Lake Eyasi: visit the last original gatherers and hunters in Africa and experience their way of life up close
Facts Lake Eyasi:
- Shallow, salty lake in the East African Rift Valley without an outlet
- Surrounding area home to various Tanzanian tribes
- Size: Approximately 300 km2 depending on water level
- There are a handful of accommodations nearby
Getting here from Arusha:
-
190 km = Three and a half hour drive by safari car
Best time to visit:
- Possible all year round
Highlights Lake Eyasi:
- Go on a traditional hunt with the Hadzabe tribe
- Watch the Datoga tribe making tools
- Marvel at large onion farms in the area
One of the many lakes in the East African Rift Valley, Lake Eyasi lies immediately southwest of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The salty body of water has several seasonal and one permanent inflow, the Sibiti River, and no outflow. Depending on the amount of rainfall, the lake sometimes dries up almost completely. The depth is no more than ten meters, even at high water. The lake is a seasonal habitat for flamingos and large quantities of onions are grown in the area around Lake Eyasi. The Hadzabe tribe has lived around the lake as a nomadic people for 50,000 years. The Hadzabe are considered to be one of the last hunter-gatherers in Africa. During your visit, you can join the Hadzabe on a traditional hunt for birds, gazelles or even monkeys, all of which are on the menu. You also have the opportunity to gain an insight into the traditions and way of life of these indigenous people. Over the last 3,000 years, other tribes have settled in the Lake Eyasi region, including the Datoga people. They are considered to be excellent blacksmiths and practice agriculture and livestock farming. You can also visit them during your stay at the lake.