Lake Eyasi: A Hidden Gem in Northern Tanzania
Lake Eyasi, located in northern Tanzania, lies to the west of Lake Manyara and approximately 95 miles (155 km) southwest of Arusha. Situated at an elevation of about 3,400 feet (1,040 meters), the lake spans roughly 400 square miles (1,050 square kilometers) and sits within a vast volcanic depression. The surrounding landscape features dramatic purple lava walls that enclose the lake’s broad, alkaline shallows, while freshwater exists in depths below 33 feet (10 meters).
This unique lake has no natural outlet, with the main inlet being the Sibiti River flowing in from the southwest. It drains an expansive area of about 25,300 square miles (65,500 square kilometers). The lake’s shoreline is a vibrant habitat, home to large flocks of both greater and lesser flamingos that frequent the region. The stark beauty of Lake Eyasi, combined with its rich biodiversity and volcanic surroundings, makes it a remarkable destination for both nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
About the Hadza: Tanzania’s Last Hunter-Gatherers
The Hadza, also known as the Hadzabe, are an indigenous ethnic group living in central Tanzania, primarily around Lake Eyasi in the central Rift Valley and the neighboring Serengeti Plateau. With a population of just under 1,000 people, the Hadza are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in Africa, with some 300 to 400 individuals continuing their traditional lifestyle, much as they have for thousands, even tens of thousands, of years.
The Hadza are unique in that they are not closely related to any other ethnic group. Although they were traditionally considered an East African branch of the Khoisan peoples due to the distinctive click sounds in their language, modern genetic research suggests they may be more closely related to the Pygmies. Their language is considered a language isolate, meaning it has no known connections to any other language, adding to their distinct cultural identity.
Living a nomadic existence, the Hadza rely on hunting and gathering for survival, hunting game such as birds and small mammals, and foraging for wild fruits, tubers, and honey. Despite the encroachment of modern society, the Hadza have managed to preserve their ancient way of life, making them one of the most fascinating and culturally significant groups in Tanzania.
Hadza Traditional Habitation Areas
The Hadza people traditionally inhabit four main areas during the dry season, each strategically chosen for its resources. These areas include:
- West of the Southern End of Lake Eyasi
- Between Lake Eyasi and the Yaeda
- Valley Swamp to the East
- East of the Yaeda Valley in the Mbulu Highlands
- North of the Yaeda Valley, near the Town of Mang’ola
During the wet season, the Hadza shift their camps outside and between these areas, taking advantage of the changing landscape. They are highly mobile and easily travel between these regions, especially during the dry season, to find sustenance.
Access to the western area is typically achieved by crossing the southern end of Lake Eyasi, which is the first part to dry up, or by navigating the escarpment of the Serengeti Plateau along the northern shore. The Yaeda Valley, a key location for the Hadza, is easily crossed, and the areas on either side connect to the hills south of Mang’ola.
This nomadic movement allows the Hadza to maintain a close relationship with their environment, ensuring their survival and continued access to the resources they rely on.
Hadza Foraging and Hunting Practices
The Hadza traditionally forage beyond their primary habitation areas, venturing into the Yaeda Valley, the slopes of Mount Oldeani north of Mang’ola, and across the Serengeti Plains. This foraging involves hunting, berry collecting, and harvesting honey. Although hunting is generally prohibited in the Serengeti, Tanzanian authorities recognize the unique status of the Hadza and do not enforce these regulations on them. In fact, the Hadza are the only group in Tanzania who are not subject to local or national taxes.
Foraging patterns differ between genders. Hadza men typically forage alone, feeding themselves throughout the day and bringing home honey, fruit, or wild game when available. In contrast, women usually forage in groups and gather berries, baobab fruit, and tubers depending on the season’s offerings. Men and women cooperate in the collection of honey and fruit, with at least one adult male accompanying a group of women when foraging.
During the wet season, the Hadza’s diet consists mostly of honey, fruits, tubers, and the occasional meat. However, the contribution of meat increases during the dry season when game congregates around water sources. During this time, men often hunt in pairs, spending entire nights waiting by waterholes to ambush animals approaching for a drink. They use bows and arrows coated with poison derived from the branches of the shrub Adenium coetaneum.
The Hadza are highly skilled and opportunistic foragers, adapting their diet to the changing seasons and the availability of resources. Some groups may rely more heavily on tubers, while others focus on berries or meat, depending on the circumstances. Although traditionally the Hadza did not use hunting dogs, this practice has been adopted to some extent from neighboring tribes, though over 80% of men still do not rely on dogs for hunting.
