East Africa Photography Tour
14 days From GBP 1645 More about this trip
Best of East Africa
10 days From US$ 1390 More about this trip
Use the Overlanding Google Map
Build Your Trip to Africa
Enquire nowAbout Karatu
Karatu is a small town in Tanzania. On route to attractions such as the Serengeti, Karutu backpacking tours offer the best way to experience the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit.
Karatu Budget Travel
Karatu budget travel is very easy with great value for money backpacking tours and fantastic highlights. Below is useful information on Karatu to help you plan your budget holiday in Karatu. We offer a variety of budget tours and backpacking advice in Karatu.
Airports
Karatu airports include the following:• Kilimanjaro International Airport
Birdlife
Karatu birdlife is rich and abundant, with over 220 species recorded in the area, including Black-headed Heron, Marabou Stork, Sacred Ibis, Green Sandpiper, African Hawk-Eagle, White-backed Vulture, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Fischer's Lovebird and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater.Conservation
Due to its proximity to the Northern Safari Circuit, Karatu conservation efforts plays an important role in preserving the Ngororongo Forest which the town borders, as well as tribal village preservation and other initiatives.Malaria
Karatu is situated at an elevation where the malaria parasite cannot survive, so malaria is not a concern in this area. However, depending on where you decide to travel after visiting Karatu, you may pass through malarial areas and should therefore follow your doctor’s advice regarding medication.Plants
Karatu plant life is very lush and diverse, with the beautiful Ngorongoro Forest and its range of trees, vines and plants, as well as number of gardens and farms within the area.Safety Tips
• Karatu is a relatively safe and secure area for travel
• Wildlife is mostly unfenced in the reserves nearby, so take basic precautions and do not leave your vehicle on game drives
• Drive slowly and carefully ' especially in high density game areas
• Do not ever attempt to touch or feed any wildlife you see, not only is this dangerous but it also interferes with animals
• Lakes are not for swimming ' there may be crocodiles or hippos in the water, both of which are equally dangerous to humans
Travel Books
Karatu recommended travel books include the following:• The Rough Guide to Tanzania by Jens Finke
• Tanzania: Footprint Travel Guides by Lizzie Williams
• Serengeti II: Dynamics, Management, and Conservation of an Ecosystem by A. R. E. Sinclair and Peter Arcese
• Northern Tanzania: The Bradt Safari Guide with Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar by Philip Briggs
• Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania by Dale A. Zimmerman, Donald A. Turner, David J. Pearson and Ian Willis
Visa Requirements
Get more information on visas in Tanzania
Wildlife
Karatu wildlife includes animals within the forests surrounding the area, such as Buffalo, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, and Baboons, as well as game across the Northern Safari Circuit, including Lion, Hyena, Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, Hippo, Wildebeest, Hartebeest, Zebra, Impala and Gazelle.
- Judd - OverlandingAfrica.com26 Oct 2010
-
Hi there Laurent, unfortunately I do not have any details of accommodation in Karatu, but a very popular choice with Overlanders is Moyo Hill Campsite. hope this helps.
- laurent hozza25 Oct 2010
-
i want to visit karatu in december what is the cheap hotel at karatu we are three personal tell me the good hotel and name how much because our budget is very low is like 50usd one nighti please answer me soon as posible
- Tania - OverlandingAfrica.com23 Jan 2010
-
Hi Barbara, Karatu is only 150kms from Arusha however the road was in terrible condition and it normally took about 3.5 hours to drive in a truck. I hear they have fixed the road somewhat so it should now take a bit less time. Lake Eyasi is rarely visited by tourists or tour groups so accommodation is limited. Try Lake Eyasi Bush campsite for very basic camping facilities or Kisima Ngeda Tented Lodge for slightly better facilities. I would recommend using a local tour operator if you wish to see Lake Eyasi and not to attempt it yourself. As it is a salt lake I hear the wildlife is limited in most areas however better bird and small game viewing can be had on the north side of the lake which falls into the Ngoronogoro Conservation Area. Have fun!
- Barbara23 Jan 2010
-
How far is it from Karatu to Arusha? Are there any accommodations around Lake Eyasi? What animals would one see at Lake Eyasi?
2 Overland tours through Karatu recommended for you
East Africa Photography Tour 14 days From GBP 1645
Nairobi to Nairobi
Best of East Africa 10 days From US$ 1390
Nairobi to Nairobi
Recent Feedback
Thanks much. I'm really tickled I discovered you folks. Again I say: "you rock!". (To shamelessly borrow your company's response, to some of our initial inquiries.)
— John C. (65) from United States
— Anne M from South Africa
— Anne M from South Africa
— Anne M from South Africa
— Anne M from South Africa
— Shirley Miller from United Kingdom
— Ruth from United States
— Sonya from Australia
— Perrick from France
— Rick C. from United States
— Rick C. from United States
— Rick C. from United States
— Anne B (27) from Ireland
— Tessa Z from Israel
— Tamsin C (21) from United Kingdom
— Rannelle M. (32) from United States
— Dr. Michael T. (49) from Germany
— Jaz O (40) from United Kingdom
— Jaz O (40) from United Kingdom
— John R (24) from Australia
Karatu Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions