Discover the Heart of Northern Tanzania
Karatu is your gateway to Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Handpicked for you
Top Experiences in Karatu
Black Rhino Academy — International School
Karatu Town
Pamoja Farm Villas
Karatu Town
Acacia Collections
Karatu Town
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge
Karatu Town
Farm of Dreams Lodge
Karatu Town
Patamu Restaurant, Lodge & Safaris
Karatu Town
Omega View Hotel & Resort
Karatu Town
Gibb's Farm
Karatu Town
Karatu Villas Lodge
Karatu Town
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge
Near Crater Gate
Lilac Oasis
Karatu Town
Gran Vachellia
Karatu Town
Eileens Trees Inn
Karatu Town
Acacia Farm Lodge
Karatu Town
Five Chutneys
Karatu Town
Golden Sparrow Lounge
Karatu Town
Northern Tanzania's Best Kept Secret
Why Karatu?
Sitting at 1,500m in the cool Ngorongoro highlands, Karatu is surrounded by exceptional wildlife and genuine cultural experiences, without the crowds of the main parks.
Ngorongoro Crater
The world's largest intact volcanic caldera, home to the Big Five and over 25,000 animals.
Hadzabe Bushwalk
Meet one of Africa's last hunter-gatherer peoples on a morning visit near Lake Eyasi.
Highland Farm Lodges
Wake up to coffee plantation views and crisp mountain air in some of Tanzania's finest lodges.
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What Are You Looking For?
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Karatu is a highland town in northern Tanzania, about a 1.5-hour drive west of Arusha on the road to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Most visitors fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha, then drive.
Karatu is the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Lake Eyasi. You can go on safaris and day trips, visit coffee farms, meet the Iraqw, Hadzabe and Datoga communities, hike the highlands, and shop the lively gulio (mnada) markets.
Karatu is a year-round destination. The dry seasons (June–October and December–February) are best for wildlife viewing, while the green seasons bring lush scenery and fewer crowds.
From luxury lodges and tented camps to farm stays and guesthouses. Browse the Stay section to compare options near Karatu town and the crater gate.
Visit Karatu is a directory. Use the enquiry form on any listing to contact the operator directly. Bookings, payment and cancellation are arranged with that business.
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