Southwest of Lake Manyara and east of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Eyasi is a shallow soda lake best known for offering one of the most remarkable cultural experiences in Tanzania: a visit to the Hadzabe and Datooga tribes.
The Hadzabe (Hadza) are one of the last true hunter-gatherer tribes remaining in the world. They have consistently rejected outside attempts to integrate them into modern society — free homes and schools were abandoned as they returned to their traditional ways. They hunt with bow and arrow, forage for honey and wild roots, and build temporary dwellings from sticks and leaves in a matter of hours. Visitors can join them on a hunt, learn to make fire without matches, test their archery, and share in their dances. They are a warm and welcoming people.
The Datooga are pastoralists and skilled metalworkers — they melt scrap metal and craft arrowheads and knives, which they trade with the Hadzabe. They are a more private tribe, but welcome respectful visits accompanied by a local guide.
The surrounding area also offers small-scale onion farming, and a visit to a local farm can be arranged for additional insight into life around the lake.