Everything to know About Karatu, Karatu Safari Tours, an Expert guide to Karatu

Introduction

Karatu is a welcoming town in the Arusha District, often called “Safari Junction” because it’s located right between Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. While many travelers stop here for a night on their way to safaris or choose it as a more affordable place to stay compared to the lodges near the Crater or inside the park, there’s so much more to discover.

If you view it as just a stopover, you might miss out on some incredible cultural and outdoor experiences! By spending an extra day or two, you can explore Karatu, connect with the local community, and enjoy a refreshing break before your next safari adventure.

How to get to Karatu

Getting to Karatu is easy, especially if you’re already in Tanzania. By road, it’s a 2-3 hour drive from Arusha, and many safari tours stop there. It’s also close to Lake Manyara National Park, about 30-45 minutes by car, and only 30 minutes from the Ngorongoro Crater gate.

A cheaper option is to take a bus or dala dala. This can take up to three hours and should be between 7000-10000 Tsh. These can often get crowded and for the cheap price you often miss out on comfort. It is generally advisable to take a bus that arrives before night falls for safety reasons.

If you are willing to spend a bit more money, a small plane to the Lake Manyara airstrip is also recommendable. Coastal Aviation and Auric Air both fly from Arusha to Manyara for around 100 US$ as a stopover on their way to the Serengeti.

Watch out because this flight is most likely leaving from Arusha Airport, a small local airport, rather than Kilimanjaro Airport, which you might have arrived from via an international flight.

From the Manyara airstrip, it is about a 30-minute drive to Karatu, either by taxi or through a transfer arranged by us.

When to visit Karatu

Karatu is a great place to visit all year, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October. Most people visit Karatu as a base for safaris in places like Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park. During the dry season, the grass is shorter, making it easier to see animals, especially in the Ngorongoro Crater. While you can spot wildlife throughout the year, June to October offers the best views.

Lake Manyara is similar—animals are easier to spot in the dry season, even though the parks are very green and lush in the rainy season. If you visit in the wet season, it might be less crowded, especially at Ngorongoro Crater. Some roads may get muddy, but it usually doesn’t stop you from enjoying your safari, Everything to Know about Karatu.

THINGS TO DO: TOURISM ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND KARATU

Many people see Karatu as just a stop between the bigger safari parks, but there’s actually a lot to do and see in the town. The busy town center has plenty of chances for cultural experiences. You can shop for souvenirs at the market, visit a coffee farm, or even try brewing your own beer!

Two organizations focus on cultural tourism in Karatu. The Ganako Cultural Tourism Program offers sustainable tours and gives some of the money to a local charity. Iraqw Karatu also provides various activities that let you learn about the local culture. While you can explore places like the market on your own, joining an organized tour is usually better for cultural activities. A guide can help you understand local customs and make sure you approach the community respectfully. For more information on responsible tourism in Karatu, check out the section below!

Here are some recommend activities

Explore the Karatu Market – On the 7th and 25th of each month, local vendors gather in Karatu for a vibrant market, providing you with a chance to admire beautifully crafted goods, purchase souvenirs, and test your bargaining skills. The market on the 25th is slightly smaller, but if these dates don’t fit your schedule, there’s a smaller market in the town center every day.

Tour a Coffee Farm – Tanzania is renowned for its exceptional coffee, particularly in the northern region where coffee cultivation is prevalent. You can visit several picturesque coffee farms, and even stay on-site (check out the Where to Stay section) to learn about the coffee-making process while savoring fresh coffee amidst stunning countryside views.

Beer Brewing Experience – Ganako can arrange a visit to a local beer brewing facility, allowing you to sample home-brewed beer and enjoy an authentic cultural experience.

Brick Making – This craft is a vital industry in the region, providing a livelihood for many residents.

Savor Local Street Food or Traditional Iraqw Cuisine – Enjoy dishes like ugali (maize porridge), chips mayai (fries with eggs), or cassava. The street food will offer you an excellent introduction to Tanzanian culture. If you prefer to explore on your own, opt for cooked foods to avoid any stomach issues.

Homestays or Visits to Traditional Homes – Ganako and Iraqw can arrange opportunities for you to see how local Tanzanians live and even spend a night with them.

Biking Adventures – Numerous trails around Karatu are perfect for discovering the area by bike.

