Lake Eyasi day trip
Lake Eyasi day trip offers you a unique opportunity to visit the traditional homeland of the Hadzabe (or Hadza) peoples one of the last surviving hunter-gatherer tribes in the world and to meet their neighbors, the Datoga peoples. This immersive Lake Eyasi day trip begins with a hotel pickup in Arusha at 7:00 AM and departs at 8:00 AM, taking you west toward Karatu in the Ngorongoro Highlands. From there, the Lake Eyasi day trip continues about 50 km southwest to the Lake Eyasi region, where your cultural adventure unfolds.
Upon arrival, the Lake Eyasi day trip brings you to a Hadzabe encampment, where you’ll gain firsthand insight into their traditions and daily life. You’ll have the chance to hunt alongside the men, try your hand at archery, walk with the women as they gather wild plant foods, and shop for unique handmade crafts from the community.
After a picnic lunch, your Lake Eyasi day trip proceeds with a visit to the Datoga people skilled blacksmiths who continue to forge tools and jewelry using age-old techniques. Watch as they smelt metal into arrowheads and utensils, and engage with the women who will share their cultural practices and stories.
In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Karatu and make your way back to Arusha concluding an unforgettable Lake Eyasi day trip filled with authentic cultural experiences.
Important Information:
Hotel pickup: 7am
Departure: 8am from Arusha
Return: Time vary; all tours return to your hotel.
Route
Meals & Accomodations
Morning
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Highlands, passing through rural villages and stunning landscapes. Once you arrive in Karatu, continue your journey to the Lake Eyasi area, located about 50 km southwest.
Once at Lake Eyasi, head to a Hadzabe encampment. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to engage with the Hadzabe people, one of the last surviving hunter-gatherer tribes in the world. Participate in traditional hunting activities with the men, practicing your bow and arrow skills. You’ll also have a chance to join the women as they gather wild plants for food, learning about their survival techniques. As you explore, don’t miss the chance to purchase handmade crafts from the families, such as baskets, jewelry, and other authentic items.
Midday
Take a break to enjoy a picnic lunch by the serene waters of Lake Eyasi. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the morning’s experiences and relax in the beautiful surroundings.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, visit the Datoga tribe, another fascinating group with a rich cultural heritage. Watch the men as they demonstrate their ancient blacksmithing techniques, smelting metal to create arrowheads, tools, and jewelry. You’ll also visit the homes of the Datoga women and learn about their way of life, traditions, and roles within the community.
After spending time with the Datoga, head back to Karatu before beginning your return journey to Arusha.
Evening
Your tour concludes with your arrival back in Arusha, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, having experienced a day filled with rich cultural insights and unforgettable memories.
INCLUDED COST
What to bring on safari
- sturdy shoes (trekking shoes or solid sneakers are sufficient)
- light shoes, flipflop/sandals to wear in camp
- long trousers
- shorts and/or light trousers
- shirts, t-shirts, light blouses
- jumper
- light down jacket and/or rain jacket/windbreaker
- scarf, hat, gloves and warm jumper (May to end of August and higher altitudes like Ngorongoro)
- pyjama
- bathing suit
- sunglasses, sun hat, sun screen
- toilet bag (towels and body wash are always available in camp)
- personal medicines
- glasses, contact lenses
- headlight (especially for camping tours and because we can never find the light switches at night)
- binoculars
- camera with charger/batteries/adapter
- passport, flight tickets, credit card, etc.
- pen (to fill in immigration forms)