Live With One of the Last Hunter-Gatherer Tribes on Earth
A rare, full-immersion experience living alongside a Hadzabe family at Lake Eyasi, Tanzania — hunting, foraging, crafting tools, and learning directly from one of humanity’s oldest continuous cultures.
This is not tourism.
This is a return to our human origins.
📍 Lake Eyasi, Tanzania | 🗓 May 22–31, 2026 | 👥 10 Participants Max
For thousands of years, humans lived as hunter-gatherers — skilled, present, communal, and deeply connected to land and life.
This immersion offers a rare glimpse into that way of being.
Living alongside a Hadzabe family we have a close relationship with, you will:
Craft traditional bows and arrows
Hunt and forage alongside the Hadza
Make fire by friction
Gather wild honey, roots, and fruits
Learn culture, language, and worldview firsthand
For most participants, this experience is profoundly life-altering.
This immersion is mildly demanding — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
You feel called to understand our ancestral roots
You want deep cultural immersion, not observation
You’re physically capable of hiking for hours daily
You’re open to mild discomfort, simplicity, and reality
You respect hunting as survival, not sport
This is not a luxury retreat.
It is raw, real, and deeply human.
As a small group, we will live and move as a tribe.
Full immersion with a Hadzabe family
Traditional bow making and hunting
Fire making and primitive skills
Foraging for wild foods
Daily movement across rugged terrain
Cultural exchange and learning
Nights under the stars
Food is provided and supplemented with wild foods we harvest together.
The Hadza respect all wildlife — and there is no sugar-coating the realities of dispatching, processing, and eating animals. This is survival, not spectacle.
🎥 [Click here to watch a video of what to expect]
We will be very isolated, far from advanced medical facilities.
Emergency beacons are carried
Comprehensive first-aid supplies are on hand
Activities are guided with care and experience
That said, this is a remote and physically demanding experience.
A reasonable level of fitness is required.
After booking, a mandatory phone call is required to assess health and fitness.
We reserve the right to refund your deposit and refuse participation if minimum standards are not met.
Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or hotel in Arusha.
Transfer to lodge in Arusha for the first night.
Travel from Arusha to Lake Eyasi (approx. 5 hours).
Meet Hadza guides and family. Set up camp and orient to the land.
Hunting, bushcraft, and cultural immersion.
Six full days (and sometimes nights) living, learning, and moving with the Hadza.
Final hunt in the morning.
Midday departure to Tarangire National Park.
Overnight at a tented lodge.
Full-day safari in Tarangire National Park.
Witness Africa’s large game including elephants, lions, giraffe, zebra, and more.
Breakfast and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Dates
May 22–31, 2026
Location
Lake Eyasi, Tanzania
Nearest airport: Kilimanjaro International (JRO)
Group Size
10 Participants Maximum
Contact us to join the cancellation list
Investment
$4,000
$2,000 non-refundable deposit required
A lived understanding of ancestral human life
Deep respect for hunting, survival, and culture
Greater resilience, humility, and perspective
Skills and awareness that modern life rarely offers
A lasting shift in how you see yourself and the world
“You are almost guaranteed to be personally transformed by this trip… In hindsight, it is hard to imagine my life without this experience.”
— James McMillan, Colorado
We encourage participants to bring only essentials, mirroring the Hadza way of life.
One set of clothing + warm sweater
Knife
Sunscreen
Stainless steel water bottle or canteen
Hat
Broken-in hiking boots or running shoes
Sleeping bag or wool blanket
Personal sanitation items
Headlamp or small flashlight
Water filter (Grayl GeoPress recommended)
Sleeping mats are provided.
We recommend sleeping under the stars — tents are not necessary during the dry season.
Extra luggage can be stored at the lodge before entering the bush.
Reasonable physical fitness required (5–10 miles hiking daily)
Participants must be healthy
Must disclose allergies, heart conditions, diabetes, etc.
Ages 14+ if accompanied by a guardian
Ages 18+ if unaccompanied
Liability waiver required
Tanzania visa required ($100)
Travel insurance strongly recommended
Private 4x4 safari vehicle & all transportation
Airport transfers
All village, park, and entry fees
Professional guides
All meals
Accommodation
Drinking water
Sleeping mats (tents available upon request)
International flights to/from JRO
Tanzania travel visa
Personal sanitation items
Gratuities (optional, appreciated)
Malaria exists in Tanzania. Risk in our area is relatively low, but prevention is advised.
Consult your doctor or the CDC regarding prophylactics
Bring mosquito spray and netting
Notify us of any medical conditions prior to booking
We are happy to discuss health concerns directly.
