After each wet season, the water levels rise a lot, and the view becomes very interesting. This “lake” adds to Namibia’s wild landscape, which includes the Sossusvlei dunes. There is a lot of natural beauty to enjoy beyond the pink horizon.
On Namibia’s western coast, in Walvis Bay, lies the little-known but unique Pink Lake. The capital city, Windhoek, is 360 kilometers away, while Swakopmund, an important port city in this southern African country, is just 20 minutes away.
Walvis Bay is one of the few natural harbors on the Namibian coast. It is known for its deep waters and is an important fishing and commercial area because of its port. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west of Walvis Bay, and the Namib Desert lies to the east. These features make it a good place for outdoor trips.
If you’ve ever wondered why Pink Lake in Walvis Bay has its name, here’s the reason. The lake has a pink color because of the high amount of salt and other minerals in the water. This lake, sometimes confused with Sossusvlei’s Dead Vlei, has white clay soil underneath, but because of the salt, the water appears pink and shines more during sunrise and sunset.
Because of the soil, not many plants grow here, but the strange and colorful landscape makes up for it. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei, seen to the east, are popular with hikers, photographers, and other visitors.
What causes the pink color of Pink Lake in Walvis Bay? According to scientists, the color comes from salt-tolerant algae like Dunaliella salina, which react with a type of bacteria called Halobacteria. These bacteria live in salty places like salt flats and lakes, and they have a pigment called carotenoids that gives the water a pink or reddish color.
Because of the high temperatures and low humidity, the salt in Pink Lake doesn’t evaporate. This creates a good environment for microorganisms to grow, and their reaction causes the pink color.
Pink Lake in Walvis Bay, Namibia, was formed by high heat and low humidity combined with strong salt deposits. This creates the perfect conditions for chemical reactions by microorganisms.
