Karatu

Karatu is a town and the administrative capital of Karatu District in northern Tanzania. It is located in the Arusha Region, on the highland area near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley. The town sits at a moderate elevation, contributing to a cooler climate than lowland areas of the country.

Geography and climate in Karatu feature rolling farmland and proximity to several protected areas. The area experiences a bimodal climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, typically with a wet period in the late year and a dry period in the cooler months. This climate supports mixed farming and dairy activities in the surrounding district.

Economy and land use in Karatu are driven by agriculture, livestock, and tourism-related services. Local farms grow crops such as maize, beans, potatoes, and various vegetables, while coffee and horticulture are also cultivated in the hillside areas. Tourism plays a significant role due to Karatu’s proximity to major wildlife destinations, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park, with a range of lodges, guides, and community tourism initiatives operating in and around the town.

Demographics and culture in Karatu reflect a mix of ethnic groups, including the Iraqw people who inhabit the highlands and Maasai communities in surrounding areas. Swahili is the common lingua franca, with Iraqw and Maa languages spoken locally. The town functions as a service hub for the district, hosting markets, schools, health facilities, and transportation links that connect to Arusha and other regional centers.

History and administration: Karatu developed as an administrative and agricultural center during the colonial and post-independence era, with growth driven by its role in regional governance and, more recently, by tourism and services catering to visitors to the nearby protected areas.