Plizio Visual Lab
Lake Razzaza
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Lake
Weather…
Water temperature…
Lake Razzaza, known locally as Bahr al-Milh or Sea of Salt, is the second largest lake in Iraq, situated on the border between the Karbala and Al-Anbar provinces. In its maximum expansion phase, the water body covered an area of 1,501 square kilometers, but its volume has drastically reduced in recent decades. The lake was formed in the 1970s, primarily as a retention basin for floodwaters directed from Lake Habbaniyah through the Majarra canal. The lack of natural drainage outlets, combined with a high evaporation rate in the desert area, has led to an extreme increase in salinity. Despite this process, Lake Razzaza remains a relevant wintering perimeter for migratory birds, including flamingos and pelicans.
- Location: Iraq
- Nearby: Fallujah (55 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 12 | 17 | 23 | 29 | 34 | 37 | 36 | 32 | 26 | 17 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 22 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 19 | 15 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access to the second largest lake in the country is typically achieved by road from nearby urban centers, requiring a private vehicle or a hired driver due to the remote nature of the region.
Best season
The most favorable time for a visit is generally during the cooler months from late autumn to early spring, avoiding the extreme and potentially dangerous heat of the intense summer season in this climate.
Terrain & paths
The surroundings of this vast salt lake primarily feature flat and arid landscapes with loose sandy patches and rocky edges, making the ground generally accessible but occasionally uneven near the water.
What to bring
Visitors should prioritize sun protection, bringing wide-brimmed hats, high-quality sunglasses, and abundant drinking water, alongside comfortable walking shoes for navigating the dusty or sandy shores.
Parking
Parking is usually informal and unmarked near the main access points to the lake shore, so drivers should look for stable ground to leave their vehicles safely before exploring the surrounding natural area.
Safety
Due to the isolated nature of the area, travelers should ensure they have reliable means of communication and a fully fueled vehicle, while remaining cautious of the extreme heat and the high salt content.
Time needed
A typical visit to enjoy the panoramic views and the stark beauty of the saline landscape usually takes about two to four hours, not including the significant transit time required from the nearest cities.
Geography
Facts
- Second largest Iraqi lake, reaching 1,501 sq km.
- Known by the alternative name Bahr al-Milh.
- Formed in the 1970s as a basin for floodwaters.
- High salinity levels due to extreme evaporation.
- Functions as a wintering area for flamingo flocks.
- Situated between Karbala and Al-Anbar provinces.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lake Razzaza also called the 'Salt Lake'?
Because of its high salinity, which has increased over the years.
Where is Lake Razzaza located?
Between the Karbala and Al-Anbar provinces.
Are there fish in the lake?
There used to be many, today the stock is depleted due to salinity.
Can you camp at Lake Razzaza?
There are no official sites; wild camping is theoretically possible.
What is the water level like today?
The water level has dropped significantly in recent decades.
Lake Razzaza: where is it located?
Lake Razzaza is located in Iraq.
Lake Razzaza: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Lake Razzaza: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Razzaza, known locally as Bahr al-Milh or Sea of Salt, is the second largest lake in Iraq, situated on the border between the Karbala and Al-Anbar provinces.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Iraq →
Nearby cities
Karbala
One of the holiest places for Shia Muslims, known for the Battle of Karbala.
Fallujah
A city on the Euphrates in Al Anbar province, known as the city of mosques.
Ramadi
The capital of the Al Anbar Governorate, located on the Euphrates.
Al Musayyib
A city on the Euphrates in Babil province, important for agriculture.
Abu Ghraib
A suburb west of Baghdad, located in the Baghdad Governorate.
Nature
More places
Al-Ukhaidir Fortress
A massive fortress from the Abbasid period rising lonely in the desert.
Karbala Refinery
A modern, strategic refinery in the Karbala Governorate, built to the latest environmental standards to reduce imports.
Imam Husayn Shrine
The mausoleum of the third Shia Imam and a center of deeply rooted religious traditions.
Iskandariya Industrial Complex
One of the largest and most important industrial zones in central Iraq, known for manufacturing vehicles and heavy machinery.