Lake Eyasi

Near Ngorongoro, Tanzania

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Lake Eyasi is a shallow, seasonal salt lake located in northern Tanzania, southwest of the Ngorongoro Crater in the Great Rift Valley.

The lake spans roughly 1,050 square kilometers and sits at an elevation of about 1,040 meters (3,400 feet). Its water levels fluctuate dramatically with the seasons, often drying up partially or almost entirely during dry periods. Lake Eyasi is surrounded by the Mbulu Highlands to the east and the Ngorongoro highlands to the north and northwest, creating a dramatic landscape with steep cliffs and flat valleys.

It is fed mainly by the Sibiti River and several seasonal streams, making it an alkaline lake with limited outflow. The area is ecologically significant, supporting diverse birdlife including flamingos and pelicans, and is home to indigenous groups such as the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and Datoga pastoralists.

The lake’s surroundings feature varied habitats like savannah, wetlands, and woodlands, making it an important site for both cultural heritage and wildlife conservation.