Karatu, the base for Ngorongoro
Green hills, coffee farms and cool evenings, close to the Ngorongoro gate. Karatu is where many of our guests sleep before or after their day in the crater.
Why stay in Karatu
Karatu sits in the highlands just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Because it's outside the Conservation Area, there are no park fees for the night, and the lodges are usually cheaper than on the crater rim. It's also a little lower and warmer.
Many of the lodges are set on coffee farms and in gardens, with good food and room to relax. After a long day of game drives, that's welcome.
Karatu or the crater rim?
If you want the view and the earliest start into Ngorongoro Crater, stay on the rim. If you want to save money, or you're travelling with children who'd enjoy a garden and a pool, Karatu is a great choice. We'll tell you honestly which fits your trip.
Where to stay in Karatu
These are the Karatu lodges we work with, from comfortable family-run places to some of the best lodges in northern Tanzania.
