Hadza and Akie Gathering in Tarangire
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 04:16AM 
An idea hatched last year under the Tarangire star studded sky came to fruition on October 4th. We thought that a gathering of the Hadza and Akie in Tarangire when wildlife densities were at their peak during the dry season could have high value in fun and lessons. This is after all how these folk’s lands looked merely a few decades ago, therefore providing a chance for the elders to show the younger what it could be like and to give impetus to all to regain or at least protect what is left.
Jon & Annette Simonson closed the Tarangire Safari Lodge to tourists to accommodate a full house of hunter gatherers. Others contributed transport assistance and UCRT helped organize logistical details and facilitated the lesson part. 
After an early arrival from several geographic localities – Hadza from Mangola, Mongo wa Mono, Gideru, Domanga and Sengela and Akie from Naipilokonya and Ngapapa – all 56 went on a game drive.
In two hours, almost all possible was seen with great exclamation and an oft repeated expressed desire to move to this rich land.
The lesson part was focused on land and leadership ending with groups from each area discussing concrete actions required once they returned home.
More fun ensued once the work was over with singing and dancing until well after midnight.
Reader Comments (1)
I am humbled by Maanda's courage & commitment to her people. The experiences of being with the different tribes in 2008 and 2010 has given me an appreciation of what we as humanity is losing in terms of the culture, languages, knowledge and experiences as a way of life is slowly but surely being encroached on and diminished. Dorobo safaris as a company has great vision for sustainable eco tourism and I hope that the Tanzanian government will be able to appreciate how the private sector in their own little ways can make a big difference. Especially when the local communities are fully consulted and involved in their own future.