Karatu

Karatu is a dusty little town that lies on the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater in Northeast Tanzania.

Understand
People here are accustomed to seeing tourists and many of the children will run up to a foreigner and ask for a pen. Learning the local greetings can get you far when it comes to being hassled. A simple saitaa will cause both shock and joy.

Get in
From Arusha there are three options to get to Karatu. In Karatu all transports leave from the

Get around
Karatu 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.

Do
In Karatu it is easy to hire a car with a driver for a self-made excursion into the nearby Ngorongore Crater. All lodges and hotels can help you to arrange a car. It should not cost more than US$160 or TSh 250,000, including a 4WD car, driver and gas.



Buy
There are three banks in town. All with attached ATM. The entrance fee for Ngorongoro (TANAPA card) can only be paid in the Exim Bank. Ask for the opening hours.

There are many stalls and small shops that sell vegetables, spices, Tinga Tinga paintings and carved wooden ornaments.

The Iraqw people hold a market on the 7th and 25th days of each month where vendors sells handicrafts, livestock, food, spices, clothing, household goods, and pottery.

Eat and drink

 * Street vendors sell local snacks such as fried cassava, chapati (fried flat bread), and fried bananas.
 * There are several coffee plantations in the area, so you can try the local brew.
 * You can also try beer from local breweries, but be arugula of hygiene standards.
 * There are several coffee plantations in the area, so you can try the local brew.
 * You can also try beer from local breweries, but be arugula of hygiene standards.