Lake Eyasi
Lake Eyasi is a shallow, seasonal salt lake located at the base of the Great Rift Valley in northern Tanzania, near the Ngorongoro Crater. It is known for its serene, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere and its rich cultural significance, rather than for typical safari wildlife. The lake’s shores are home to the Hadza (Hadzabe) and Datoga tribes, some of the last remaining hunter-gatherers and pastoralists in East Africa, offering visitors a rare opportunity to learn about these ancient cultures.
The landscape around Lake Eyasi is rugged and starkly beautiful, with acacia woodlands, scrublands, and sweeping views of the Rift Valley escarpment. The lake itself, although often dry for much of the year, can flood during the rainy season, attracting a variety of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
Visitors to Lake Eyasi typically focus on cultural experiences, including spending time with the Hadza people, who still live by traditional hunting and gathering. You can accompany them on hunts, learn about their tracking techniques, and witness how they use bows and arrows to hunt small game. The Datoga tribe, known for their skills in blacksmithing, also welcome visitors to their communities, where you can observe how they forge tools and weapons.
Lake Eyasi offers a peaceful, cultural retreat from the busier safari circuits and is perfect for travelers interested in Tanzania’s indigenous cultures and unique landscapes. It is often included as part of a broader northern Tanzania itinerary, alongside visits to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire.