Accomodation

2 - 7 people
Arrival City

Arusha
Best Season

All year
Language

English, French, Italian and Spanish
Guide

Tanzanian
Hotel Transfer

Available

A cultural visit to the Hadzabe bushmen

Embark on a cultural sojourn to the heart of the Hadzabe bushmen, a day-long immersion with these ancient hunter-gatherers who call the lands near Lake Eyasi home. Nestled within the picturesque soda lake, part of the Great Rift Valley in East Africa, this experience unveils the untouched, traditional lifestyle of the Hadzabe people and their harmonious connection with the earth. Guided by the Serengeti Clarity Guide, guests are invited to intimately engage with the Bushmen, delving into their time-honored hunting techniques, survival skills, food preparation rituals, and cultural norms.

This journey is a genuine step back in time, offering an undeniably authentic exploration of rural Tanzania and providing a rare glimpse into the untold world of these charismatic people.

As one of the world’s last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes residing in the scrubby bushland, Hadzabe men venture out alone in search of sustenance, returning home with golden honey, sweet fruits, or hearty wild game when available. Meanwhile, women gather in large groups, foraging for bright berries, baobab fruit, and tubers, adapting their choices based on seasonal availability. In the wet season, sweet honey becomes a staple of their diet, complemented by colorful fruits, tubers, and occasional meat.

Remarkably skilled and selective, the Hadzabe tribe demonstrates opportunistic prowess as they navigate the seasons, relying solely on their abilities to sustain their families and tribe. This cultural journey not only provides a captivating experience but also highlights the intrinsic value of the Hadzabe way of life, emphasizing their resilience, skill, and deep connection to the natural world.

Day 01 :

Pick up Arusha to Lake Eyas

After an early breakfast, embark on a journey to Lake Eyasi, which takes just over an hour.

Encounter the Hadzabe Bushmen, the last true hunter-gatherers in East Africa. Approximately 700-800 tribesmen live in small groups around the lake, preserving a lifestyle reminiscent of our Stone Age ancestors. Engage in a welcome ceremony and gain insights into their village life. Join a group of men for a communal hunting experience, where they utilize bow and arrow to hunt antelopes, gazelles, birds, and mongooses. The hunt is conducted at a brisk pace, especially upon spotting an animal.

In the late morning, visit the Datoga tribe, pastoralists and skilled blacksmiths. Witness their resourcefulness as they cleverly process metal scrap into bracelets, arrowheads, and knives. Explore one of the village huts, observing women grinding corn to make flour for baking bread.

By early evening, begin the return journey to the Accommodation, allowing you to reflect on the safari and cherish the unique experiences with the Hadzabe Bushmen and Datoga tribe.

Day 02 :

Pick up from the Accommodation to the Hadzabe for Hunting

Embark on a second-day Hadzabe Bushmen traditional hunting expedition, commencing at 5:30 AM with a communal gathering. Allow the Hadzabe the space to engage in their cultural rituals, including smoking their traditional pipes. Witness the collection of hunting tools and participate in a briefing session as the tribe plans their movements into the wilderness for the day’s hunt. At 7:00 AM, join the Hadzabe as they seamlessly navigate the landscape, showcasing their traditional hunting techniques. Immerse yourself in the mid-morning hunting activities, observing their skills in tracking and stalking. Return by 12:30 PM for game processing and a communal gathering, followed by a shared lunch and cultural interactions. Participants play a passive role, appreciating the Hadzabe’s deep connection to nature throughout this authentic and respectful hunting experience.

A cultural visit to the Hadzabe Bushmen

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A cultural visit to the Hadzabe bushmen

A cultural visit to the Hadzabe bushmen