Boutique hotels in Karatu

Karatu is a farming town on the road to Ngorongoro, surrounded by coffee estates, wheat fields and forest at about 1,500 meters. It is cooler and greener than the plains and makes a pleasant base on the way to or from the crater.

Where to stay

Lodges here are typically gardens of individual cottages with fireplaces and verandas, many on working farms that supply the kitchen. They are smaller and more affordable than the rim lodges, though you lose time on the drive to the crater.

Good to know

Karatu is roughly an hour from the Ngorongoro gate. It is a good base for visiting Lake Manyara and for walks and cycling among the farms.