Brian Jeffrey
Phan Thanh Quoc, a renowned YouTuber known as “The Nomad,” recently explored the unique lifestyle of the Hadzabe tribe in Tanzania during his travels.
Located in the heart of forests, the Hadzabe are distinguished as Africa’s final hunter-gatherer tribe, maintaining customs that reflect ancient human traditions.
The Hadzabe live in simple huts constructed from dry branches and leaves. Their environment is abundant with wildlife and vegetation, which sustains their community.
The iconic baobab tree is essential to their survival, serving as a source of both food and water. Known as the “tree of life,” it offers nourishment during tough hunting periods, with the tribe relying on its fruits and other natural finds.
The hunting prowess of Hadzabe men is exceptional, as Quoc observed during an antelope hunt that showcased their speed and skill.
Hunting is primarily conducted in the early morning or late evening. The hunters frequently take birds with bows and arrows to ensure food security. Impressively, every arrow they shoot is retrieved and reused.
During the rainy season, riverbanks prove fruitful for hunting as animals cluster to drink. Hunters often venture up to 20 kilometers away to increase their success rate.
The Hadzabe’s hunting rights are rooted in historical negotiations. In 1971, a Tanzanian program aimed to consolidate tribes and proposed resettling them. Despite being relocated multiple times, the Hadzabe chose to return to their forest home, citing a disconnection with modern life that conflicted with their cultural identity. Eventually, they received official consent to live traditionally, though under specific restrictions regarding hunting areas and protected species.
They are prohibited from hunting five endangered animals: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo.
To facilitate a successful hunt, the men bring a pack of dogs to help distract their target. When they find animal tracks, they strategize on the likely route before tracking and using their bows to catch their prey.
On one occasion, Quoc witnessed the swift return of a Hadzabe hunter with a freshly caught antelope. The team promptly skinned and prepared the animal, discarding unusable parts.
Using traditional methods, they started a fire by rubbing a hard stick against a softer one, creating smoke. With dry leaves and the help of natural winds, they generated flames.
Some antelope meat was roasted immediately with no seasoning, while the remainder was dried on trees to bring back to their community.
Quoc expressed admiration for their exceptional skills, noting their accuracy and ability to discern prey from seemingly indistinguishable tracks.
“Culture is always beautiful. The Hadzabe authentically embody their heritage and traditions, just as their ancestors did generations ago,” he remarked.
Dang Duong
