LAKE KARUM - Salt Lake
Hey there, let's talk about this wild spot in Ethiopia called Lake Karum. Which is also referred sometimes as the 'Lake Azale', is not your typical serene lake – this one is known for being crazy salty and pretty hardcore. The locals, the Afar people, have been scooping up salt from this place for ages. And get this, the area around Lake Karum is like one of the hottest and toughest spots on Earth.
So obviously, Lake Karum isn't your go-to for a swim. It's more like a giant salt haven that glistens under the scorching sun. The salt, harvested by the Afar folks, is like their secret recipe passed down through the years. They've figured out this whole waiting game for the lake's water to evaporate, leaving behind a bed of pure salt crystals. It's old-school cool mixed with dealing with nature's curveballs.
Picture this – a lake surrounded by a seriously intense landscape. It's hot, like really hot, with just a sprinkle of vegetation. But guess what? That's what makes Lake Karum stand out. It's like an oasis in the middle of this Ethiopian toughness.
Lake Karum is basically a cool salt spot formed after the Red Sea decided to throw a wild flooding party. Tons of mineral salts crashed there, creating this mega crust. And get this, peeps have been mining salt here since forever. Like, old-school style with hands, not machines. It's 116 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest salt flats ever, spitting out some crazy sought-after salt. Lake Karum's depth makes it even cooler, churning out salt that's like the Beyoncé of all salts – everyone wants it.
The story of Lake Karum isn't just about salt and a lake; it's about this awesome community rocking it in an environment that's throwing heat and saltiness at them. Lake Karum might not be your typical chill spot, but it's got this wild charm that makes you want to dig deeper.