Deep in the remote savannahs of Tanzania, the Hadzabe people—one of the last true hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa—continue to live in harmony with nature. In a powerful and controversial tradition, they rely on hunting for survival, and one of their rare but significant sources of food is the baboon monkey. For the Hadzabe, this is not a sport or cruelty, but a matter of sustaining life in the wild.
In a recent encounter, a group of Hadzabe hunters returned from the bush with a freshly hunted baboon. The scene that followed was both raw and primal: the tribe gathered around a fire, preparing to roast the meat. First, the fur was singed off over open flames, releasing a strong smell, and then the carcass was carefully butchered and placed on sharpened wooden sticks. Slowly, the meat began to roast, the skin crisping up, and the scent becoming stronger and more savory.
As the meat cooked, the Hadzabe chatted, laughed, and prepared side items from roots and wild fruits they had foraged earlier. For them, this was not just a meal—it was a celebration of a successful hunt and teamwork. Once ready, the roasted baboon meat was shared equally among the group. The elders took the first bites, savoring the crispy skin and smoky flavor, before passing it around to the younger members.
Though such a scene may shock outsiders, for the Hadzabe, eating baboon is a long-standing cultural practice that symbolizes survival and respect for nature’s gifts. They waste nothing, honoring the animal by using every part. In their eyes, it’s not just food—it’s tradition, strength, and life. And according to their smiles and satisfied expressions, the roasted baboon was absolutely delicious.
