Hadza bushmen and the Datoga homesteads of Lake Eyasi

The Hadza Bushmen and the Datoga Homesteads

South of Karatu and the Ngorongoro crater lies Lake Eyasi. There is not much wildlife interest here, except for some seasonal flamingos, but there are opportunities for cultural interaction with the Hadza Bushmen.

The Hadza Bushmen are the last remaining group of san/bushmen (nomadic hunter-gatherer people) in Tanzania. All other such groups are in southern Africa. The Hadza probably only number around 1300 people, but only 300 or so people still follow a traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle. They speak in the distinctive click-based language which they share with their distant southern cousins. But they are considered to be completely isolated and not genetically connected to any other group. A small minority still keep to their original ways and you can join them as they go hunting or forage for plants to eat. Yes, this intersection between tourism and a way of life is not completely natural. But it does allow them to earn some money to supplement their traditional way of life in the 21st century.

You can also visit one of the Datoga homesteads. The Datoga people have become pastoralists and farmers and so live a more land-based existence.

This is a fascinating cultural experience far removed from sitting in a game vehicle on a safari. Typically, you drive south from the Ngorongoro to Lake Eyasi and spend a morning there before returning for lunch.

Note: We do not arrange visits to the Hadza people independent of a safari. This is a visit which we can arrange ONLY IF you are booking your safari with us. If you have booked elsewhere, we suggest that you ask your travel specialist to arrange it.