Lake Eyasi

It was declared a protected area in 1921 and gazetted. At an elevation of about 3,400 feet (1,040 m), the lake covers an area of about 400 square miles (1,050 square km).

Lake Eyasi is a seasonal shallow endorheic Salt Lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. It is in northern Tanzania, south of the Ngorongoro highlands. You will have plenty of time to enjoy this tranquil environment and to absorb its natural setting. This large lake lays height above sea level. In contrast to the savannah and arid plains of northern national parks, Lake Eyasi offers tall palm trees along its shores.

Wildlife around the Lake

Among the area’s highlights are flamingos, great white pelican, grey-headed gull, yellow-billed stork, pied avocet, and African spoonbill. The two main fish species in the lake are lungfish and catfish.

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.

Excursions and 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.

Travel Time to Lake Eyasi

Arusha – Lake Eyasi: 4 hrs

Ngorongoro Crater – Lake Eyasi: 2.5 hrs