On the southern shore of Lake Eyasi, at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, the Hadzabe are among the last true hunter-gatherer communities left on earth, living much as their ancestors have for tens of thousands of years. Sharing this dry, thorn-bush country are the Datoga, a pastoralist and blacksmithing people renowned for forging their own tools, spears, and jewellery by hand.
This full-day expedition begins at first light, joining a group of Hadzabe men as they set out with bow and arrow to track and forage in the surrounding bush — an unscripted, genuine hunt rather than a staged performance. The day continues with a visit to a nearby Datoga homestead to watch iron being smelted and worked at a traditional forge, before finishing with sweeping views over the seasonal soda flats of Lake Eyasi from the rim of the escarpment.
Track and forage alongside genuine hunter-gatherers
Watch traditional iron smelting and metalwork
Sweeping views over the Rift Valley soda flats
The Hadzabe hunt and forage year-round regardless of season, so this is a rewarding visit at any time. The dry months of June through October make for easier bush walking and clearer views of the escarpment and soda flats, while the green season from November to May brings a greener landscape and more active bird and wildlife, though the lake's flats can flood after heavy rain.
An early pickup from your Karatu or Arusha hotel and a drive down off the Rift Valley escarpment to the shores of Lake Eyasi, timed to reach the Hadzabe camp before the morning hunt sets out.
Join a group of Hadzabe men as they head into the bush with bow and arrow, tracking game and foraging for tubers, berries, and honey along the way. A genuine, unscripted hunt led entirely on the Hadzabe's own terms.
Drive to a nearby Datoga homestead to watch blacksmiths smelt and hammer iron into spearheads, arrowheads, bracelets, and tools at a traditional bellows-driven forge, a craft passed down through generations.
A picnic lunch on the Rift Valley escarpment, looking out over the seasonal soda flats of Lake Eyasi shimmering below, with time to relax and take in the views.
Drive back up the escarpment and through the Karatu highlands, arriving back at your Karatu or Arusha hotel in the mid-to-late afternoon.
Prices are per person for the complete full-day Lake Eyasi Hadzabe and Datoga cultural expedition, including hotel pickup and drop-off. Rates decrease with larger groups; pickup from Karatu is more affordable than from Arusha.
| Group Size | Price (Per Person) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person (Private) | $340 | Available |
| 2–3 People | $270 | Available |
| 4+ People | $220 | Available |
Price includes everything: private guiding, Hadzabe and Datoga community fees, translation, picnic lunch, and hotel transfers. No hidden costs. A portion of community fees goes directly to the Hadzabe and Datoga families hosting the visit.
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), roughly a 4-hour drive from Lake Eyasi via Arusha and Karatu. Travellers on a wider safari itinerary often combine this with Ngorongoro or the Serengeti via the Karatu route.
Pickup is available from any hotel in Arusha town centre (pre-dawn departure around 4:30 AM) or from Karatu (departure around 5:30 AM). Karatu pickup is strongly recommended for a less punishing start to the day.
Transport is by private 4x4 vehicle for the drive to Lake Eyasi and between the Hadzabe and Datoga communities, followed by walking alongside Hadzabe trackers through the bush.
Closed walking shoes, long trousers, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. A small gift of tobacco or honey is appreciated by the Hadzabe but is entirely optional.
Arusha, Tanzania • Established 2015
Nashivai Safaris is a locally owned and operated safari company based in Arusha, Tanzania. Beyond our multi-day safaris, we run a range of day trips for travellers with limited time or looking to add a bucket-list day to a wider itinerary.
Walking with the Hadzabe as they actually hunted, rather than watching a staged show, was one of the most memorable mornings of our whole trip. The Datoga forge afterwards was fascinating too.
— Marcus T., Australia • July 2024Booking the Karatu pickup made the early start so much easier. Our guide's translation really brought the whole day to life.
— Sofia & Marco, Italy • August 2024
