Karatu is a reasonably large tin-roofed town set in beautiful undulating farmland on the lower slopes to the south of
Ngorongoro.
The main safari route from
Arusha and
Manyara passes through this area on the way north to the
Ngorongoro Crater and the
Serengeti.
The area is of particular note for a number of beautiful farmhouse lodges set in a stunning rural landscapes of coffee plantations and shamba farms.
Most safari guests expect a safari to be all about gameviewing, but actually the experience can be so much broader. This is real 'red road Africa' ... a chance to break from the animals and spend some quality time relaxing and exploring these rural communities.
Gibbs Farm dates back to a time when the road up to the safari areas was little more than a pair of rough tyre tracks and is probably still the pick of the bunch.
The Manor at Ngorongoro is the most upmarket option, whilst
Bashay Rift Lodge offers perhaps the best value.