Ep 5. Desert Hunters

In Survive the Tribe season 1 episode 5, we follow the journey of Hazen Audel as he travels to the deserts of Rajasthan in India, where he will join the Raika tribe. The Raika are known for their unique relationship with camels, which they rely upon for transportation, milk, and meat. Hazen will have to learn how to live off the harsh desert environment and become a hunter like the Raika, whose survival depends on their ability to capture their prey.

The episode begins with Hazen arriving in Rajasthan and meeting his host, Indra, a member of the Raika tribe. Indra explains some of the customs and beliefs of his people, who for centuries have lived as semi-nomadic camel herders. Hazen is amazed by the beauty of the desert landscape and the resourcefulness of the Raika, who have adapted to the harsh conditions by developing a deep understanding of the environment and its inhabitants.

Hazen is eager to learn the techniques used by the Raika to catch their prey, and he soon discovers that hunting in the desert is not an easy task. The first animal that the Raika hunt is the chinkara, a small antelope that is fast and elusive. Hazen is amazed by the skill of the Raika, who use traditional bows and arrows to bring down the chinkara. He learns that hunting in the desert is a matter of patience and stealth, and that the Raika have a deep respect for the animals they hunt.

The next animal that Hazen learns to hunt is the desert hare, a small and fast-moving creature that is hard to catch. Hazen follows Indra as he sets traps and uses his knowledge of the hare's habits to outsmart the animal. Hazen is impressed by the resourcefulness of the Raika, who are able to survive in a harsh environment by using every resource available to them.

As they journey deeper into the desert, Hazen and Indra come across a group of nomads who are camping near a water source. The nomads are friendly and invite Hazen and Indra to share a meal with them. Hazen is struck by the hospitality of the nomads, who despite living a nomadic life, are always ready to share what little they have with others.

The final animal that Hazen learns to hunt is the Indian gazelle, a graceful animal that is much larger than the chinkara. The Raika use their knowledge of the animal's migration patterns to set traps and wait patiently for the gazelle to come to them. Hazen is amazed by the beauty of the gazelle and understands why the Raika hold the animal in such high regard.

Throughout the episode, Hazen is impressed by the deep connection that the Raika have with the desert environment. He learns that survival in the desert is not just about finding food and water, but about developing a respect for the environment and its inhabitants. Hazen also learns that the Raika have a unique relationship with their camels, which they see as companions and helpers in their daily lives.

As the episode comes to a close, Hazen says goodbye to Indra and the Raika tribe, who have welcomed him into their community and taught him valuable lessons about surviving in the desert. Hazen understands that the trip has not only been about surviving the tribe but about learning from them, and he is grateful for the experience. The episode ends with Hazen reflecting on the lessons he has learned and the amazing people he has met on his journey through the desert.