Tanzania · Safari Destination
Everything You Need to Know About Lake Eyasi
- Lake Eyasi
Lake Eyasi is one of Tanzania’s most unique destinations, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley, south of the Ngorongoro Highlands. Unlike the famous wildlife parks, Lake Eyasi offers a peaceful landscape, beautiful lake views, and an authentic cultural experience that takes you beyond a traditional safari.
The main attraction at Lake Eyasi is the opportunity to spend time with the Hadzabe, one of the last remaining hunter gatherer communities in Africa. Early in the morning, you can join them on a traditional hunting excursion, learn how they track animals, make fire using natural materials, and discover survival skills that have been passed down through generations.
You can also visit the Datoga people, renowned for their traditional blacksmithing and craftsmanship. Watching them create tools and jewelry by hand provides a fascinating insight into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Although Lake Eyasi is not a destination for the Big Five, it is home to hippos when water levels are high and attracts a wide variety of birdlife, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and many other resident and migratory species. The peaceful surroundings make it an excellent stop for photography and bird watching.
At Tanzania Safari Experience, we always recommend adding Lake Eyasi to your itinerary if time allows. It gives you the rare opportunity to hunt alongside one of the last traditional bushman communities and experience their way of life firsthand. If you want to experience Africa in its most authentic and untouched form, Lake Eyasi is one of the most rewarding places you can visit. It adds a cultural dimension to your safari that many travelers consider the highlight of their journey.
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Explore PlaceTop Recommended Lodges & Camps in Lake Eyasi
Carefully selected stays that match the safari experience, location, comfort level, and overall value we want for our guests. From charming lodges to authentic tented camps, each option is chosen to keep your journey smooth, comfortable, and memorable.

Eileen’s Trees Inn
Eileen’s Trees Inn is a peaceful and friendly accommodation located in Karatu, a convenient town between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. It is a…
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Farm Of Dreams Lodge
Farm of Dreams Lodge is a strong mid-range accommodation located in Karatu, on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands, making it one of the…
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Gibbs Farm | Luxury lodge in Karatu | Coffee estate
Gibb’s Farm is one of Tanzania’s most iconic luxury lodges, located on the lush slopes of Karatu between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation…
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Gran Vachellia, Karatu
The Gran Vachellia is a contemporary luxury boutique hotel located in Karatu, making it a convenient place to stay before or after visiting the…
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Heart & Soul Lodge Manyara
Heart and Soul Lodge is a peaceful and comfortable lodge located in Northern Tanzania, between the town of Mto wa Mbu and Karatu along…
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Marera Valley Lodge
Marera Valley Lodge is a very nice place to stay in Karatu, Tanzania. It is located between Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater,…
View AccommodationWe've got you covered
Our tours combine high-quality safari experiences with excellent value. The price provided clearly outlines what is included, such as accommodation, park fees, private safari transport, guide services, selected flights, and transfers listed in your itinerary.
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
- At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
Connect with our local experts for personalized travel planning
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Lake Eyasi TripAdvisor Reviews
SEE WHAT OUR GUESTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR TANZANIA SAFARI EXPERIENCE.
*For the most recent reviews/testimonials from our guests, please visit our TripAdvisor page and Trustpilot.
mattropolisJuly 31, 2026★★★★★Great Tanzanian vacation
We toured with Tanzania Safari Experience for an eight day trip to Tanzania. Five days of safari and then three days of beach vacation in Zanzibar. They were great to work with and customized everything exactly the way we wanted it. The lodges we were booked in were all incredible, particularly the Lahia Tented Lodge in the Serengeti. Our driver, Jay, seemed to know every road in every national park and as a result the wildlife viewing was unparalleled. There were times where we were the only vehicle seeing lions or hippos. The owner, Laurent, was extremely responsive and any issues we had in-country with our logistics were immediately sorted by him. He genuinely wanted us to have a first-rate experience. The only thing we were unprepared for is that some of the days in the safari vehicle were very long (10+ hours) and the roads can be really rough. But there were plenty of cold drinks in the car and it was worth it to see the wildlife. The safari/beach split was a great way to do the vacation and the beaches of Zanzibar were beautiful with clear blue water.
♡ HelpfulFamily · July 31, 2026Read more
nicolykiardopoul2018June 2, 2026★★★★★Safari May 2026
This company exceeded everything we’d hoped for. From the start, the tour operator had everything covered — a detailed itinerary laid out well in advance, quick responses to any questions, and a genuine attentiveness that made the whole thing feel effortless. The accommodation was seriously impressive. Not what I was expecting at all — comfortable, well-appointed, and luxurious. We also spent time right in the heart of the bush. A proper treat. The two people who really made this trip were our guide Mariki and photographer Agnes. Mariki’s knowledge of the bush and animal behaviour is something else — he always seemed to know exactly where to go, and his instincts paid off every single time. Agnes has a brilliant eye and captured shots we could never have got ourselves. As for the wildlife — we saw far more than we ever imagined we would. Elephants, lions, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippos — the lot. As a first safari, I couldn’t have asked for more. Would recommend without hesitation.
♡ HelpfulFriends getaway · June 2, 2026Read more
370godsongJanuary 3, 2026★★★★★Great Experience with Tanzania Safari Experience
We had an amazing safari with Tanzania Safari Experience, and honestly the whole trip was put together really well by Laurent and his team. From our first message to the last day, they were easy to reach, quick to reply, and clear about everything. The plan made sense, the timing was smooth, and we didn’t have to stress about anything. Uncle J was a big part of what made it special. He knows the parks incredibly well and seems to notice things before anyone else. He’d position the vehicle perfectly for photos and often got us to sightings before the crowds built up. We were lucky to see [your highlights: migration / lions / cheetahs / elephants / a crossing], and every drive felt exciting and different. The vehicle was comfortable and in good shape, and everything ran on schedule. If you’re looking for a well-organized safari with a great guide, I’d definitely recommend Tanzania Safari Experience.
♡ HelpfulSolo travel · January 3, 2026Read more
Everything You Need to Know About Your Safari
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
Lake Eyasi is unique because it offers a cultural experience rather than a traditional wildlife safari. It is located in the Great Rift Valley and is known for its peaceful landscapes, birdlife, and authentic tribal encounters. Unlike national parks focused on big game, Lake Eyasi gives you a chance to connect with local cultures in a meaningful way.
Yes. One of the main highlights of Lake Eyasi is meeting the Hadzabe, one of the last remaining hunter gatherer communities in Africa. You can join them early in the morning as they go hunting, learn how they make fire, and observe their traditional survival skills.
At Lake Eyasi, you can join cultural visits with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, go on traditional hunting experiences, visit local markets, and enjoy bird watching around the lake. It is a destination focused on culture, photography, and authentic human experiences.
Lake Eyasi is not a Big Five destination, but it does offer interesting wildlife such as hippos during certain seasons and a wide variety of bird species. Flamingos, pelicans, storks, and other waterbirds are commonly seen around the lake.
At Tanzania Safari Experience, we strongly recommend including Lake Eyasi if you have extra time. It adds a powerful cultural dimension to your safari and gives you a rare opportunity to experience one of the oldest ways of life still existing today.







