55 Salt Flats in 14 Countries
The world is full of unique natural wonders, one of which is salt flats. Often referred to as natural salt pans, they are essentially flat expanses of land, which are covered in salt along with other minerals.
Salt flats typically need three basic things to form, including a source of salts, an arid climate (with high levels of evaporation), and an enclosed basin that doesn’t drain out to sea. As such, you’ll often find them in areas with low levels of precipitation.
This list covers salt flats from all around the world, ranging from Bolivia to the United States.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest continuous salt flat and was left behind by prehistoric lakes. It covers 4,086 square miles, which makes this salt flat a similar size to Hawaii’s Big Island. Sometimes, the nearby lakes overflow onto the salt plan and a thin layer of water transforms Salar de Uyuni into a reflective mirror.
How to get there? Fly into Uyuni Airport (UYU), also known as Joya Andina Airport. Many organized tours to Salar de Uyuni start from the town of Uyuni. Alternatively, you can use public transport to reach the surrounding villages.
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, United States
Bonneville Salt Flats is an ancient dry lake bed, which covers approximately 46 square miles. Not only are these salt flats impressive, but the famous Bonneville Speedway is located here. This is where amateur racers go to break land speed records. The Salt Flats Rest Areas offer the best views (there’s an eastbound and westbound rest area).
How to get there? Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the closest airport. From here, it’s around a 1.5-hour drive via the I-80 W. Alternatively, you can base yourself in Wendover, which is just a few minutes away by car.
Atacama Salt Flats, Chile
The Atacama Salt Flats are the country’s largest salt deposit. It covers approximately 115,830 square miles and there’s a large salt lake below the rough surface. Small lagoons have formed here, which attract various bird species, such as flamingos.
How to get there? You’ll fly into El Loa Airport (CJC), which serves the city of Calama. The town of San Pedro de Atacama is just over an hour’s drive away. Tours and taxis run to Atacama Salt Flats from here.
According to Wikipedia, there are over a dozen salt flats in Chile. As well as Salar de Atacama, there’s also:
- Salar de Aguas Calientes IV
- Salar de Ascotán
- Salar de Carcote
- Salar de Gorbea
- Salar Ignorado
- Salar de Pajonales
- Salar de Pedernales
- Salar de Punta Negra
- Salar de Quisquiro
- Salar de Pujsa
- Salar del Huasco
- Salar de Surire Natural Monument
- Salar de Talar
Badwater Basin, California, United States
Badwater Basin is located in Death Valley National Park. At 282 feet below sea level, it’s the lowest point in North America. The salt flats at Badwater Basin cover nearly 200 square miles and are made up of mostly table salt (sodium chloride). You can walk onto the salt flats for the best views, or head along the boardwalk.
How to get there? Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the closest airport. From here, it’s just under a 2.5-hour drive to Badwater Basin. Unless you plan to hire a car, you’ll need to visit Death Valley on a tour, as there’s no public transportation to the park.
According to Wikipedia, there are 11 other salt flats in California. These are:
- Bristol Lake
- Coyote Lake
- Deep Springs Lake
- El Mirage Lake
- Koehn Lake
- Owens Lake
- Racetrack Playa
- Rogers Dry Lake
- Rosamond Lake
- Searles Lake
- Soda Lake
WHERE TO STAY – Search for California eco-lodges nearby.
Chott el Djerid, Tunisia
Chott el Djerid is a large salt lake located near the border of Algeria. Covering more than 2,700 square miles it’s the largest lake in Tunisia. The saltwater here ranges in color, from light greens to vibrant oranges, depending on the conditions.
How to get there? Tozeur-Nefta International Airport (TOE) is the closest airport. It’s around a 5-minute drive from the town of Tozeur, which is a great base for exploring Chott el Djerid.
Coipasa Lake, Bolivia
Also known as Salar de Coipasa, this salt lake covers approximately 960 square miles. The environment here is arid, but Coipasa Lake does receive water from the Lauca River, although this can drop off during droughts.
How to get there? Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) over the border in Chile is one of the closest airports. From here, it’s approximately a 4-5 hour drive. Coipasa Lake is quite difficult to reach so an organized tour is probably your best option.
Dukhan Sabkha, Qatar
Dukhan Sabkha is one of the largest salt flats in the Persian Gulf. This sabkha covers an area of around 28 square miles and is the lowest point in Qatar. It’s believed that Dukhan Sabkha is fed by seawater from the Bay of Zekreet.
How to get there? Hamad International Airport (DOH) is the closest airport to Dukhan Sabkha. It’s just over an hour’s drive from the airport, along the Dukhan Hwy.
Etosha Pan, Namibia
The Etosha Pan is located within Etosha National Park and is its most distinctive feature. It covers roughly 25% of the park (around 1,853 square miles) and is a vital breeding ground for flamingos. It’s also a great place for wildlife watching.
How to get there? Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport (OND) is the closest domestic airport. However, many people fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) first and then changeover, or drive the 6-hour journey. Some safari lodges will also offer transfers.