$2,000 non-refundable deposit required
Balance due 60 days prior to start date
Cancellation penalties apply based on timing: More than 60 days before start date - deposit. 29 to 56 days before start date - 50%. 0 to 28 days before start date - total cost of tour
Travel insurance is required
If minimum of 5 participants is not met, a full refund will be issued
Full terms apply upon booking.
This experience is intentionally small, selective, and rare.
If you feel the call, the next step is to contact us and begin the application process.
Shorten the Learning Curve. Hunt with Confidence.
A 4-day immersive hunting course designed to give you a clear, grounded foundation in ethical hunting — from scouting and strategy to shot placement, processing, and cooking wild game.
Led by experienced bowhunters Cole Wilks and Joel van der Loon, this course is ideal for beginners and seasoned hunters looking to refine their approach.
📍 Johnson City, TX | 🗓 February 25–28, 2026 | 👥 8 Students Max. FULL
“I feel at least 10x more prepared going into this season than I did prior to the course. My approach will be vastly different based on the information and advice presented.”
— James McMillan, Colorado
Hunting is part of who we are.
For some, the call is to eat wild food.
For others, it’s a deeper connection to land, self-reliance, and challenge.
Where to begin can feel overwhelming.
This course removes confusion, shortens the learning curve, and gives you a clear, ethical, and practical path forward.
Hunting is a sacred ritual — far more than the kill.
It’s the full arc: scouting, patience, skill, responsibility, and respect.
You’ve never hunted and want a solid, ethical foundation
You feel called to harvest your own wild food
You want hands-on instruction, not internet theory
You want to improve confidence, accuracy, and decision-making
You value respect for animals, land, and process
No hunting experience is required.
This is a hands-on, field-based course with real instruction and real application.
Classroom and field instruction blended throughout each day
E-scouting and boots-on-the-ground scouting
Archery, rifle, and shotgun fundamentals and safety
Stalking, wind reading, and camouflage techniques
Animal processing, butchering, and cooking wild game
Camp-based learning with instructors available throughout
You will camp on site and live the rhythm of a real hunting camp.
Participants will have the opportunity to hunt a wild pig using archery equipment only during the course.
Accuracy must be demonstrated at 20 yards
Hunting opportunities may not occur every day
No license or tags required
Ethical shot placement and restraint are emphasized
Department of Fish & Wildlife rules and regulations
Wildlife identification, habitat, and behavior
Scouting methods:
OnX & Google Earth e-scouting
Tracks, sign, topography, and habitat reading
Essential gear and weapons selection
Hunting strategies and decision-making
Wind reading and approach tactics
Vocalizations and calling
Archery technique and safety
Rifle and shotgun instruction and safety
Basic survival skills
Field dressing, packing out, and animal processing
Cooking wild game
Confidence entering your next hunting season
A clear system for scouting and preparation
Improved accuracy and weapon handling
Ethical understanding of harvest and processing
Practical, real-world hunting skills
A grounded connection to the full hunting process
Dates
February 25–28, 2026
Start: 9am Day 1
Finish: Around noon Day 4
Location
Private Ranch
Johnson City, Texas
~1 hour west of Austin
Exact address provided after booking
Group Size
8 Participants Max
5 Minimum to Run Course
(4 spots currently open)
Investment
$1,800
3 meals per day
Drinking water
High-level instruction
Camping facilities
Field and classroom instruction
Transportation to and from the ranch is your responsibility.
Warm clothing (75°F daytime / 30s at night)
Earth tones recommended (camo not required)
Rain gear
Tent and sleeping system
Hiking boots
Water bottle
Mug, bowl, plate, fork, spoon
Small daypack
Headlamp
Sharp knife
Swimsuit (river nearby)
Snacks
Notebook and pen
Recurve, longbow, or compound bow with arrows
Binoculars
OnX Hunting App (free trial recommended)
Any hunting or survival gear you’d like to test or discuss
Spots are limited and filled on a first-come basis.
Once registered, you’ll receive:
Gear checklist reminders
Exact directions
Course preparation details
Full payment required to secure your spot
60+ days prior: 50% refund
30–59 days prior: 25% refund
Within 30 days: no refund
If the course is canceled by us, a full refund or alternative date will be offered
Build Calm, Capability, and Confidence Outdoors
A one-day, hands-on introduction to wilderness survival skills designed to give you a clear foundation for responding calmly and effectively in an emergency situation.
This course emphasizes practical skills, awareness, and decision-making—not endurance or hiking.