Engage with Developmental and Eco Projects – Visit local initiatives to witness how communities and NGOs collaborate to foster sustainable livelihoods in the region.

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Day trips from Karatu

In addition to serving as a stopover for the major national parks, Karatu is an excellent base for day trips to nearby attractions. Ganako and Iraqw Karatu provide hiking opportunities to Mlima Nyoka (Snake Hill), where you can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding landscape and the Rift Valley.

They also organize excursions to the historic German settlement of Oldean, where you can explore the country’s colonial history, as well as trips to the breathtaking Lake Eyasi.

This hidden gem remains largely undiscovered by tourists, offering a peaceful retreat to appreciate the lake’s beauty, along with its diverse flora and fauna.

At Lake Eyasi, you also have the chance to meet the Hadzabe Bushmen, one of the last hunting and gathering communities in East Africa, and even participate in a hunting experience with them.

Is cultural tourism socially responsible?

Cultural tourism can sometimes take on a voyeuristic quality, resembling a ‘slum safari,’ which may leave tourists feeling uneasy when entering people’s homes and lives. However, Ganako and Iraqw Karatu promote a socially responsible approach to this kind of tourism by supporting local initiatives and directing funds straight to the communities being visited.

For these individuals, tourism is a crucial aspect of their livelihoods. By traveling with a guide, you can gain insights into cultural practices and taboos, as they can help translate and facilitate communication.

It’s important to act responsibly and always seek permission before taking photos. Additionally, avoid participating in projects involving children, as the constant influx of volunteers can create feelings of abandonment for them.

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Local  Group

The predominant group in Karatu is the Iraqw, a mainly Christian community. Their language stands out for its unique roots, tracing back to Ethiopia. As skilled agriculturalists, they thrive by selling cultural products, such as pottery, to tourists visiting the Ngorongoro area.

The Hadzabe Bushmen live around Lake Eyasi and remain one of the last hunting and gathering communities in East Africa. Today, about 1,000 Hadzabe continue to inhabit the region, though their land faces gradual encroachment by the Tanzanian government. A visit to the Hadzabe offers a rare glimpse into an ancient way of life, with their language featuring distinctive click sounds.

Nearby, the Datoga people reside close to Lake Eyasi as well. Known for their agricultural practices and craftsmanship, the Datoga are also recognized as fierce warriors, distinguished by the circular tattoos on their faces. This community is highly isolated, with only about 5% speaking Swahili, Tanzania’s national language. Education levels remain low, and their language reflects influences from both Ethiopia and South Sudan, indicating their migration southward thousands of years ago.

Where to stay in Karatu

Karatu is an ideal destination for a few days of exploring nearby national parks, Lake Eyasi, and gaining insights into local cultures. Many travelers choose to stay in Karatu, as accommodations tend to be more affordable than those within the national parks. While staying in Karatu can save money, it’s important to consider that it may require more daily driving, which could be tiring.

We recommend weighing the benefits of reduced travel time against the experience of staying in a lodge located directly on the crater. Karatu offers excellent accommodations to suit all budgets,

Here are a few of our top recommendations:

High-end choices: Plantation Lodge and the boutique hotel Oldeani Safari Lodge are undoubtedly more expensive, but the stunning surroundings and colonial-style architecture will ensure that your stay is worthwhile.

Mid-range option: Options with a moderate price tag include the lovely gardens surrounding your cottages at Octagon Lodge and Karatu Simba Lodge.

Stay on a coffee farm for a more memorable experience. Gregg’s Farm and the Shangri-La estate of Kifaru Coffee are two outstanding options for doing so. You can learn about the industry firsthand while relaxing in the peaceful cabins and admiring the breathtaking views. While the Shangri-La estate is significantly more affordable but only has a small number of rooms to offer, Gregg’s Farm is a high-end choice that offers luxury and a spa. Make reservations in advance if you want to stay here.

Conclusion:

 Despite being a small town and serving as a junction between different safari attractions, Karatu town should never be overlooked or skipped when visiting the different national parks such as the Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti National Parks since the town has many attractions to see and explore and many safari activities to enjoy and make your safari tour unforgettable. Contact us today at Nihapa Tours if you are interested in a safari visit to Karatu town; it is a nice place to visit and you will undoubtedly have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.