About Karatu
The highland gateway to Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi and Lake Manyara, at the heart of northern Tanzania's safari circuit.
Welcome to VisitKaratu
A cool green highland, surrounded by remarkable wildlife
Sitting at around 1,500 metres in the Ngorongoro highlands, Karatu is a lush farming town famous for its coffee and wheat estates, crisp mountain air and warm hospitality. It is the natural base for exploring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, and the ancient hunter-gatherer cultures of Lake Eyasi.
VisitKaratu is a community directory that brings together the area's lodges, tour operators, attractions, sport clubs and cultural experiences in one place, making it easy for travellers to discover, compare and connect directly with local businesses.
Whether you are planning a full crater safari or simply passing through on the northern circuit, Karatu offers a genuine, uncrowded side of Tanzania.
The Visit Karatu Project
Building bridges between Tanzania and Switzerland
Through sports, tourism and sustainable development.
The Visit Karatu Project is a strategic initiative designed to promote Karatu District as a leading destination for tourism, sports, culture, investment and international partnerships.
Through collaboration with the District Council of Karatu, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the Njohole Foundation and FC Bavois of Switzerland, the project works to create lasting opportunities for youth, local communities and international partners, connecting the two countries through shared values of friendship, innovation and sustainable development.
Our Vision
To position Karatu as an internationally recognised destination for tourism, sports development, culture and sustainable investment.
Our Mission
- Promote Karatu worldwide.
- Develop sports partnerships between Tanzania and Switzerland.
- Support youth through education and sport.
- Strengthen tourism and investment opportunities.
- Build sustainable international cooperation.
Official Launch Ceremony
A day marking a long-term partnership
The ceremony brings together partners from Tanzania and Switzerland to open the project and unveil the Visit Karatu website. Date and venue to be announced.
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14:00
Guest Reception
Registration, welcome by the protocol team and seating of guests.
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14:30
Official Opening Ceremony
National anthems, welcome address and presentation of the project vision, mission and objectives.
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14:50
Official Speeches
Remarks from the Guest of Honour and partners, including FC Bavois, Black Rhino Academy and the Njohole Foundation.
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15:40
Symbolic Partnership Ceremony
Signing of the partnership, exchange of gifts and presentation of the FC Bavois kit featuring the Visit Karatu logo.
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16:00
Multimedia Presentation
Discovering Karatu, the FC Bavois partnership, and the official unveiling of the Visit Karatu website.
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16:40
Cultural Entertainment
Traditional Tanzanian dance, entertainment, an interactive quiz and giveaways.
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18:00
Presentation of Partners
Recognition of strategic partners and exchange of commemorative plaques.
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18:30
Gala Dinner & Networking
Dinner, live music, media interviews and a networking session.
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22:00
Closing Ceremony
Vote of thanks and closing remarks.
In Partnership With
Our Partners
District Council of Karatu
Local government
Black Rhino Academy-International
Strategic sports partner
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF)
Federation partner
Arusha Football Federation (AFF)
Regional football
Njohole Foundation
Community & youth
FC Bavois (Switzerland)
Founding football partner
Visit Karatu Project Team
Coordination
Together we connect communities, inspire young people and promote Karatu to the world.
Visit Karatu Project · Renatus Boniface Njohole & Christian Weidmann
Explore
What You'll Find in Karatu
Lodges & Hotels
Accommodation options in and around Karatu
Tour Operators
Safari and tour operators based in Karatu
Sport Clubs
Sports and recreational activities
Attractions
Natural and cultural attractions near Karatu
Culture & Crafts
Local culture, crafts, and artisan markets
Food & Dining
Cafés, restaurants, bars and dining venues around Karatu.
Education & Schools
Schools, academies and training institutions in and around Karatu.
Getting to Karatu
By Air
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, then drive 3–4 hours west to Karatu. For a quicker connection, take a domestic flight via Lake Manyara (Manyara) Airport, a short drive from Karatu.
By Road
Karatu sits on the sealed road between Arusha and the Ngorongoro Gate, about 140 km from Arusha town.
Best Time
Karatu is a year-round destination. June–October is dry-season prime time; the green season runs November–May.
Plan your Karatu adventure
Browse lodges, tours and experiences, or list your own business on VisitKaratu.