04/11/2024
The Hadza, or Hadzabe (Wahadzabe, in Swahili) are a protected hunter-gatherer Tanzanian indigenous ethnic group, primarily based in Baray, an administrative ward within Karatu District in southwest Arusha Region. They live around the Lake Eyasi basin in the central Rift Valley and in the neighboring Serengeti Plateau. As descendants of Tanzania's aboriginal, pre-Bantu expansion hunter-gatherer population, they have probably occupied their current territory for thousands of years with relatively little modification to their basic way of life until the last century. They have no known close genetic relatives and their language is considered an isolate.
Since the first European contact in the late 19th century, governments and missionaries have made many attempts to settle the Hadza by introducing farming and Christianity. These efforts have largely failed, and many Hadza still pursue a life similar to their ancestors. Since the 18th century, the Hadza have come into increasing contact with pastoralist peoples entering Hadzaland, sometimes declining in population. Tourism and safari hunting have also affected them in recent years.
Hadza people traditionally live in bands or 'camps' of around 20-30 people, and their social structures are egalitarian and non-hierarchical. Traditionally, they primarily forage for food, eating mostly honey, tubers, fruit, and, especially in the dry season, meat. As of 2015, there are between 1,200 and 1,300 Hadza people living in Tanzania. Only around a third of the remaining Hadza still survive exclusively by traditional foraging.
Activities to do at Lake Eyasi
Visit Hadzabe community to explore their local ways of life.
Discover plant species used by the Hadzabe for making poison arrows
Identify indigenous roots, tubers, fruits, herbs, leaves, and wild seeds that are used as food and medicine by the Hadzabe community.
Participate in hunting, collecting fruits, and wild honey gathering
Practice the local skills of using a bow and arrow during hunting activities
Experience a bushmen trekking adventure and visit bushmen cave paintings
Join obmet club tours and safaris to visit hadzabe at Lake eyasi.
Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Obmet Club Tours and Safaris, Travel Agency, P. O. BOX 13780, Arusha.
