Lake Eyasi is a shallow, endorheic salt lake located in the Great Rift Valley of northern Tanzania. Unlike the nearby national parks, the lake only becomes noticeably salty after rainfall. Situated south of the Ngorongoro Highlands, Lake Eyasi offers visitors a peaceful escape from the busy safari circuits, allowing time to enjoy its serene surroundings and unique landscapes. The lake sits at a higher elevation than the surrounding plains and is fringed by tall palm trees, providing a striking contrast to the typical savannah and dry grasslands of northern Tanzania.

Wildlife Around Lake Eyasi

While Lake Eyasi does not host the “Big Five” or large concentrations of big-game animals, it is a haven for birdwatchers. From June to November, many waterbirds nest in the shallow waters, including flamingos, great white pelicans, Africa spoonbills, Fischer’s lovebirds, grey-headed gulls, pied avocets, storks, barbets, weavers, and spurfowl. Hippos also frequent the lake, emerging from the heat to cool off in its waters when the lake is full. Other wildlife gathers around local springs, creating small but vibrant pockets of activity.

The Hadzabe Bushmen

The area around Lake Eyasi is home to the Hadzabe, one of Africa’s last hunter-gatherer communities. They continue to live much as their ancestors did, relying entirely on the land for food and sustenance through bow hunting and foraging. Visiting the Hadzabe offers a rare and fascinating insight into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years, providing an extraordinary cultural experience alongside the lake’s natural beauty.

Lake Eyasi is therefore a perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity, birdlife, and a glimpse into ancient traditions.