Wow, 😲 It’s a Delicious Food: Hadza Ancient People Hunt and Cook a Monkey Eating BBQ

Deep in the wild savannas of Tanzania, the Hadza people live a life that has remained nearly unchanged for thousands of years. As one of the last true hunter-gatherer tribes, the Hadza rely on the land and their ancestral skills to survive. Among their traditional foods is wild game, including monkeys—a controversial yet deeply rooted part of their culture.

Joining the Hadza on a hunt is like stepping into a living time capsule. With handmade bows, poison-tipped arrows, and incredible tracking skills, they move quietly through the bush. When they spot monkeys in the treetops, the chase begins. It’s intense and fast, requiring silence, speed, and sharp aim. A single, well-placed arrow can bring the animal down swiftly and humanely.

Once the monkey is caught, the Hadza waste nothing. The animal is carefully prepared and roasted over an open fire. The scene quickly turns into a natural barbecue—no grill, no sauce, just flames, smoke, and meat. The aroma of sizzling meat fills the air, mixing with the earthy scent of the savanna. For the Hadza, this is not just food—it’s tradition, community, and survival.

Everyone gathers around, from elders to children, sharing the meal and telling stories. The meat, cooked slowly over hot coals, is surprisingly tender and smoky. To an outsider, it might seem unusual, but among the Hadza, it’s a delicacy—rich in flavor and meaning.

“Wow,” a visitor might say with wide eyes and a full mouth, “😲 it’s delicious!” Eating monkey BBQ with the Hadza is more than just a meal—it’s an unforgettable experience, a glimpse into ancient life, and a reminder that food, culture, and survival are deeply intertwined in ways we often forget.