How to visit the Hadzabe Tribe in Tanzania?

As an African researcher, my passion has always been to immerse myself in the diverse cultures and traditions of different tribes in Tanzania. My first field trip to live among the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers was a truly transformative experience that changed my life. Their unique culture, unlike any I had encountered before, left a profound and lasting impact on me, and I want to share with you the reasons behind this. When I first arrived in Hadzabe, it had already dawned. The savanna was painted in beautiful golden colors, and the day's heat calmed as the sun set. The jeep was bumping up and down on the dusty savanna without roads, and I was thirsty for a drink. It had been a long, whole-day drive to get here. As we were driving off-road, searching for the Hadzabe with my native guide, Yohana, he suddenly told the driver to stop and jumped out of the vehicle.

The Hadzabe, also known as the Hadza, are an indigenous ethnic group in north-central Tanzania. They are traditionally hunter-gatherers, known for their unique click language and their deep connection to the land. They represent one of the last existing communities of hunter-gatherers in the world, and their population is dwindling. With an estimated count of only thousands, their exact numbers remain elusive.Yohana started making some sounds and received a reply, but I didn't see anyone anywhere. We were getting close to our Hadzabe host location. Yohana asked me to step out of the car as he had found our family – two brothers, their wives, and some children. The Hadzbe people are known for their monogamous lifestyle, marrying only one wife and having small families. Upon meeting my young Hadzabe hosts, I was greeted with warm smiles, although I felt a bit reserved still. The Hadza man was clad in shorts and wore a striking head ornament with beads that accentuated his handsome features. Nearby, his wife was skillfully cooking maize porridge and grilling a large rat they had hunted earlier. They kindly offered me some porridge, but I politely declined the rat. Yohana graciously assisted me with setting up my tent before I joined the men gathered around a crackling campfire. Adorned in stunning animal fur attire and hats, some of the Hadza men exuded a captivating presence. My inaugural night proved to be nothing short of enchanting. Yohana's hospitality extended to preparing a nourishing meal of rice and beans while I was serenaded by the melodious vocal performances of our Hadzabe hosts. Nestled deep within the savanna, enveloped by towering baobab trees and the harmonious symphony of nocturnal African wildlife, the ambience was truly remarkable. As I retired for the night, two vigilant Hadza men diligently safeguarded my tent by the radiant glow of the fire. Never before have I experienced such genuine warmth and hospitality.

I woke up before dawn to witness the breathtaking sunrise and its pink hues contrasting the brown landscape. Amidst the excitement, I eagerly joined the Hadza brothers on my first hunting trip. Their swift pace posed a thrilling challenge, but I was determined to keep up. Suddenly, one of them halted, pointing out snake tracks on the sand. They then skillfully hunted birds with their arrows. Despite returning empty-handed, the women had gathered baobab fruits, crafting a delicious and nutritious porridge for the children.

The hunter-gatherer lifestyle of the Hadzabe people is remarkable. Studies show that they are the only population that has not experienced famine, unlike their pastoral and farming neighbors. The Hadzabe do not store food; they obtain just enough for their daily needs. If they fail to catch large prey, they settle for a minor game like birds or rodents, and there are always wild berries and roots available in nature. They do not dig for water sources; instead, they establish their camp near natural water sources. This lifestyle allows them plenty of time for relaxation, playing with their children, and socializing with each other every day. Their leisurely lifestyle may be enviable to many. This raises the question: could they be the world's happiest people?

The sun beats up in Lake Eyasi, forcing us to seek refuge in the shade. The Hadzabe have found a perfect spot under a massive rock, where we gather to relax. The men smoke and tend to their tools, the women play with the children, and it's a serene, like perfect Sunday family time. There's a sense of tranquility in the air, a feeling of doing nothing but enjoying the present moment. As the evening cools the hot temperature, it's time for the second hunting trip, a unique experience that I had never encountered before in my entire life. I had the privilege of joining the Hadzabe tribe to gather wild honeycombs from an ancient Baobab tree that has stood for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. As they made a fire and used the smoke to calm the bees, they encountered a sudden swarm of hundreds of bees. Despite the stings, they continued with determination and gathered enough honey to share. Sitting around a large rock, we savored the honey, delighting in its unparalleled sweetness and unique flavor. The experience was truly unlike any other, leaving me with a belly full of the sweetest honey and memories to last a lifetime. As we made our way back to the camp, the Hadzabe brought some honey to their families, and Hadzabe sang together in joyful celebration.

As we gathered around the campfire, under the breathtaking equator sky adorned with shooting stars, an elder from the Hadzabe tribe shared a powerful story with me. He recounted the government's efforts to compel the tribe to settle down by providing houses with tin roofs, with the intention of educating and "civilizing" the Hadzabe. However, when some tribe members moved to the houses in town, they were frightened by the noise of the tin roof during rain showers. This led them to flee the village, seeing it as a sign from their ancestors. The Hadzabe strongly rejected all attempts to settle them down, firmly believing that their only suitable way of life is in harmony with nature, surrounded by birds, wild animals, trees, rivers, and stars. They are convinced that nature provides everything they need in return as it does. As my first visit draws to a close, I am already planning my return. The profound impact of this experience has stirred something deep within me, compelling me to delve further into their way of life. It is my fervent hope that the world can come to appreciate and embrace their dedicated efforts to conserve our planet's rich biodiversity and precious life. The traditions of the Hadza people are in peril, and we must act swiftly to protect them before it is too late.

TIPS HOW TO VISIT HADZABE IN TANZANIA RESPONSIBLY

• Prepare yourself before the trip. What fascinates you about the Hadzabe? Is it their unique culture, their exceptional hunting skills, or their fascinating language? Engage in some online research to delve deeper into the distinctiveness of the Hadzabe culture. This will not only enrich your trip but also show your respect for their heritage.
  

• Choose the right tour operator. Your choice of tour operator is crucial. Some operators may take you to touristy Hadzabe villages near the road, offering only a brief glimpse of their culture. Ensure that your tour operator is committed to ethical guidelines in Indigenous tourism, as this is a responsible and conscious way to visit the Hadzabe.
  

• Remember good travel ethics while staying with the Hadzabe.

  Ask for permission before taking photos or videos. Avoid giving gifts or food unless you have discussed with your tour operator how you can contribute meaningfully. It's crucial to respect the Hadzabe people and their culture, and to avoid portraying them as an uncivilized tribe that exists solely to entertain tourists.
  

• Please be mindful of the environment of the Hadzabe people. They rely on nature for their sustenance, so it's essential to honor their customs during your stay. Kindly refrain from leaving any litter in the wild, as the Hadzabe lack access to proper waste disposal facilities. Opt for natural alternatives to chemical-based sunscreens and mosquito repellents, and avoid disturbing objects in their natural habitat. Don't harvest fruits or roots as some may be poisonous. Lastly, ensure you do not damage or disrupt anything in their natural surroundings.
  

• Visit Natives is not just a travel agency, but a gateway to authentic experiences. Specializing in sustainable indigenous tourism in Tanzania and Norway, they offer you the chance to immerse yourself in the genuine Hadzabe life in Tanzania. Book your trip with them and get ready for an unforgettable and ethical adventure with the Hadzabe.

  You don't want to miss the fascinating read about Who Are the Hadzabe Hunter-Gatherers in Lake Eyasi, Tanzania?

  
  

About the Author Anniina Sandberg is an African researcher and Swahili interpreter. She holds a Master's degree in African Studies. Anniina is also the founder of Visit Natives, a pioneering travel agency that offers immersive and enriching experiences for adventurous travelers, fostering cultural exchange through stays with indigenous communities in Tanzania and Norway.