📍 Sisters, Oregon | 🗓 April 4, 2026 | 👥 12 Participants Max | Ages 10+
Most survival situations are not about strength or gear.
They are about calm thinking, simple skills, and good decisions under stress.
This entry-level course teaches the core fundamentals every outdoor traveler, hunter, or family should know—without overwhelming complexity.
It is designed to be approachable, practical, and confidence-building.
You want a solid foundation in wilderness survival
You spend time outdoors and want to be better prepared
You’re new to bushcraft or survival skills
You’re a parent wanting to equip your child with real skills
No prior experience is required.
No hiking is involved.
This course blends 30% instruction and discussion with 70% hands-on practice.
Physiological and psychological challenges in survival situations
How to stay calm and mitigate panic
Knife handling and safety
Shelter building fundamentals
Fire-making techniques
Water purification methods
Emergency signaling and rescue awareness
Students leave with practical experience, not just information.
Greater confidence outdoors
Calm decision-making skills under pressure
A working understanding of survival priorities
Hands-on experience with essential tools
A foundation you can build on with further training
Date
April 4, 2026
Time
9:00am – 3:00pm
Location
Sisters, Oregon
(Directions provided after booking)
Group Size
12 Participants Maximum
Ages
10 years and older
Knife (Beavercraft knives recommended)
Lunch
Water bottle
6" ferrocerium rod
(4Directions Bushcraft recommended)
Gloves
Warm clothing
Spots are limited to keep instruction personal and effective.
Once registered, you’ll receive:
Location details and directions
Course reminders
Preparation guidance
Full payment required to secure your spot
30+ days prior: 97% refund
14–30 days prior: 75% refund
Under 14 days: 50% refund
If the course is canceled by us, a full refund or alternative date will be offered
A 5-day immersive men’s gathering that strips away distraction and creates a powerful container for deep grounding into your true self through nature immersion, physical challenge, brotherhood, and intentional solitude
📍 Sisters, Oregon | 🗓 June 23–27, 2026 | 👥 10 Men Max
[Request Your Prerequisite Call]
This gathering is for men who feel the tension between who they are and who modern life demands them to be.
You want to connect deeper with nature
You’re willing to challenge your body, beliefs, and limits
You want to calm your mind and reset your nervous system
You feel caged by routine, comfort, or expectation
You’re committed to becoming more grounded, capable, and courageous
This gathering is intentionally minimalist. Distraction is removed so awareness, capability, and presence can return.
Deep nature connection to slow down the mind and calm the nervous system
Practical survival skills & challenges including fire making & shelter building
Physical challenge to forge mental and physical resilience
Silence and solitude meditations for deep introspection
Campfire council for honest conversation and brotherhood
Brotherhood without judgement
Everything is guided, intentional, and purpose-driven.
Get to know your guide Joel through his podcast “IN THE BUSH”
Deeper calm, focus, and emotional control
Clear awareness of habits — and tools to break them
Renewed vitality, direction, and embodied confidence
Practical bushcraft skills for real-world self-reliance
A grounded balance of instinct and intellect
Dates
April 23–27, 2026
Arrive by 3pm on the 23rd
Finishing and departing 10am on the 27th
Location
Kalamataka Ranch
Sisters, Oregon
Group Size
10 Men Maximum
Minimum age: 18
Investment
$1,200
Sturdy footwear and cold-weather-appropriate clothing
Tent and warm sleep system
Personal water bottle and small daypack
Simple knife (if you have one)
Journal and pen
Willingness to engage fully and step beyond comfort
Healthy organic meals and water
Coffee and tea
Camping facilities and porta potty
Instruction, guidance, and group containment
Training emphasizes safety, environmental responsibility, and respect for the land.
All activities are guided and scaled for different experience levels, with risk awareness integrated throughout.
A prerequisite phone call is required before booking.
This gathering is intentionally small and selective.
Before reserving your spot, you’ll speak directly with Joel to ensure this experience is the right fit — for you and for the group.
[Request Your Prerequisite Call]
Spots are limited to 10 men.
Full payment required to secure your spot
30+ days prior: 97% refund
14–30 days prior: 75% refund
Under 14 days: 50% refund
If we cancel the gathering, a full refund or alternative date will be offered
A fun day out in nature for kids and parents. For ages 6 and older. The following skills will be covered: Knife use and safety, survival tactics for emergency situations, shelter building, fire-making, water purification, useful plant identification. 100% hands-on. A legal parent or guardian must accompany the child-no extra charge. Hiking is minimal.
Location: Kalamataka Ranch, Sisters, OR (After booking we will send you directions)
Date: Ages 6 and older. 15 kid max.
