Karatu

Why stay in Karatu

Karatu is a small market town in the green highlands between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. At around 1,500 metres it is noticeably cooler than the plains below, and it is surrounded by coffee estates, wheat and maize fields, red-earth roads and forested ridges that climb towards the crater. The area is home mainly to the Iraqw people, whose farming communities give the region a lived-in, agricultural character.

Karatu is not a park, but it is one of the most useful places to stay on a Northern Circuit safari. From here the gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is about 20 minutes away and Lake Manyara National Park about half an hour, which allows an early start for the crater without a long drive. The town's lodges range from intimate coffee-farm properties to larger safari lodges with pools and gardens, and many offer coffee tours, farm walks and visits to local markets on relaxed afternoons.

When to go

Karatu is comfortable all year. In the green season the countryside is lush and beautiful; in the dry season it makes a cool, convenient base between drives. Nights can be chilly from June to August, so bring a warm layer.

Karatu pairs naturally with the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Mto wa Mbu. Explore our Northern Circuit safaris.