Lake Eyasi

Lake Eyasi, situated on the southern edge of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is a vast seasonal soda lake that offers a rare glimpse into both the country’s natural and cultural diversity. Surrounded by the rugged walls of the Rift Valley escarpment and dotted with acacia woodlands and rocky outcrops, the lake provides a striking landscape that contrasts beautifully with the nearby highlands. Although the water levels fluctuate dramatically depending on the season, Lake Eyasi remains a vital habitat for numerous bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and herons, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. Beyond its scenic beauty, Lake Eyasi is best known for being home to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes—two of Tanzania’s most fascinating and culturally rich communities. The Hadzabe, among the last remaining hunter-gatherers in East Africa, maintain a traditional lifestyle that has changed little over thousands of years, relying on hunting with bows and arrows and gathering wild fruits and honey. The nearby Datoga people, skilled blacksmiths and pastoralists, offer another glimpse into the country’s deep cultural heritage. Visitors to Lake Eyasi can experience immersive cultural tours, join the Hadzabe on an early-morning hunt, witness traditional metalworking, or simply enjoy the serenity of the lake at sunset. Accessible via a short drive from Karatu or the Ngorongoro area, Lake Eyasi provides a peaceful and authentic complement to a northern Tanzania safari—offering both a journey through stunning natural landscapes and a living connection to Tanzania’s ancient human history.