Karatu is found in the Arusha region of Tanzania, covering an area of over 6,000 square kilometers. It’s mainly dominated by the Hadza people, although other tribes have also settled here over the years, like the Dagoota and the Iraqw.
Karatu has become famous for onion growing in the country and even some parts of East Africa. The rich fertile volcanic soils support agriculture in the region. The highest point of Karatu is 1,739 meters above sea level, and there are over 200,000 inhabitants that live in Karatu according to the 2012 census.
Karatu district is bordered by Babati district, Ngorongoro district, Simiyu region, Monduli district, Miatu district, and Mbulu districts. Karatu is situated along the northern safari circuit, making it the best place for relaxation from your long trip, earning it the name “safari junction.”
Hadza People
The unique Hadza or Hadzabe people live around the Karatu district. The most unique fact about the Hadza people is that they are not closely related to any other people, making them exceptional, although their language is considered vulnerable.
The Hadza are hunter-gatherers, although in recent years they have tried to do some farming and herding due to the encroachment of cattle herders and farmers on their land. In the past, interaction with the Hadza would turn very hostile, even during the colonial rule and even now with the independent Tanzanian government.
The Hadza are believed to have lived in their territory for tens of thousands of years. They live close to Olduvai Gorge, often known as “The cradle of mankind.” Although there have been some intermarriages between the Hadza and other neighboring tribes, they don’t always work out, and the woman returns back to the Hadza home with her children.
You can visit the indigenous Hadza people and learn about their traditional way of life. You get to interact and engage in some of their day-to-day activities, offering you a thrilling, unforgettable experience.
Lake Eyasi
Lake Eyasi is an endorheic salt lake at the rift valley floor in the Karatu region of Tanzania. The surrounding areas of the lake are inhabited by the Hadza people, Masai, Iraqw, Sukuma, Isanzu, and Dagoota tribes. The Mumba cave at the lake shores of Lake Eyasi is an important archaeological site of late Stone Age and middle Stone Age artifacts.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is one of the places you should visit while in the Karatu district of Tanzania. It’s famous for its tree-climbing lions, not found elsewhere on earth apart from Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. The park was a sport hunting area in the 1920s until it was gazetted as a reserve in 1957 and finally upgraded to a national park in 1960. All hunting was abolished, and wildlife has greatly thrived over the years, making it one of the best national parks to visit in Tanzania.
Lake Manyara National Park is also a birders paradise with over 350 species of birds recorded, and 670 species of flowering plants have been recorded in the park. Wildlife viewing here is excellent and provides some of the most stunning sunset views at the backdrop of Lake Manyara.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro crater is situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation area of Tanzania. The conservation area is an important biodiversity site in the world, and it’s one of the most visited places by tourists in Tanzania due to the density of its wildlife.
The great Wildebeests migration that occurs annually starts from the Ngorongoro conservation area. From December to March, millions of Wildebeests, thousands of zebras, gazelles, Impalas, and other antelopes are calving at the Ngorongoro Conservation area, with predators like lions and hyenas ready to feast.
Iraqw People
The significant Iraqw people inhabit the southwest areas of Ngorongoro crater in Karatu district. They are considered to be relatives of the Afro-Asiatic people who inhabited the great lakes region in the past.
The Iraqw people have their traditions close to the Jews. You can visit the Iraqw people and get to know more about their way of life. Don’t miss checking out their local market that’s on certain days of the month. You can ask if you’re visiting on market day and get to go there and see how African local markets operate.
Nature Walks at Ngorongoro Islands
You can get a guide to take you through the Ngorongoro island forest in search of elephant caves and beautiful waterfalls. During the walk, you will see some scenic views of coffee farms, onion farms, and so much more. While in the forests, you will also be able to spot some birds.
While Karatu might be the best stopover on a safari to the northern circuit, there are also activities you can do while at Karatu like visiting the onion farms, coffee farms, and going through the process of coffee making from garden to cup, biking, hiking, visiting a local brewery, and so much more.
Featured in: Tanzania Information
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