Overview & Summary
Step off the beaten path and into the ancient rhythms of tribal life on this exclusive 2-day cultural immersion to Lake Eyasi. Departing from Arusha, you will journey to the remote Rift Valley floor, home to two of Tanzania's most fascinating indigenous communities. A BMC TOURS & SAFARIS guide will meet you to facilitate authentic encounters with the Hadzabe Bushmen, some of the last true hunter-gatherers in Africa, and the Datoga, skilled blacksmiths and pastoralists. This is not a game drive but a profound human experience, offering a rare glimpse into traditions that have survived for millennia. From learning ancient hunting techniques to observing traditional iron forging, this safari connects you with the soul of Tanzania beyond its National Parks.
Full Itinerary
Rift Valley Journey & Datoga Boma Blacksmiths
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your Arusha hotel by your BMC TOURS & SAFARIS guide. The scenic drive south takes you through vibrant local villages and along the Great Rift Valley escarpment, arriving at Lake Eyasi in the early afternoon. After checking into your comfortable lodge, you will visit a Datoga village. This pastoral community, known for their distinctive facial markings and skilled metalwork, welcomes you to their Boma.
Your BMC guide helps you communicate as you observe the ancient art of blacksmithing, transforming recycled metals into intricate jewelry and arrowheads. As dusk settles over the alkaline lake, you return to your accommodation for a dinner under the stars, sharing stories of the day's cultural encounters.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge
Hadzabe Dawn Hunting Walk & Gathering Experience
You will rise before dawn for the most profound experience of your journey: joining the Hadzabe men on their morning hunt. Armed with bows and poison tipped arrows, they move silently through the bush, communicating with bird like calls. Witness their incredible tracking skills and, if successful, their method of game preparation. You are welcome to try your hand at shooting a bow alongside them.
After the hunt, you return to their camp to meet the women and children, who may show you how they gather tubers and berries. Sharing stories and perhaps even learning a few words of their click based language is an unforgettable moment. Following this immersive morning, you will enjoy a hearty lunch at your lodge, giving you time to reflect on the profound experiences of the day. After lunch, you begin your journey back to Arusha with your BMC TOURS & SAFARIS guide, arriving in the late afternoon.
END OF OUR SERVICESInclusions & Exclusions
Included
- All Lake Eyasi entry and cultural village fees
- Transport in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking BMC TOURS & SAFARIS guide
- 1 night's accommodation at Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge (or equivalent)
- Meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Bottled drinking water during the tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha
- All government taxes and levies
- Guided Hadzabe hunting walk (early morning)
- Guided Datoga village visit
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tanzania visa fees
- Tips and gratuities for your guide and lodge staff
- Alcoholic and soft drinks (bottled water is provided)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Accommodation in Arusha before or after the safari
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional Activities
