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Lake Eyasi - Tanzania - Tanzania
by Harold Hedin | Date >
2005-11-17 | Country : Tanzania | City : Karatu via Arusha
| Area : Lake Eyasi |
I have visited Tanzania, four times, over the past ten years. During my last two visits I went to the
Lake Eyasi region. It is a beautiful, peaceful piece of real estate which everyone should experience.
If you enjoy hiking, Lake Eyasi is the place to explore. There are two remote tribes that are very
educational and one can get a sense of how long ago people in this region have lived from day to
day. The tribes are the Hadzabes and Datogas.
The Hadzabe are Tanzania's last Nomads. They have had many difficulities over the decades and
many conservationists have done their part to help these people preserve their lifestyle and
dignity. The Hadzabe live off the land and hunt for their food. They make their own bows and
arrows. Going on a hunting trip with them is very memorable and when they make a kill,
nothing goes to waste. What they do not eat their dogs will. A fire is made to burn the fur and
the meat and the insides are eaten raw. There are only approximately 200 of these Nomads
left in the region, so you can see why it is important for them to survive and be able to live their
lifes as they see fit.
The other tribe, as I mentioned, is the Datogas. One of the villages I visited was near Karatu.
The Chief and is nine wives have a well ordered community. The rules are simple and everyone
obeys them. Their lifestlye resembles the Masaai. The Chief may have old fashion ideas about
how His people should live, but it is his wish to maintain their culture and traditions. If someone
does something for His children and it does not alter the village lifestyle then he will permit the
assistance, i.e. gifts. I gave a few clothes and teddy bears, which some of my co-workers gave
me for the children, except for what I purchased. It was a humble and rewarding sight to see
the children curious about their new stuffed friends. They have never seen a teddy bear and it
took a few moments for them to get used to their new friends. One little girl, Utanditi, put the
bear on her back and played mother.
Helping people in remote villages is something that should be done with the permission of the
elders in my opinion. One should be honest and upfront with the elders and not be a wolf in
sheep clothing. Do not force change on people if they have to forgive their traditions. Let them
decide on what help/assistance they may need.
There is a local guide by the name of Momoya Muhindoi that most other guides use, because of
his knowledge of the region, its people, and he speaks the local dialect/language that most
others do not speak. For example, the Hadzabes and Datogas have their own dialect/language.
Momoya has a well maintained campsite that I stayed at and one can see some of the local small
game that roams the campsite on a daily basis. Momoya is an excellent guide and goes the
extra mile for his clients. You will not be disappointed and well educated by his expertise. He
can be reached by regular mail: P.O. Box 120 Karatu via Arusha, Tanzania or e-mailed at:
momoyaeyasi@yahoo.com
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