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Ward and district capital of the Karatu District in the Arusha Region of Tanzania
Photo: Michelle Maria, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Karatu is a dusty little town that lies on the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater in Northeast Tanzania.
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Steve
Steve is a very friendly young man who speaks English fluently. He can help to arrange a perfect safari, because he used to work at the entrance gate himself. With him it is easily possible to pay the fee right at the gate without the TANAPA card.
Endoro Caves
The Elephant Cave is a remarkable natural and cultural landmark located just outside Karatu, within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. For centuries, elephants have dug into the soft, mineral-rich walls to extract salts essential to their diet. Their constant activity gradually carved out impressive cave-like formations that can still be explored today. Buffalo, antelope, baboons, and a variety of other wildlife are also drawn here to lick the nutrient-rich soil. Beyond its ecological importance, the Elephant Cave is also tied to the heritage of the Iraqw people of Karatu, who once used the surrounding areas for rituals and community ceremonies. It is a 2½-hour loop trail hike of moderate difficulty from the parking area, with a 500-m elevation gain.
Local beer garden with basic food and cheap beer. Sometimes football is being showed.
Nice and green garden with small individual huts. Cool beers and food is served.
Decent and clean hotel right next to the bus station. Rooms are small, but with attached bathroom. Probably best what you can get in the whole country for this price.
With Irish pub.
From Arusha there are three options to get to Karatu. In Karatu all transports leave from the
Read in the guideKaratu is a sleepy small town. Everything can be done by foot. Because of the pedestrian paths besides the main Arusha road walking is safe and comfortable.
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Arusha · Regional · ARK
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Articles and travel topics about Karatu and Tanzania.
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