Introduction
Karatu town, located in the northern highlands of Tanzania, is a small town that serves as a gateway to some of Tanzania's most famous national parks. Despite its proximity to these parks, it gives a unique experience of its own, with an abundance of cultural and natural attractions for Tourists. Experience the beauty of Africa's wildlife with our expertly guided safari tours, where every moment is a chance to connect with nature.
Tours To Do
Coffee Plantation Visit
The plantations of Karatu take you on a fascinating journey of coffee, as you discover the tools of coffee production, indulge in aromatic brews, and witness the interesting process from bean to cup. Gibb's Farm, NgorongoroCoffee Lodge and Shangri-La Coffee Estate are among the notable coffee plantations in Karatu. You can book guided tours that take you through scenic coffee fields, and give an insight into the cultivation of Arabica and Robusta beans. These plantations offer interactive experiences that allow you to pick, wash, dry, roast and brew these coffee beans. In fact, if you have some time and interest, you may even stay back with the farmers and help them out with planting new trees in the fields. The best time to visit thesecoffee plantations would be during the harvest season which is from July to January. You will find the plantations bustling with activity as coffee cherries reach their peak ripeness, and are picked and dropped in the baskets. However, the experience doesnot end here. Coffee plantation visits go beyond learning the production process. Many plantations offer tasting sessions as well, allowing you to savour the distinct flavors and aromas of Tanzanian coffee.
ACTIVITIES
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About Mto wa Mbu
Mto wa Mbu is situated on the northern Tanzania, just at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment, on the way to Ngorongoro and Serengeti, it is an ideal resting place formost safari travelers to experience the authentic cultural tour.
Tuk Tuk or Bajaj tour (2 - 3 Hours)
Visit mto wa mbu village with three wheel visit banana farms, and rice farms, and learn the economic system of the village.
Climbing Balaa Hill (3 - 6 hours)
Climb to the top of the Rift Valley wall for breath-taking views of Lake Manyara, the village of Mto wa Mbu, and the Maasai Steppe beyond. Also, see a diverse array of local bird species and magnificent 2,000-year-old baobab trees.
Maasai Boma Tour (3 - 4 hours)
Visit a Maasai boma and see the lifestyle of themaasai in their tradition house. Along with a guided tour of the boma and an introduction to the local Maasai population, tribes men will offer to paint traditional Maasai tattoos for visitors and even let them milk their cows.
Maasai Market Tour (2-4 hours)
Hundreds of Maasai gather each Thursdayafternoon at the busting Maasai market, where visitors have the chance to see their crafts and taste their food, including the famous Maasai BBQ. A larger, village-wide market occurs on the 22nd of each month.
Village Walk (2-4 hours)
Visitors will get a chance to meet locals and learn about banana beer, Makonde wood carvings, and tribal painting techniques; the village provides a great introduction to everyday life in Africa.
Farm Tour (1-4 hours)
See the innovative farming practices of Mto waMbu villagers and learn about the irrigation system that sustains local crops, including the 32 varieties of bananas.
Biking to Lake Manyara (2-5 hours)
Bike to the coast of one of Africa’s mostmajestic lakes and get an amazing opportunity to view wildlife like zebras, giraffes, hippos, and buffaloes at close range in this corridor of migration between the national parks.
Local Lunch (1-2 hours)
Enjoys a delicious, home cooked meal in a local Mom’s home; Over lunch, the guide will provide a history of the region and the many stories about local tribes.
Cultural Programme and Eco-Tourism
- There are a number of excellent walking, hiking andbiking tours offered in Karatu village.
- Village Tour - try banana beer, visit a traditional home, learn about Makonde carving
- Village Lunch - enjoy a home-cooked meal the traditional way
- Farm Visit - discover what the villagers grow and how they do it
- Maasai Tour - visit a traditional boma (enclosure), interact with tribal members in various activities
- Biking-Explore Karatu town with a mountain bike, interact with the people of Karatu while enjoying the people’s lifestyle.
