Karatu at a glance
Karatu sits below the Ngorongoro highlands, in front of the Loduare Gate. It is a working town and a gateway, not a part of the conservation area. Travelers use it as a base for a morning descent into the crater, and also as a stop on the way to Ndutu, Olduvai Gorge or the Serengeti.
The gate lies 14 km from Karatu. That is the distance to the entrance, not to the crater floor. The drive up to the rim and the descent still come after it, so do not read 14 km as a short trip to the animals.
Karatu or the crater rim
Two different places to sleep.
| Question | Sleeping in Karatu | Sleeping on the rim |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Outside the conservation area, before the Loduare Gate | Inside the conservation area, on or near the rim |
| Concession fee | No conservation area concession fee for lodgings outside the park | Per person per night, $59 to $71 for adult non-residents (2026) |
| Crater view | – | Possible, but not every place with Ngorongoro in its name sits on the edge |
| Morning start | Drive to the gate first | Shorter transfer to the descent road |
| Weather | Warmer than the rim | Cool, often cold at dawn |
The concession fee is a separate charge from the entry fee. Rates differ between the lists that tour companies publish ($59 in one, $71 in another, adult non-residents, 2026), so ask your operator which figure applies to your booking. Staying in Karatu does not remove the entry fee or the Crater Service Fee later. For those, see the fees guide.
Ngorongoro tours from Karatu
Crater day trips and multi-day safaris that start or pass through Karatu, with live prices and availability.
How to plan around Karatu
A night here changes the shape of the trip.
Split the drive from Arusha
The road from Arusha to the conservation area is about 180 km, and 3 to 4 hours is a fair planning time. Stopping in Karatu cuts the next morning, so you reach the crater descent rested. The Arusha guide covers the road and the airports.
Leave early for the crater
Crater driving is commonly given as 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and a permit allows one entry within 24 hours. From Karatu you drive to the gate first, then up to the rim, then down. Do not count on a late descent.
Arrive before dark
Official travel advice recommends against overland driving after dark. Plan arrivals in Karatu with daylight to spare.
Choose a lodge for your needs
Karatu has places to sleep in different styles. Judge a place by its distance to the gate, not by the word Ngorongoro in its name. The lodges guide compares Karatu, the rim and camps.
Karatu and the airport at Lake Manyara
Flying in is an option.
Lake Manyara Airport (LKY) lies in the Karatu district, about 25 km from the district seat. It is used mostly for non-scheduled flights, so check the current options with your operator before you rely on it. Kilimanjaro International Airport stays the main arrival point, with the onward trip by road.
Heights matter on this route. The rim lies at about 2,300 m, and the nights are cool. Anyone with a heart or breathing condition should ask a doctor before the trip. Malaria risk applies below 2,500 m in Tanzania, so ask about prevention and use mosquito protection in the evenings.
Karatu: frequently asked questions
Where is Karatu?
Karatu lies below the Ngorongoro highlands, in front of the Loduare Gate. The gate is 14 km away. The town is outside the conservation area.
Is it better to stay in Karatu or on the rim?
Karatu is outside the conservation area, so you avoid the concession fee for lodgings, and it is warmer. The rim gives a shorter morning and may give a view. Which suits you depends on budget and how early you want to start.
How far is Karatu from the crater floor?
The 14 km figure is to the gate. The drive to the rim and the descent come after that, so plan for a full morning before you are on the floor.
Does staying in Karatu save me the park fees?
It saves the concession fee for the night. Entry and the Crater Service Fee for your visit are still charged. See the fees guide for the current figures.
Can I fly to Karatu?
Lake Manyara Airport in the Karatu district handles mostly non-scheduled flights. Check current options before you plan around it.