The Lake Eyasi is nestled in the heart of Tanzania in the southwest of Ngorongoro conservation crater, surrounded by Great Rift Valley ridges, highlands and endless plains of Ngorongoro and Kidero mountains. It is about 133 kilometers west of Lake Manyara national park covering an area of about 1,050 square kilometers. This seasonal soda lake is Tanzania’s great treasure and it is a home to still indigenous tribe of Hadzabe Bushmen and these are the main attractions in Lake Eyasi and they have been around about 10,000 years ago. The lake has one major river called Sibiti whose banks are made of purple lava.
The Hadzabe communities in Lake Eyasi live in caves with their bodies covered with animal hides skins. These Hadzabe tribes of people are highly endangered and their area of residence has been occupied for commercial purposes. There is another tribe that thrives called Tindiga however for them they are tired of living in the traditional way of life and they want to join modernity. The Tindiga group of people is forest dwellers, hunters and gatherers and they have been doing this for so many centuries. Lake Eyasi is a home to Datoga tribe and these are pastoralists and are famous for their herding activities and metal working skills. These tribes have coexisted and they contribute to the attractions in Lake Eyasi.
Lake Eyasi is a home to acacias, baobab trees and many other plant life, these provide habitat for wildlife and birds. Some of the wildlife in Lake Eyasi national park include; giraffes, zebras, antelopes, leopards, hyenas, waterbucks, hippos, baboons, mongooses among others. Some of the bird species in Lake Eyasi national park include; African spoonbills, storks, grey-headed gulls, Fischer’s love birds, barbets, weavers to mention but a few.
Activities in Lake Eyasi National Park
Lake Eyasi being a hidden gem to tourists especially those that want to have a unique experience and unforgettable safaris, there are a number of activities which include the following;
Cultural Tours
This is an amazing experience where you will visit the Hadzabe tribe, Datoga tribe, engage in their ancient life styles, how they used to track animals, engage in their dances, naming ceremonies among others.
Guided Nature Walk
Indulge yourself into amazing landscapes of Eyasi, come closer to wildlife and visit different scenic viewpoints with an experienced local guide who will give you insights about the park’s history and unique wildlife.
Birding
Lake Eyasi is a home to over 300 bird species including endemics and migratory birds. Some of the bird species on your bucket list while in Lake Eyasi include; flamingos, pelicans, eagles, storks, herons, African fish eagles, kingfishers among others.
Game drives
Lake Eyasi being a hoe to various wildlife, you can only experience them on a game drive. Game drives can be done in the morning, evening and night game drives. Morning game drives are done to catch the animals when they are still very active while evening and night game drives are done to catch animals which are active during night and they fear heat of the day. Game drives in Lake Eyasi will expose you to different wildlife, scenic viewpoints and different kopjes. This experience is just out of the world.
Hunting and Gathering Excursions
Lake Eyasi is a home to Hadzabe tribe, engage in traditional hunting and fruit gathering experience with the Hadzabe. You will learn how these people mastered the art of surviving through hunting and fruit collection. They will take you through how they track animals to the last toe.
What is the best time to visit Lake Eyasi National Park?
You can visit all throughout the year. However the best time best time to visit Lake Eyasi is during dry season between June to October, this is when the pathways are dry and you can easily navigate the jungle and reach deeper. During this period, you can easily find animals because they always gather around water bodies. During wet season that is from Many to November this is when there are migratory birds in the park, there is a lot of food and this is when birds are nesting and breeding as well.
You can combine Lake Eyasi safaris with gorilla trekking experience in Uganda or chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park or combine Rwanda wildlife safaris in Akagera national park or volcanoes national park.
