Home to the Hadzabe bushmen, Lake Eyasi is one of the few places remaining in Africa where tribal life is still maintained relatively untouched by the development of the region. The Hadzabe people have called Lake Eyasi home for more than 10,000 years, and still retain their hunter gatherer lifestyle; making them one of the last bastions of ancient African tribal life. A visit to the Hadzabe lands offers a unique and unforgettable glimpse into an ancient culture.
Guests are invited to overnight in these tribal lands as well as witness how these people continue to hunt and forage for their food in the face of Tanzania’s continued development. Observing an early morning hunting display, gathering honey, and traditional dance performances are all part of the experience. It is a cultural experience not to be missed, and it all happens against the backdrop of beautiful Lake Eyasi.
How to get to Lake Eyasi
Tanzania is served by a number of international airlines, including the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. However, the Kilimanjaro International Airport in the north of the country is the closest airport to the Lake Eyasi area.
Depending on your arrival time, you may need to overnight in Arusha, Dar Es Salaam or Zanzibar before continuing on to Lake Eyasi the following day.
From the Kilimanjaro International Airport, it’s around 3.5 hours’ drive on a tarred road to Karutu, followed by an hour on a bumpy dirt road to Ziwani Lodge. Alternatively, it’s just over an hour to Arusha if you’re planning on spending a night there.
Reasons to Visit Burigi-Chato National Park
Few people have heard of Burigi-Chato National Park in Tanzania. Which isn’t too surprising when you consider that this vast park only came into being in June 2019. By Philip Briggs
Tanzania’s fifth-largest national park at 4,707km2, Burigi-Chato is an amalgamation of what were formerly the contiguous Biharamulo, Burigi and Kimisi game reserves. It lies in Kagera, a northwesterly administrative region bounded by Lake Victoria to the east, Uganda to the north and Rwanda to the west.
What to do in Lake Eyasi
Wildlife around Lake Eyasi
Lake Eyasi doesn’t attract big-game wildlife populations as seen in the neighbouring parks and conservation areas, you won’t see the big five here. The lake is a birdwatchers dream due to the many resident species of birds found here.
The shallow waters support a huge diversity of breeding waterbirds from June to November. The main attraction are the large populations of flamingos and great white pelicans. Africa spoonbill, Fischer’s lovebird, gray headed gulls, pied avocet, spurfowl, stork, barbet, weaver and many more birds can be found around the shores of Lake Eyasi.
Another great sighting are the many hippos at Lake Eyasi. The lake is providing them a place to avoid the hot sun during daytime. They are known to come and cool off in its brackish waters when the lake is full. A number of other wildlife species frequent the springs in the surrounding region.
Hadzabe Bushmen Living at Lake Eyasi
The Hadzabe bushmen live in the region around the lake. They are one of the few remaining tribes that still live the same way like they did hundreds of years ago. A visit with the bushmen is worthwhile! They subsist entirely of the bush and by bow hunting. The Hazabe Bushmen are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherers in Africa and live solely on the land. Just as in the Stone Age, like our ancestors did for thousands of years.
Excustions & Activities in lake Eyasi
The Hadzabe bushmen live in the region around Lake Eyasi. You can also find the Datoga and Mbulu tribes here. A visit with the bushmen is worthwhile and they will graciously show you where and how they live and hunt.
They subsist entirely of the bush and by bow hunting. The Hazabe Bushmen are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherers in Africa and live solely on the land. Just as in the Stone Age, like our ancestors did for thousands of years.
Experience the culture, habitat and way of life of the Hadzabe Bushmen first hand on this cultural activity. You go with the Bushman on a hunting trip around Lake Eyasi early in the morning. Learn how they make fire and prepare their food.
In the afternoon you will visit a market where Hadzabe trade their honey, fruits and other things for knives, arrows and spears that the Datoga silversmith’s make.
This cultural activity is absolutely a memorable experience and worth the extra time.
Where to Stay ?
The bandas at Nkonje Rangers Post and the 5-unit Nkonje Tented Camp are scheduled to open in July 2023. Until such time as they do, it is permitted to camp at Nkonje Rangers Post. This has a clean ablution block and a shaded picnic area.
Camping costs US$30pp + VAT. The bandas and tented camp rates are likely to be in line with the charges in other national parks: US$30-50pp + VAT charged in other national parks. Call +255 28 2983024 or WhatsApp +255 (0)788 010040 for up to date information.
If you’re looking for a room in Kayanga, we can recommend the GSS Hotel, which charges US$25 for an adequate en-suite double room with hot showers. It also has safe parking and a good garden restaurant.
Best time to Visit Lake Eyasi
The lake can be visited all year round. Lake Eyasi experiences a dry season from June to October and two rainy seasons which transform the landscape into a lush expanse of grasses.
The short rains occur in November and December with sporadic showers and the longer rains occur from middle of March to May. Walking trails and roads will be effected by heavy rains, so it might impact the ease of for your travel.
Best Lake Eyasi Safari Tours
The Lake doesn’t attract many animals, but our clients enjoy the hippos and of course the flamingos. Many guest take part in hunting and learn some interesting skills from the Hadzabe.
