LAKE EYASI , TANZANIA, You can get a cultural experience at Lake Eyasi that is unlike anything else you should ever do. Several bushmen groups live around this big salty lake at the base of the Great Rift Valley. It is one of the few places in Africa where traditional tribal life still goes on as it has for thousands of years.

The Hadzabe people are hunter-gatherers who have lived in this area for 10,000 years by bow hunting and collecting honey and fruits. You can meet them here and even follow them around. The Tindiga are another group of bushmen who have lived off the land for hundreds of years and depend on Lake Eyasi for their survival.

The Datooga are a different group you might meet. They are very good at making silver objects, and they sell their spears with the Hadazbe for skins and meat from animals.

You can see this area on foot, like these traditional people did. Go on hikes and enjoy the amazing birds around Lake Eyasi. Visiting this strange place is a great way to end your safari.

The Hunt: People who go on safari are welcome to stay the night in the area and be a part of the Hadzabe’s daily life and ceremonies. They are kind enough to show you how they hunt by making bows out of giraffe tendon. You can go with them as they hunt small animals, or you can go with the women as they look for food or honey.

Then watch their traditional dances, which will give you a one-of-a-kind culture experience. All of this will happen by the beautiful lake.

A Birdwatcher’s Dream

Lake Eyasi has a warm climate, which is different from many of the areas around it. There are doum palms all over the area, where you might see Fisher’s lovebirds nesting.

Flamingos, gulls, white pelicans, yellow-billed storks, avocets, and African spoonbills are some other birds you might see near the lake.

Lake Eyasi Brings People Together Culturally – The Hadzabe people who live in the area are friendly and love showing off their hunter-gatherer way of life. They will show you their cave homes and take you on a hunt. They speak a unique language with a clear clicking sound. This is a rare look into a way of life that has been around for tens of thousands of years.

Hiking: The lake and the area around it are very pretty, so they are great for neighborhood hikes. Hike along its shores with a guide for a full or half-day, and you’ll see old rock art.

Local towns: The Hadzabe and Datooga people live in towns that are easy to get to on foot. You can meet these friendly people there.

Birdwatching: The lakeshore and the places around it are full of colorful and active birds.

Ghorofani Market: A market is held every fifth of the month just a few kilometers from the northeastern part of the lake. As you walk, you can see people shopping and selling from all around the lake.