Safari Lodges in Karatu
Are you looking for the best safari lodges in Karatu – Tanzania? Do not fret, you are reading the right article. Karatu is found in the northern region of Tanzania in the Arusha region. The Ngorongoro Crater and the Lake Manyara National Park border this district. Karatu district is tagged as a safari junction for travelers since it is a stopover destination for travelers going to any of these areas. Additionally, the area is diverse with the Masai culture who are nomadic pastoralists. These Masai have different cultural practices travelers can engage in during a cultural safari.
Karatu also has a vibrant colorful market which takes place between the 7th and 25th of every month where the local traders bring their locally manufactured products. 7th is the most vibrant day for travelers to purchase souvenirs though the market operates every day.
How do I access Karatu?
Karatu can be accessed by both air and road transport and from Arusha it is about 150 kilometers which takes about 2 hours. While using air transport, travelers take flights from the Kilimanjaro International Airport to Manyara Airstrip then travelers drive for 30 minutes to reach the Karatu. The town has several lodges that are more affordable than those in the Ngorongoro crater rim and the Lake Manyara National Park.
The best safari lodges in Karatu
While on a Tanzania safari, there are several safari lodges that travelers can engage in during the visit to this safari junction. The lodges in this area are quite affordable to travelers on their safaris to Tanzania. Some of these lodges include; Karatu Simba Lodge, Karatu Country Lodge, Kitela Lodge, Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge, Ngorongoro Farm Lodge, Farm Valley Lodge, plantation lodge, Gibb’s Farm Lodge, and many others. Travelers usually choose these lodges since they are more affordable than those within the Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Which Safari activities can be done in Karatu?
While in Karatu, there are several activities that travelers on their Tanzania safaris can engage in and some of these include;
Coffee plantation tours
The area is blessed with several coffee plantations which travelers can engage in. During the visit to the area which is believed to have a striving coffee plantation. Travelers immerse in the coffee sorting and roasting to get the ready coffee for use by travelers during their visit to the area.
Cultural encounters
While on a safari to Karatu, there is the Masai community which travelers engage in to learn about the different cultural practices. Masai is one of the Indigenous communities that live a Nomadic life. The Masai is one of the Tanzania iconic groups that every traveler would love to engage in on their cultural safaris in Tanzania. During the cultural tours, travelers will also visit the local markets to purchase souvenirs. Usually, the market is more vibrant on the area’s highlands on the 7th and 25th of every month.
Biking tours
This is through exploring the area on a bicycle where travelers will go through the area’s highlands. The activity will take about 2 hours of the day through the farmlands. During this activity, travelers will be under the guidance of the local guides. You are required to be hydrated and always have enough water.
Hot air balloon safaris
Hot air balloon is a high-end activity with a thrilling adventure for travelers who encounter the area in the air. The activity guides you to explore the area while in the air. During this activity takes you to the highlands of Karatu and other landforms are easily seen. The attractions that will be seen include the Ngorongoro Crater, lake Manyara, and many others.
Waterfalls visits
While in Karatu, Endoro Falls is one of the major waterfalls that travelers engage in. These falls are located in the south of the Ngorongoro forest and near Gibb’s farm lodge. The hike to the falls takes through the elephant caves which is about 2 to 3 hours of the day.
Safari destinations near Karatu
Karatu is dubbed a safari junction for travelers connecting the different national parks and they include;
Lake Manyara National Park
Located in the Manyara region and three-quarters of the land is covered by the lake. Lake Manyara National Park is famous for the tree climbing lions which are similar to those in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is vast with several wildlife like lions, large herds of elephants, wildebeests, zebras, several bird species, and many others. The park hosts several flamingoes.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The conservation area originates its name from the Ngorongoro crater which is within the area. Ngorongoro conservation area hosts several volcanic features that travelers on their Tanzania safaris can encounter. While in the area, several wildlife can be seen on the crater floor while in the conservation area. Some of these wildlife can be shared through the game drive or the game viewing.
Serengeti national park
Famous for the wildlife great migration occurs annually in this park. The migration involves wildlife like the wildebeests migrating from one section of the park to another in search of pasture. The park is located in northern Tanzania towards the border of Kenya and Tanzania. Book Now
