Visiting the mildly alkaline lakes in the north of Tanzania, Lake Eyasi, visitors are introduced to four tourism wonderland that meets:

Lake Eyasi is a soda lake located at the southwest corner of the Ngorongoro Crater in the conservation area highlands. The lake is around 1050 km (400 square miles) and is 1040 m. (3400 feet) above sea level. The main tributary is the Sibiti River and the secondary tributary is the Baray River. The source of Baray River has now become one of the primary onion growing regions of Tanzania.

The scenery of Lake Eyasi differs dramatically to that of the surrounding areas. Compared to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Highlands this area seems downright tropical. The palm trees lining its banks are the only sign bordering the lake. Other trees in this area include the umbrella thorn acacia and sandpaper bush.

Lake Eyasi’s water levels vary between the rainy and dry seasons, I was told. During the dry season, the lake is almost non-existent. The meadows along the shores of the lake and the forests are home to a wide variety of wildlife, and animals are forced to share whatever water is left, which makes for easier wildlife viewing. And the lake can get quite deep during the rainy season and it attracts hippos who like to cool off in its brackish waters.

Bird lovers will be in paradise here, as the lake attracts vast numbers of birds of all sizes and colors. Some main birds to be found here include Africa spoonbill, greater and lesser flamingos, gray-headed gulls, great white pelicans, pied Avocet and yellow-billed storks.

Flamingos, pelicans, and plenty of other wanders frequent along the shallow soda lake and there is some good walking to be had in the form of expeditions from the Ngorongoro Highlands down to the Lakeshore. The main fish found in the lake are catfish and lungfish, and only a few members of the local communities are involved in fishing activities.

Several pleasant, private campsites are located in the forest clearings by the lake; these provide grassy tent spaces, shower and toilet facilities made as far as possible from local materials. At night a cool breeze keeps away mosquitoes.

Among the acacia and doom palm forests at the north-east end of the lake, by small lava outcropping is located Kisima Ngeda farm. This owes its survival to freshwater springs in the area that allows grass and vegetables to grow. The spring also keeps a small reservoir used as a small tilapia fish farm. The farm is owned by a German family whose main source of income is fresh milk produced from the cows they keep and sold in local villages.

Within the farm borders are high-end tented camp, Kisima Ngeda boasts of an interesting glorious past. The rustic timber rooms with wide verandas stand on a patch of high ground, most magnificent views of the lake, giving the impression of an oceanfront. Because of its incredible rugged beauty and unique isolation, many visitors and tourists spent their day here.

The weather is nearly always hot and intense, as the lake is located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, the oldest rift in the world. The rift was thought to have opened over 65 million years ago, shortly after dinosaurs became extinct.

Eyasi isn’t somewhere to come in search of game, but it is an interesting part of Tanzania to see if you’re prepared for a bit of slow time.  This region is particularly suited for exploring on foot and a day or half day hikes are highly recommended. It is a beautiful, peaceful piece of real estate which everyone should experience if you enjoy hiking.

The north-western tip of the lake lies the shadow of the Oldeani Mountain on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the horizon is dominated by the Ngorongoro Highlands, to the north, beyond an escarpment are the plains of the Serengeti. Over 100 years ago when the stronger Masaai tribes moved into the Ngorongoro and Serengeti, the Datoga and the indigenous Bushmen (Hadzabes) living there were pushed south.

To the South-east of the lake is the Yaeda Chini valley, home to the Wahadzabe and Datogas that have made Lake Eyasi and its surrounding bush and forests their home since the last millennia.

Lake Eyasi is accessible through the southwest of Karatu town after over two hours drive on rough roads, one arrives at the northern shore of Lake Eyasi. This friendly tourist area is famous for two remote tribes where you can get a real insight into the way of life of some of Tanzania’s fascinating tribes, most noticeably the Wahadzabe and Datoga people.