Located to the immediate southwest of Ngorngoro Crater in the crater highlands, Lake Eyasi is a 1050 km² soda lake and one of several picturesque lakes in Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley. The scenery of Lake Eyasi is tropical with palm trees bordering its shores, making it differ greatly from the savannah and arid plains of the surrounding areas. The presence of a variety of birds such as Fischer lovebirds, flamingos, great white pelicans, yellow-billed storks, barbets, weavers, African spoonbills, grey-headed gulls and many others, make Lake Eyasi a bird lover’s paradise
Exploring this wild, uncharted territory on foot is the best way to go, with long walks along the shores of the lake and afternoons spent exploring the area dotted with ancient baobab trees.
The region surrounding Lake Eyasi is home to the Hadzabe Bushmen – Africa’s last remaining hunter-gatherers who live solely off the land. Here, you can visit the village and interact with the people, as well as take part in a hunting expedition with the Hadzabe men as your guides. You can also meet with the Datoga community – a semi-nomadic pastoralist tribe. The Datoga have upheld their traditional way of life, as well as the worship cults of their ancient ancestors with their rainmaking rituals and healing magic. The extent to which their customs and traditions have been maintained is simply astonishing.
Best time to visit Lake Eyasi
Almost any time of year is a good time to visit Lake Eyasi with only mid-March to May being questionable as this is when the long rains occur, which can affect the quality of the walking trails and roads. Nonetheless, the rainy season is when the hippos come to the area in search of water to cool off, while the scenery transforms to lush expanses of grass, which can be quite beautiful to see. The rainy season is also the best time for bird watching.
In the dry season from June to October, the lake is virtually non-existent which means the animals are forced to gather around the small remaining waterholes, making for easier wildlife viewing.
The short rains occur in November and December with sporadic showers, whereas January and February are very hot and humid months.
Top Highlights
- Guided walks around Lake Eyasi and/or a hunting expedition with the Hadzabe Bushmen
- A visit to a local Datoga Boma
- A visit to a local traditional blacksmith
- Wildlife encounters
- Birdwatching