Time: 9am-3pm
What to bring: Knife (Beavercraft knives are a good option) drinking water, lunch, 6 inch ferrocerium rod (https://4directionsbushcraft.com/product/1-2x6-ferrocerium-rod/)
CANCELLATION POLICY: CANCELLATION POLICY: Payment required in full to secure dates and availability. If cancellation is at least 30 days prior to the course start date 97% of course cost is refunded. If cancellation is within 14 to 30 days prior to course start date 75% of course cost is refunded. If cancellation is within 14 days of course start date 50% of course cost will be refunded. Due to minimum class size requirements we might need to cancel a course, if so we will provide a full refund or offer an alternative course date.
📅 Dates coming soon | 👥 Max 5 Participants | 💲 $850
Ages 16+ (under 16 with parent/guardian)
Strip life down to the essentials and test what you’re truly capable of. Join Joel for an immersive wilderness walkabout where a small, tight-knit group lives with the land—using minimal gear and maximum awareness. This is a raw, physically and mentally challenging survival experience focused on real self-reliance, adaptability, and the skills that kept our ancestors alive.
Deep nature connection to slow down the mind and calm the nervous system
Practical survival skills based on the survival needs as a group
Living off only what nature provides
Physical challenge to forge mental and physical resilience
Everything is guided, intentional, and purpose-driven.
Get to know your guide Joel through his podcast “IN THE BUSH”
Dates
coming soon
Location
Sisters, Oregon
Group Size
5 Maximum
Minimum age: 16
Investment
$800
Sturdy footwear and cold-weather-appropriate clothing
lightweight tarp
sleeping bag
stainless steel water bottle and small daypack
Fixed blade knife
folding saw
10 feet of paracord
sanitary items allowed
Willingness to engage fully and step beyond comfort
No other gear or food are allowed!
Food rations at Joel’s discretion
Instruction, guidance, and group containment
Training emphasizes safety, environmental responsibility, and respect for the land.
All activities are guided and scaled for different experience levels, with risk awareness integrated throughout.
This gathering is intentionally small and selective.
Full payment required to secure your spot
30+ days prior: 97% refund
14–30 days prior: 75% refund
Under 14 days: 50% refund
If we cancel the gathering, a full refund or alternative date will be offered
Lifesaving Skills. Learn Anywhere. Train at Your Pace.
A concise, practical online course covering the core priorities of wilderness survival — designed to build confidence, awareness, and foundational skill from anywhere in the world.
This course delivers over 60 minutes of focused instruction at a very accessible price and is ideal as a stand-alone introduction or a supplement to hands-on field training.
[Get Instant Access]
Most survival failures aren’t caused by lack of gear — they’re caused by lack of understanding.
This online course breaks survival down into clear priorities, helping you think correctly under stress and apply simple, effective solutions when it matters most.
It’s designed to give you a strong knowledge base before stepping into the field.
You want a foundational understanding of wilderness survival
You’re new to bushcraft or survival skills
You want to learn at your own pace
You plan to attend a field course and want to arrive prepared
You want practical, real-world knowledge — not entertainment
No prior experience is required.
You’ll be guided through the core priorities of survival, step by step:
Survival psychology and decision-making
Shelter selection and construction
Fire-making fundamentals
Water sourcing and purification
Food acquisition basics
Emergency signaling and rescue awareness
This knowledge forms the backbone of all effective survival training.
This course includes 20 modular video lessons, allowing you to train at your own pace and revisit topics anytime.
Main Introduction
Survival Gear
Shelter Overview
A-Frame Shelter
Lean-To Shelter
Emergency Space Blanket
Fire Lesson Overview
Finding and Processing Tinder
Ferrocerium Rod, Tinder & Accelerants
Bow Drill — Part 1
Bow Drill — Part 2
Building an Established Fire
Water Sourcing & Purification
Emergency Signaling
Food Overview
Foraging for Food
Fishing with Hook & Line
Processing & Cooking Rabbit
Paiute Deadfall Trap — Part 1
Paiute Deadfall Trap — Part 2
A clear understanding of survival priorities
Better decision-making under stress
Practical, real-world knowledge
Confidence entering outdoor situations
A solid foundation for hands-on training
Purchase the course through our website
Within 24 hours, you’ll receive an email with your login link and password
Access the course anytime, from anywhere, for life
Rewatch lessons as often as you like
This online course is best used:
As your first step into survival skills
As preparation before a field course
As a refresher between hands-on trainings
Knowledge plus practice creates competence.
Due to the nature of digital content, no refunds are provided for this purchase.