Great Salt Lake, Utah, United States
The Great Salt Lake is the Western Hemisphere’s largest salt lake, as well as the 8th largest in the world, at 75 miles long and 35 miles wide. Thanks to its surrounding wetlands and salt flats, the lake is vital for migrating and nesting birds.
How to get there? Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the closest airport as it’s around a 20-minute drive away. Alternatively, you can just stay in Salt Lake City. From here, you can take a taxi to the lake or head on an organized tour.
Great Salt Plains Lake, Oklahoma, United States
The Great Salt Plains Lake is located alongside Great Salt Plains State Park. Not only does this area boast 11,200 acres of salt flats, but you can find selenite crystals here. The crystal digging season runs from April to October and is a fun activity for families.
How to get there? Nearby airports include Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) and Tulsa International Airport (TUL). From both airports, it’s a 2-3 hour drive to Great Salt Plains Lake.
Groom Lake, Nevada, United States
Groom Lake is one of the more unique salt flats on this list as it’s located in Area 51 so isn’t accessible to the public. The lake is found at an elevation of 4,409 feet and has a circumference of approximately 11.3 miles.
How to get there? Unlike other salt flats in this list, you can’t actually visit Groom Lake due to its location in Area 51. The closest public vantage point is Tikaboo Peak, a mountain in Nevada.
Hakskeenpan, South Africa
Hakskeenpan (also referred to as Hakskeen Pan) is located in the Kalahari Desert. This huge dry lakebed covers an area of approximately 54 square miles, making it the largest unworked saltpan in the world. It was also the site of the Bloodhound team’s land speed record attempt.
How to get there? Many people fly into Upington International Airport (UTN) which is around a 2.5-hour drive away. Hakskeenpan is located right by the borders of Namibia and Botswana, so you could always travel overland too.
Lake Callabonna, Australia
Lake Callabonna is found in South Australia’s Far North region. It covers around 62 square miles and is an important site for birdlife and late Pleistocene fossils. In 1901, the surrounding area was designated a Fossil Reserve.
How to get there? Whyalla Airport (WYA) is the closest regional airport to Lake Callabonna. The lake is very remote so it’s difficult to get to, with the nearby Moolawatana being around a 7-hour drive from the airport. Access is also restricted.
WHERE TO STAY – Search for Australian eco-lodges nearby.
Lake Urmia, Iran
Lake Urmia was once the largest lake in the Middle East, but now it’s primarily a salt flat. Measures were put in place to restore the water volume through water diversion, but research suggests that Lake Urmia has still shrunk by 90% since 1979.
How to get there? Urmia International Airport (OMH) is the closest airport. Lake Urmia is a 30-40 minute drive away. Those flying into Urmia will likely get fantastic views of the salt lake from above.
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Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
With an area of over 11,580 square miles, Makgadikgadi Pans are the world’s largest salt pans. This natural wonder is so large it can actually be viewed from space! This area is also home to one of the largest zebra populations in Africa and is vital for local wildlife (especially during the wet season).
How to get there? Maun International Airport (MUB) is the closest airport to Makgadikgadi Pans. There’s just under a 3-hour drive between the two. Some safari lodges and camps will also offer transfers.
Namak Lake, Iran
Dasht-e Kavir (also known as the Great Salt Desert) lies in the middle of the Iranian Plateau. Within this huge expanse, you’ll find Namak Lake (or Daryahcheh-e Namak). It has a surface area of about 695 square miles and is known for its rich minerals; Halite, Magnesia, and Sylvite.
How to get there? Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is the closest airport to Namak Lake. From here, you’ll primarily head along Route 7 until you see a tourist sign.
Ntwetwe Pan, Botswana
Ntwetwe Pan is a large salt flat within Botswana’s Makgadikgadi region. Although Ntwetwe is now a seasonal lake that fills during the wet season, it has an interesting history too. Significant archaeological items have been found here, including Stone Age tools.
How to get there? Maun International Airport (MUB) is the closest airport to Ntwetwe Pan. From here, you’ll drive to one of the nearby villages or safari lodges, many of which offer tours.
Nxai Pan, Botswana
Nxai Pan is another salt flat within the Makgadikgadi region of Botswana. Located within Nxai Pan National Park, this ancient saltpan offers fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities during the wet season (November to March). Here, you can spot large herds of zebra and wildebeest, as well as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas among other species.
How to get there? Maun International Airport (MUB) is the closest airport. It’s just over a 3.5-hour drive to Nxai Pan from here. Camps along the salt pan may also offer transfers.
Papoose Lake, Nevada, United States
Papoose Lake is situated in Nevada’s Desert National Wildlife Range, within the Groom Lake Facility (Area 51). Not much is known about this dry lakebed due to its secretive location.
How to get there? As is the case with Groom Lake, Papoose Lake is inaccessible to the public due to its location. This is because Area 51 is a restricted area.
