More Details on Lake Eyasi

Lake Eyasi is a mildly alkaline lake about 50 km in length. It takes a little over an hour to get there from Ngorongoro Crater. The meadows along the shores of the lake are home to leopard, hippo, various monkeys and birds. Lake Eyasi is an ideal destination for relaxing and bird-watching. You can also visit members of the Hadzabe tribe, one of the last surviving hunter-gatherer groups in Africa. Jump to the detailed itinerary...

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The Hadzabe are one of two remaining hunter-gatherer tribes remaining in Tanzania. There are approximately 1500 families left in this tribe, and their numbers are decreasing rapidly due to loss of land, diminishing populations of game, and little protection from the government. Much of the Hadzabe's traditional land has been cultivated, and it is believed that the tribe will continue to lose their land until some government protection is established.

Duma Explorer offers cultural tours to Lake Eyasi. We believe that increased tourism interest in this tribe will encourage the government to protect the Hadzabe's land. Our tours promote the tribe's cultural traditions. All visitors are accompanied by a local guide who has been approved by the tribe. Activities during Lake Eyasi visits include accompanying hunters while they hunt bushmeat, learning to make jewelry with the women, watching the production of traditional weapons and instruments, and learning the Hadzabe's click language. Walk with guides to the shores of Lake Eyasi to learn about the history of the area. You will sleep at a campsite owned by a local village leader.

Lake Eyasi offers excellent views of the Rift Valley escarpment. Lake Eyasi visits can be added to any northern circuit safari. We recommend a two day visit.

Lake Eyasi Lodge Itinerary

Arrival Day: Afternoon with the Datoga
11:30am - 12:30pm: Arrive Kisima Ngeda, check in and explore the lodge.
12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunch at Kisima Ngeda with Momoya Muhidoti (your Datoga guide for the next two days)
1:30pm - 2:30pm: Briefing on activities and schedule. (there will be several guidelines that Momoya will go over with the group)
3pm - 6:30pm: Visit the Datoga blacksmiths. Learn how to make jewelry, arrows, tools, etc. Visit the Datoga family group. Tour traditional homes, grind maize, build livestock hedge, talk with women (through translator), learn about traditional dress.
7:30pm: Return to Kisima Ngeda

Day Two: Morning with Hadzabe, evening with Datoga
6am - 12pm (Option 1): Hunt/gather honey with the Hadzabe men. Up to 4 miles walking over rough terrain required.
8am - 12pm (Option 2): Visit with the Hadzabe women and children. Learn how to make jewelry with porcupine quills and beads. Dig for roots and gather fruit.
12pm: Return to Kisima Ngeda for lunch.
1pm - 2pm: Lunch
2pm - 3pm: Relax around lodge. Walk to Lake Eyasi, visit fishpond, climb kopje behind lodge.
3pm - 6pm (Option 1): Sew clothes with Datoga women.
6pm - 7pm: Return to Kisima Ngeda for dinner and overnight.

Day Three: Morning with Hadzabe
6am - 11am (Option 1): Gather honey/hunt with the Hadzabe men.
6am - 11am (Option 2): Make poison for arrows; learn how to shoot arrows and make fires.
11am: Return to Kisima Ngeda for brunch viewing onion farms along the way.
1pm: Depart for Ngorongoro.