Why stay in Karatu instead of the crater rim?

Karatu offers more choice, better value and a wider range of lodges and services just 20 to 30 minutes below the crater rim, avoiding pricier rim accommodation.

Is Karatu good for medical care?

Yes. FAME Medical is a modern private hospital in town, making Karatu one of the best-served points on the northern circuit.

What is Karatu known for?

Coffee estates, its Safari Junction location below Ngorongoro, and as a base for Lake Eyasi and Hadzabe cultural visits.

How long should I stay?

One or two nights is typical, enough to visit the crater and add a coffee tour or a Lake Eyasi cultural day.

Destination guide

Karatu

Coffee-farm gateway town at the foot of the Ngorongoro highlands

If something goes wrong

Emergency & health

Police

112

National emergency line

Ambulance / Fire

114

Also try 115

Your guide

Founder-vetted

Every guide knows the nearest help.

Hospitals & clinics

FAME Medical

Hospital

Karatu town

modern private hospital with emergency room and theatres, main facility for travellers

View details & directions

Karatu Lutheran Hospital

Hospital

Karatu

district-level mission hospital serving the local community

View details & directions

Karatu pharmacies

Pharmacy

Karatu town centre

several chemists on the main road for medicines and basics

View details & directions

Karatu Police Station

Police

Karatu town

national emergency line 112

View details & directions

Insurance accepted for emergencies

Karatu is unusually well served thanks to FAME Medical, a modern private hospital used by travellers, but comprehensive travel-medical insurance with air-evacuation cover is still advised for onward safari areas. AMREF Flying Doctors membership is widely recommended.

NHIF AAR AMREF Flying Doctors