Lac Niamawi, also known as Lac Salé (“Salt Lake”), is a small but stunningly beautiful saltwater crater lake located on the northern coast of Grande Comore, the largest island in the Comoros archipelago. This mystical and alluring natural wonder is set within an old volcanic crater, creating a dramatic landscape where the vibrant, color-changing waters of the lake contrast sharply with the surrounding black volcanic rock. Steeped in local legend and geological intrigue, the lake is a popular destination for visitors seeking serene, picturesque views and a connection to the island’s powerful volcanic origins.

Name and Address

• Name: Lac Niamawi (also known as Lac Salé).
• Address: Located in the northern part of Grande Comore island, the Union of the Comoros, near the coast.

How to Get There

Lac Niamawi is a well-known landmark in the northern part of Grande Comore and is relatively easy to access as a stop on a tour of the island.

• By Car/Taxi (Recommended): The most common way to visit is by hiring a car or taxi, usually as part of a day trip from the capital city, Moroni. The drive north along the coastal road offers beautiful scenery.
• Guided Tours: Most tours that explore the northern part of Grande Comore will include a stop at Lac Salé. This is often the most convenient option, as it combines the lake with other nearby attractions.
• Visitor Tip: The site is easily accessible from the main road. There is a viewpoint at the crater’s rim where you can park and take in the magnificent view. The lake itself is not recommended for swimming due to its sacred status in local legends and unresolved mysteries.

Landscape and Architecture

The “architecture” of Lac Niamawi is entirely natural—a dramatic geological formation that creates a unique and captivating landscape.

• Volcanic Crater Lake: The lake sits perfectly within the crater of an ancient, extinct volcano. The steep, verdant cliffs of the crater rim encircle the water, creating a secluded and self-contained natural amphitheater.
• Saltwater Lake: Unusually for a crater lake, Lac Niamawi is a saltwater lake. It is believed to be connected to the Indian Ocean through a network of subterranean tunnels, which explains its salinity.
• Color-Changing Waters: The lake is famous for its waters that appear to change color throughout the day, shifting between shades of deep blue, emerald green, and turquoise depending on the light and time of day.
• Surrounding Landscape: The area around the lake is characterized by black volcanic rock, a stark and beautiful contrast to the vibrant colors of the water and the lush green vegetation clinging to the crater walls.

What Makes It Famous

Lac Niamawi is famous for its mysterious legends, its unique geology, and its breathtaking, picturesque beauty.

• Rich in Legend: The lake is steeped in local folklore. The most famous legend tells of a holy man who, seeking water, was turned away by every household in the village that once stood where the lake is now. In response to this lack of hospitality, the village was destroyed and flooded, forming the lake. This story adds a deep layer of cultural and spiritual significance to the site.
• The Bottomless Lake: It is often referred to as a “bottomless” lake. This myth was tragically reinforced in the 1970s when a team of divers reportedly attempted to explore its depths and never resurfaced, adding to its mysterious and dangerous reputation.
• A Geological Anomaly: A saltwater lake in a volcanic crater is a fascinating geological feature. Its existence speaks to the island’s volcanic origins and its unique hydrogeological connection to the sea.
• Photogenic Beauty: The stunning contrast of the green and blue water against the black volcanic rock and steep cliffs makes it one of the most photographed and visually striking natural landmarks in the Comoros.

Differences from Other Wonders

Lac Niamawi offers a unique experience that sets it apart from the other major natural attractions of the Comoros.

• Mysterious and Sacred vs. Actively Volcanic: While Mount Karthala is an active, raw, and imposing volcano that offers a challenging physical adventure, Lac Niamawi is a place of myth, mystery, and serene beauty. The experience here is more contemplative and focused on legend and visual splendor rather than a demanding trek.
• A Contained Crater Lake vs. Open Ocean: Unlike the beautiful beaches and coastal areas of the Comoros, Lac Niamawi is a self-contained ecosystem. Its beauty comes from its dramatic enclosure within the crater, a different kind of coastal experience than the open vistas of a beach like Bouni.
• A Legendary Site vs. a Purely Natural Park: While a site like Mohéli National Park is celebrated primarily for its biodiversity (turtles, coral reefs), Lac Niamawi’s fame is equally, if not more, derived from its powerful local legends and mysterious history. It is as much a cultural and spiritual site as it is a natural one.