Dakar: the Western Edge of Africa and Lac Rose

Dakar occupies the Cap-Vert Peninsula, the westernmost point of mainland Africa, with the Atlantic on three sides. Les Mamelles, two volcanic hills (105 m and 100 m) at the westernmost tip, are topped by a lighthouse; from the lighthouse terrace, the Atlantic opens in a full 270-degree arc with the peninsula visible behind. Gorée Island, 3 kilometres southeast by ferry, is a UNESCO World Heritage site; the House of Slaves faces west-southwest — at sunset the colonial facade catches the low western light above the water. Lac Rose (Lac Retba), 35 kilometres northeast, turns pink to deep crimson depending on salinity concentration and season: the lake photographs most intensely in the dry season (November through April) at golden hour, when oblique light maximises the pink saturation on the water. At 14.7°N, golden hour lasts about 22 minutes. The harmattan winds (December through March) can reduce visibility but also create diffused atmospheric light over the ocean.