Karatu

Karatu is a vital supply hub and a popular overnight stop for safari travelers in northern Tanzania. The town is tucked away in the lush green highlands between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Characterized by its rich red soil and vast coffee plantations, Karatu provides a pleasant break from the savannah heat. The town is a melting pot of cultures where the local economy thrives on both agriculture and tourism. Visitors enjoy Karatu for its authentic markets and the chance to experience rural Tanzanian life. Numerous lodges cater to all budgets, often boasting impressive views over the rolling hills. Nearby forest trails invite hikers to explore local flora and fauna. It is the great place to relax before or after a safari in the crater. The town is easily reached via the main road from Arusha. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons from June to October and January to February. Culinarilly, Karatu features a blend of traditional Tanzanian dishes like Ugali and Nyama Choma alongside international menus in safari lodges. A highlight is visiting one of the historic local coffee farms.

Nearby cities

Babati

Located on Lake Babati, a city in the Rift Valley overlooking Mount Kwaraa.

Mbulu

A high-altitude town in the crater-like highlands, dominated by the Iraqw people.

Mto wa Mbu

A culturally diverse village at the entrance of Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its irrigation systems and red bananas.

Lake Manyara National Park

A diverse national park famous for its tree-climbing lions and vast soda lake filled with flamingos.

Empakaai Crater

A pristine crater in the Ngorongoro Highlands featuring a deep blue alkaline lake and steep, forested walls.

Lake Eyasi

A shallow soda lake in the Rift Valley, home to the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and known for authentic cultural encounters.

Charrana

A hidden gem at the Cape of the Three Forks with wild cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

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Izemmouren إزمّـورن

Izemmouren is a tranquil coastal town in northern Morocco, known for its pristine beaches like Playa Los Piratos.

Melilla

A fascinating Spanish enclave in North Africa, boasting modernist architecture and a stunning historic citadel.

Nador

The largest city in the Rif region on the shores of a large lagoon.

Al Hoceima

A Mediterranean port city known for its beaches and national park.

Tala Youssef

Tala Youssef is a picturesque Moroccan coastal town near Al Hoceima, known for its beautiful beaches and pine forests.

History & landmarks

Ngorongoro Crater

The world's largest inactive volcanic caldera, forming a unique and densely populated wildlife ecosystem.

Tarangire National Park

Famous for its massive elephant herds and striking, ancient baobab trees.

Nature

Lake Manyara

A lake in the rift valley.

Moulouya Estuary

The mouth of the Moulouya river.

Mar Chica

A large saltwater lagoon.

More places

Wembere Plain

A vast, flat plain in the center of Tanzania.

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Geita Farmland

Agricultural area.

Engaruka Ruins

The fascinating remains of a complex agricultural system and Iron Age settlement in the East African Rift Valley.

Olduvai Gorge

One of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, known as the 'Cradle of Mankind'.

Nador West Med Port Project

A new industrial port complex in development to boost economic growth in northern Morocco.

Tarangire Park

Known for large elephant herds.

Port of Nador

A commercial port on the Mediterranean serving the L'Oriental economic region.

Ol Doinyo Lengai

A unique active volcano with natrocarbonatite lava.