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Pride of lions walking through tall golden grass in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
RegionNgorongoro Karatu
The Gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater and Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit
Karatu, a welcoming northern Tanzania town, is the ideal gateway to Ngorongoro and a convenient safari base on the Northern safari circuit. Surrounded by coffee plantations, this charming highland town is a favourite stopover between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro. Its location makes it easy to explore nearby Lake Eyasi, home to the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers, while staying connected to the region’s most famous landmarks. Just beyond Karatu lies the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO conservation area and one of the most remarkable landscapes in Tanzania’s national parks. On a Ngorongoro Crater safari, visitors descend from the dramatic crater rim into a natural amphitheatre teeming with elephants, rhinos, lions, and countless other species. The combination of thriving wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and proximity to Ngorongoro makes Karatu the perfect pitstop for a safari in Tanzania.
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Best time to go to Ngorongoro Karatu
The best time to visit Karatu and the Ngorongoro Crater is from June to October, when the dry season makes for excellent wildlife viewing on a Ngorongoro Crater safari. Animals gather around waterholes in the conservation area, creating ideal conditions for game drives along the crater rim. From November to May, the green season transforms Karatu into a lush highland base on the Northern safari circuit, perfect for combining a stay in this welcoming town with trips to nearby Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro National Park.
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Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
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Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
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Verified TravellerWe booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified TravellerI spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified TravellerFrom the first contact to trip preparation and implementation as well as support during the trip, Viatu always acted very professionally. Our wishes and the given financial framework were taken into account. The hotels, the food, the activities - everything was excellent and highly recommended.
Nadja
Verified TravellerWe had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified TravellerWe loved using the Viatu Trip Builder to design our holidays in South Africa. It was super easy and transparent. Our holidays were great and the few times we needed support, our consultant Benoit was very quick and helpful.
Anita
Verified TravellerI'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!
Christoph
Verified TravellerWe booked our honeymoon with Viatu. From the first minute on, we had good communication going with our travel agent, and she suggested a very nice itinerary right away. After some little adjustments that were easily done, we were ready to go.
Nora
Verified TravellerWhat can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
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