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Karatu Destination

Ganako Karatu Cultural Tour Programme

This charmless town 14 km south-east of Lodoare Gate is an ideal base for visiting Ngorongoro.

Karatu is charming, but it is a delightful, bustling town that is great for a stopover between game parks and an excellent place to do some cultural tourism.

You will explore the area with a local guide. The Ganako-Karatu Cultural Tourism Programme has specially organised a few different guided tours with friendly and knowledgeable guides. The proceeds from the cultural tours are used to support local environmental, educational and health projects through a non-profit organisation in Karatu.

All the listed experiences in this article can be arranged by Ganako Karatu Cultural Tourism

There are various tour options available

  • Half day walking tours from Karatu Walk through farmlands and forests on the lower slopes of the highlands, and visit a local brick-making factory before proceeding to the Iraqw bomas, for more information and history.
  • Visit the Elephant Cave and Waterfall. This hike is popular with bird watchers and those interested in the flora and fauna of his part of the Great Rift Valley. Enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal prepared by a local woman. Over lunch, hear the history of the Rift Valley highland settlement.
  • Tour around Karatu town-Starting from the Centre, the tour takes you through the town to observe economic activities like local markets, shops, small industries, schools, dispensaries, churches, mosques, orphanage centres and environmental centres. See how local brew is made.


Full day hikes from Karatu

Snake Hill tour
This trip includes a climb to the top of Mlima Nyoka (Snake Hill) which is abundant in birdlife, flora and small fauna. From the top of the hill, one can enjoy spectacular views, with Lake Manyara on the eastern side and Lake Eyasi to the west. The walk back to Karatu passes through Lambo village to observe the daily social activities.

Oldean Village tour
The guide will take you to Oldean village, a historic German settlement. Pass through Mama India Centre where you can observe different social project activities.

Rift Valley tour
During this hike of the Rift Valley, the guide will tell you fascinating stories and the traditions of the residents. This walk takes you along the Rift Valley with panoramic views over the Salela plains and Lake Manyara. Descend to the valley floor and return to meet with and talk to local fruit, cassava and sweet potato farmers about their irrigation scheme.

Lake Eyasi tour
Drive to visit the Hadzabe Bushmen who are believed to have lived in the area for nearly 10,000 years. The Hadzabe are the last of the hunter/ gatherer tribes. You will be able to observe their daily lives and even join the men in hunting.

Other tours
Extended village stays, camping and hiking inside the NCAA itself, ornithological, botanical and other specialised treks can be arranged on request. Bicycles can be hired for the day.
– You can also choose to volunteer in their Conservation programmes, education in various primary & secondary schools around Karatu and the rest of Ngorongoro Conservation Area


Book Now!

If you are interested in a richer exploration of the town, consider booking a guided tour which can likely be arranged from your hotel or through the Ganako Karatu Cultural Tourism Program.