, salt-encrusted vistas—MENA’s salt lakes offer some of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes.

Layan Adham Ismail

Surreal Salt Lakes in the Middle East & Beyond

From the shimmering pink waters of Lake Urmia to the otherworldly beauty of Djibouti’s Lake Assal, the MENA region is home to some of the world’s most striking salt lakes.

These unique bodies of water, defined by their high salinity and breathtaking landscapes, offer more than just a chance to float—they are gateways to some of the most surreal and beautiful scenery on Earth.

Whether you're a photographer, nature lover, or just in search of adventure, these lakes provide unforgettable experiences in a land where desert meets water in spectacular ways.

Lake Urmia

📍West Azerbaijan, Iran

A pink-hued salt lake that looks like it belongs on another planet. Once among the largest in the Middle East, it's now making a slow ecological comeback.

Dead Sea

📍Between Jordan & Palestine

The saltiest lake on Earth lets you float effortlessly on its surface. Surrounded by desert and ancient history, it's also famous for its mineral-rich mud.

Chott El Jerid

📍 Near Tozeur, Tunisia

A seasonal salt lake that turns into a giant mirror after rare rains. Parts of Star Wars were filmed here, adding to the sense of otherworldliness.

Tuz Gölü

📍Central Anatolia, Turkey

This massive salt lake shifts between pink, white, and reflective depending on the season. It’s also a key nesting site for flamingos and a photographer’s dream.

Lake Assal

📍Tadjourah Region, Djibouti

Africa’s lowest point and one of the saltiest lakes in the world. Framed by volcanic rock and crusted salt banks, it feels like you're standing on the moon.

Birkat Qarun (Lake Qarun)

📍Fayoum, Egypt

One of Egypt’s oldest lakes, shimmering under the desert sun. It's rich in birdlife, archaeological treasures, and golden hour views.

Lake Kharrarah

📍Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

A seasonal lake that appears after rainfall, reflecting the surrounding dunes. Even dry, its salt-crusted basin is a stunning desert escape.

Siwa Lake

📍Siwa Oasis, Egypt

A tranquil salt lake nestled in one of Egypt’s most remote oases. Its vivid blues and mineral-rich waters contrast beautifully with the golden desert, making it a serene, lesser-known escape.

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