Petregan Playa, Iran
Petregan Playa is located in Iran’s Zirkuh County, near the border with Afghanistan. This salt flat lies 2,000 feet above sea level and footprints of prehistoric animals have been found here.
How to get there? Due to its location in Zirkuh County, Mashhad Hashemi Nejad International Airport (MHD) is one of the closest airports. From here, it’s around a 5-6 hour drive away.
Pilot Valley Playa, Nevada and Utah, United States
Pilot Valley Playa is a salt pan and playa that stretches across Elko County (Nevada) and Box Elder County (Utah). Located at an elevation of just over 4,200 feet, Pilot Valley Playa is surrounded by mountains. It also encounters extreme temperatures and high winds.
How to get there? Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the closest airport to Pilot Valley Playa. The journey by car takes under 2.5 hours.
Qarhan Playa, China
The Qarhan Playa (Salt Plain) is an expansive salt flat that’s divided into four different sections. Within these sections, there are numerous salt lakes to be found. The Qarhan Playa covers an area of 2,261 square miles and is known for its huge salt reserves.
How to get there? The closest domestic airport is Xining Caojiabao Airport (XNN). However, Qarhan Playa is very remote, so you can expect a long car journey (in excess of 7.5 hours).
Salar de Antofalla, Argentina
Salar de Antofalla is an impressive salt flat located near the border of Chile. With a length of over 93 miles, it’s considered one of the world’s longest salt flats. The average altitude of Salar de Antofalla is 12,795 feet above sea level.
How to get there? Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA) is one of the closest airports to this salt flat, and even that is over a 10-hour drive away, so you can expect a long journey!
Salar de Arizaro, Argentina
Salar de Arizaro is one of the world’s largest salt flats, spanning over 600 square miles. Here, you’ll find a unique natural formation called Cono de Arita (it almost looks like a pyramid). The Salta–Antofagasta railway also crosses this salt flat in the middle.
How to get there? Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA) is between a 7-8 hour drive from Salar de Arizaro. Like Salar de Antofalla, this salt flat is very remote.
Salar de Chalviri, Bolivia
Salar de Chalviri is located in Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. It’s located at an elevation of around 14,429 feet and the Termas de Polques hot springs are found nearby. Salar de Chalviri is best accessed by car and travelers should allow at least an hour for their visit.
How to get there? El Loa Airport (CJC) in Chile is one of the closest airports to Salar de Chalviri. The salt flat is around a 3-4 hour drive away.
Salar del Hombre Muerto, Argentina
Salar del Hombre Muerto covers approximately 230 square miles and its name translates to ‘Dead Man’s Salt Flat’. The salt flat is known for its brilliant white color, and occasionally, Salar del Hombre Muerto receives enough rainfall to be covered by a thin layer of water.
How to get there? Salar del Hombre Muerto is in a remote location. Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA) is one of the closest airports, which is still around a 7-hour drive away.
Salinas Grandes, Argentina
Salinas Grandes is one of Argentina’s most popular salt flats. It covers 82 square miles and is located at an average altitude of 11,318 feet above sea level. Like Salar del Hombre Muerto, this salt flat is also known for its striking white color.
How to get there? Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA) is the closest airport, as it’s around a 3.5-hour drive away. Alternatively, you can stay in Salta and take a guided tour from there.
Salt Lake, Maranjab Desert, Iran
Within the Maranjab Desert in Iran, there’s a popular salt lake (also known as Masileh). Although it holds water from the Shour River, this salt lake is dry for most of the year and covered in salt. Sargardan Island is located within the lake.
How to get there? Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is one of the closest airports. It’s under a 3-hour drive away or you can hop on a day trip to the desert from Tehran.
Sossusvlei, Namibia
Sossusvlei is one of the most striking slat flats on this list, with its red sand dunes and white salt pan. Located in the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is one of Namibia’s top attractions. It’s an endorheic drainage basin for the Tsauchab River.
How to get there? Hosea Kutako International Airport first (WDH) is one of the closest airports. From here, it’s under a 5.5-hour drive to Sossusvlei. Some nearby lodges also have a private airstrip.
Sua Pan, Botswana
Sua Pan is located within Botswana’s Makgadikgadi region. Also known as the Sowa Pan, it’s a seasonal lake that typically fills with water during the wet season. Sua Pan is known for its sodium chloride reserves, with a mining company being located here throughout the year.
How to get there? PG Matante International Airport (FRW), which serves the city of Francistown, is the closest airport. It’s around a 2-hour drive from Sua Pan.
Verneukpan, South Africa
Verneukpan is a widespread salt pan and is approximately 35 miles long. Although very barren, this salt flat is a popular spot for camping and adventure sports. Verneukpan is a well-known kiting destination but it’s also popular with bikes and 4X4s.
How to get there? Upington International Airport (UTN) is the closest airport as it’s around a 2-hour drive away. Those flying into Cape Town will have over a 7-hour drive (or you can then take a domestic flight).
More natural wonders around the world
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.