From Ankara to the White Horizon of Lake Tuz

One hundred and fifty kilometres south-east of Ankara, beside the Konya road, Turkey's second largest lake dries almost completely in summer and becomes a salt flat stretching to the horizon. The thin film of water mirrors the sky, turns orange and pink at sunset, and people walking on it seem to float among the clouds. Lake Tuz is the most photogenic day trip you will make from Ankara, and all it asks of you is to be there at the right hour.

By car follow the Ankara–Konya road (D750) south; approaching Şereflikoçhisar you will see signs for the Tuz Gölü facilities on the right, and the drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours. By public transport, buses from AŞTİ to Şereflikoçhisar or Aksaray can drop you at the facilities; but check return times in advance, because waiting on a deserted roadside in the dark is nobody's plan.

Leaving in the afternoon is enough; be at the facilities an hour before sunset. Access to the lake from the municipal facilities is free. Walk out on the salt crust, but keep away from the wet and muddy parts, where you can sink to the ankle, and salty mud is hard to get off. In May and June the lake holds more water and the reflection is stronger; from July to September the salt dries fully and microorganisms tint the surface pink. In spring flamingos breed along the northern shores; seeing them takes binoculars and patience, as they rarely come near the facility side.

For photographs, the most striking frames are low-angle reflections where the thin water remains; when sky and salt merge the horizon disappears. Something colourful to wear gives scale and a focal point on the white flat, so do not dress in black. The blue hour after sunset offers another quarter of an hour of shooting, but stay close to the facilities to find your way back in the dark.

The facilities have a cafe and shops selling salt products; for a proper meal go into Şereflikoçhisar, known for its sac kavurma and tandır. A tea stop at Kulu or Bala breaks up the drive back.

If you have time, look from outside at the huge white mounds of the salt works north of Şereflikoçhisar; entry is not permitted but the sight is striking. The night road is quiet and you will get back to Ankara comfortably.

Sunglasses, a hat and plenty of water are essential; there is no shade on the flat and the reflection doubles the sun. Salt corrodes shoes, camera gear and the underside of the car, so wear old trainers or sandals and wash the car afterwards. On windy days salt dust gets in your eyes. The temperature drops fast after sunset, so a light jacket is welcome. There is no swimming; the water is only a few centimetres deep anyway.