Lake Eyasi stretches at an altitude of 1,030 m between the Eyasi cliffs and the plains of the Serengeti. It lies above sea level, unlike the savannahs and arid plains of the northern national parks. It offers travellers an extraordinary natural landscape.
Tanzania trip: Lake Eyasi
Lake Eyasi does not attract a large game population, unlike the parks and nature reserves nearby. It is an idyllic place for amateur birdwatchers who wish to observe birds. Around the lake, there is a wide variety of nesting waterbirds from June to November. The main attraction is watching the large population of pink flamingos and great white pelicans.
It is possible to observe many hippos on Lake Eyasi, but also:
- Flamingo
- Stork
- Great white pelican
- African spoonbill
- Weaver bird
- Chick
- Fischer’s lovebird
- Grey-headed gull
Encounters near the Lake
Near the lake, you can meet the Hadzabe Bushmen, one of the few tribes still living as they did hundreds of years ago. As hunter-gatherers, they have an in-depth knowledge of the flora in their environment. The men hunt with homemade bows and arrows, while the women are responsible for gathering the fruits, plants and roots that they use for food and healing. Some are completely indifferent to strangers, while others are very kind and are happy to show their bows and explain hunting and gathering techniques. Meet this Tanzanian people for an unforgettable experience!
When to visit Lake Eyasi?
It is possible to get to the lake throughout the year.
Nevertheless, from April to May, the rainy season begins, making it difficult to cross the hiking trails and roads.
However, to make the most of your visit, we recommend focusing on the dry season, especially January, February, June, July, August, September and October. Avoid April and May if possible, as the paths and hiking trails can be impassable during the rainy season.
How do you get to Lake Eyasi?
There are few transport options for reaching Lake Eyasi.
You can take a flight from Kilimanjaro Airport, passing over Lake Manyara.
It is also possible to land at Arusha Airport and then travel there by car; you should allow for a journey of around 4 hours.
Where to sleep?
Lake Eyasi is located a few kilometres from Karatu and close to Ngorongoro. In our view, the ideal lodge is the Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge. This charming accommodation is perfectly located if you want to head to the crater after your trip to Lake Eyasi.
Activities to do around Lake Eyasi
- Observe thousands of birds
- Meet the surrounding tribes
- Go hunting with the Hadzabes
- Immerse yourself in the culture of the Tanzanian peoples
