Tanzania · Northern Circuit · Overnight Base

Karatu Highlands

The lush green heart of the Northern Circuit — a highland farming town surrounded by coffee plantations, wheat fields, and ancient Iraqw villages, nestled between the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.

1,400m

Altitude

Cool

Climate at Night

Midway

Manyara to Ngorongoro

The Hidden Highland Retreat

Karatu — More Than a Transit

Most travellers pass through Karatu on the way between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. However, those who spend time here discover a beautiful highland retreat — a world apart from the dusty savannah below.

Coffee and wheat farms stretch across rolling green hills. The air is cool and fragrant. The Iraqw people, master farmers of the highlands, have shaped this remarkable landscape over centuries. Karatu's lodge selection ranges from charming eco retreats to elegant coffee estate properties.

Include Karatu in My Safari

Where To Stay

Karatu Accommodations

Four excellent properties offering a comfortable and memorable break between park days.

Boutique Lodge

Kudu Lodge

A charming highland lodge set within lush tropical gardens — comfortable, characterful, and offering excellent local cuisine in a peaceful highland setting.

Garden SettingLocal CuisinePeaceful

Eco Lodge

Endoro Lodge

A beautifully crafted eco-lodge surrounded by forest — each cottage designed with natural materials and stunning garden views. Superb birdwatching from the grounds.

Forest SettingEco-CertifiedBirding

Hotel · Mid-Range

Highview Hotel

A reliable, well-run hotel on the Karatu ridge with sweeping valley views — comfortable rooms, warm service, and ideal positioning for early Ngorongoro crater descents.

Valley ViewsRestaurantGreat Value

Coffee Estate Lodge

Highview Coffee Lodge

Set within an active coffee estate — a truly unique lodging experience where you can tour the plantation, taste fresh-roasted coffee, and sleep surrounded by the scent of Arabica blossoms.

Coffee EstateFarm ToursUnique Experience