Lake Eyasi

The lake is notable for its striking alkaline flats, rich birdlife, and its association with the indigenous Hadzabe and Datoga peoples.

Lake Eyasi is a shallow, seasonal salt lake situated on the floor of the Great Rift Valley in northern Tanzania. Lying southwest of the Ngorongoro Crater and west of Lake Manyara, it forms part of the Eyasi–Wembere branch of the Rift system. The lake is notable for its striking alkaline flats, rich birdlife, and its association with the indigenous Hadzabe and Datoga peoples.

Geography and Hydrology

Lake Eyasi occupies a closed basin bordered by purple lava escarpments and volcanic highlands. Its water level fluctuates dramatically: during the rainy season it fills with shallow, alkaline water; in the dry months it can nearly vanish, leaving glistening salt pans. The Sibiti River supplies most of its inflow, and the lake drains a watershed of about 65,000 square kilometers. Despite its salinity, freshwater springs and inlets sustain fish species such as catfish and lungfish.

Ecology and Wildlife

The lake supports significant seasonal populations of flamingos, pelicans, and other wading birds, making it a key birdwatching destination. Palm-fringed shores and acacia woodlands host species like Fischer’s lovebird, African spoonbill, and yellow-billed stork. Hippos occasionally inhabit its brackish shallows when water levels are high.

Cultural Significance

The Eyasi basin is home to the Hadzabe—one of Africa’s last hunter-gatherer communities—whose foraging lifestyle and click-based language link them to ancient East African traditions. The neighboring Datoga and Mbulu tribes are pastoralists and blacksmiths, trading tools and ornaments for honey and food. Nearby archaeological sites, such as Mumba Cave, have yielded Stone Age artifacts, underscoring the region’s deep human history.

Tourism and Access

Lake Eyasi lies along Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, about a two-hour drive from Karatu. Travelers visit for cultural exchanges with the Hadzabe and Datoga, guided walks, and birding expeditions. Its serene landscape—contrasting sharply with the nearby Serengeti National Park—offers a quieter, more intimate window into both the natural and cultural heritage of the Rift Valley.