On the floor of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Eyasi is a small endorheic salt lake that only forms in the winter. Just south of the Ngorongoro hills in northern Tanzania is where it is. You will have a lot of time to enjoy this peaceful spot and take in its nature setting. This big lake is above sea level. The savannah and dry lands of northern national parks are different from the tall palm trees that line the shores of Lake Eyasi.

Animals near the Lake

Big-game animals don’t come to Lake Eyasi like they do to nearby parks and protection areas. You won’t see the “big five” here. The lake is a great place to watch birds because it is home to many different kinds of birds. From June to November, a huge variety of waterbirds breed in the shallow seas. The big groups of flamingos and great white pelicans are the main draw. Around Lake Eyasi, you can see the Fischer’s lovebird, the pied avocet, the spurfowl, the stork, the barbet, the weaver, and many other birds.

The many hippos at Lake Eyasi are another great sight. They can get out of the hot sun during the day by going to the lake. They are known to come when the lake is full to cool off in the salty water. Many other kinds of animals also like to visit the springs in the area.

Hadzabe people who live near Lake Eyasi

The Hadzabe are a group of bushmen who live near the lake. These people are one of the few tribes that still live the way they did hundreds of years ago. Getting to know the bushmen is fun! They only eat things in the bush and hunt with bows. The Hazabe Bushmen are one of the last groups of hunter-gatherers in Africa, and they only live off the land. Like they did in the Stone Age and for thousands of years before that.

Trips and things to do in Lake Eyasi

The Hadzabe are a group of bushmen who live near Lake Eyasi. The Datoga and Mbulu tribes are also here. You should talk to the bushmen; they’ll be happy to show you where they live and how they hunt. They only eat things in the bush and hunt with bows. The Hazabe Bushmen are one of the last groups of hunter-gatherers in Africa, and they only live off the land. Like they did in the Stone Age and for thousands of years before that.

Take part in this cultural game to learn about the Hadzabe Bushmen’s culture, home, and way of life. You hunt around Lake Eyasi with the Bushman in the early morning. Find out how they cook their food and make fire. You will go to a market in the afternoon where Hadzade trade their honey, fruits, and other goods for knives, arrows, and spears made by Datoga silversmiths. It is definitely worth the extra time to do this cultural practice that you will remember forever.

Time to get to Lake Eyasi

4 hours to get from Arusha to Lake Eyasi

Lake Eyasi to Ngorongoro Crater: 2.5 hours walk

Three hours to get from Tarangire to Lake Eyasi.

Lake Manyara to Lake Eyasi in two hours.

Here are some travel tips from our pros about Lake Eyasi.

My name is Richard, and I’ve been a tour guide at Lake Eyasi for 11 years.
Not many animals come to the lake, but our clients like seeing the hippos and, of course, the flamingos. Many guests hunt with the Hadzabe and learn some cool skills from them.

How long are you staying? Two days

Which hotel? Our guests like Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge because the staff is nice and the views are beautiful.

The best time to go to Lake Eyasi

You can go to the lake any time of the year. Lake Eyasi has three seasons: a dry season from June to October, two wet seasons that make the land green, and a dry season that ends in November. The short rains happen in November and December, with showers here and there. The longer rains happen from the middle of March to May. Heavy rains will damage walking paths and roads, which could make it harder for you to get where you need to go.