The Hadzabe: visiting one of the last hunter-gatherer communities

Who the Hadzabe are

The Hadzabe, often called the Hadza, are a small community living in the dry bush around Lake Eyasi. They number around a thousand people, of whom a minority still live mainly by hunting and gathering. Their language, Hadzane, uses click consonants and is not closely related to any other living language.

Hunting is done with bows and arrows, some tipped with poison made from plants. Foraging brings in tubers, berries, baobab fruit and honey. The Hadzabe are known for their relationship with the honeyguide, a bird that leads people to wild bees’ nests in return for a share of the wax and larvae.

What a visit involves

Visits start before sunrise, when the Hadzabe go out to hunt. You walk with a small group of men through the bush, watching how they track, stalk and shoot. Hunts may or may not succeed, and the walk is often quick and off path.

Back at camp, you may see fire made with a drill stick, arrows being made and repaired, and how the women gather and prepare food. Most visits last three to four hours.

Nearby: the Datoga

The Datoga are pastoralists who live in the same area. Many visits include a Datoga homestead, where blacksmiths make arrowheads and jewellery from recycled metal. The Hadzabe trade for these arrowheads.

Visiting responsibly

Cultural tourism can support a community or damage it. What makes the difference:

• Go with a local guide who works with the community and pays the visit fee directly to them.
• Do not bring alcohol or sweets as gifts.
• Ask before taking photographs, and respect a no.
• Do not expect a performance. You are joining a morning, not watching a show.