Ganako Karatu:
Africa Natural Tours
AFRICA
NATURAL TOURS (The best tour company in Tanzania)
Specialized
in: Mountain climbing, Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism and Beach holidays
Contact
+255 653 679 958 OR +255 692 436 113
Ganako-Karatu
is situated on the way from Arusha to the national parks in northern Tanzania,
just on the lower slopes of Ngorongoro highlands outside the Ngorongoro and
Serengeti. It is an important resting place for most safari travellers.
A
visit to Ganako-Karatu includes the following:
*
A walk through the Ngorongoro highland forest
*
A visit to coffee plantations to enjoy the pure taste of African coffee
*
A view into the culture of the Iraqw tribe in the villages surrounding Karatu
*
A visit to the colourful Iraqw market on the seventh day of each month
*
A visit to the historic and ritual sites (German colonial settlements)
*
A visit to a community development project that aims at improving the living
conditions through income generating and environmental conservation
*
A lunch of traditional Tanzanian food and local processed drinks
*
A visit to Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe Bushmen, people who are believed to
have lived in the area for nearly 10,000 years
*
A stay with an Iraqw family to enjoy their food and their unique lifestyle
There
are various tour options available:
Half-day
walking tours from Karatu Walk through farmlands and forests on the lower
slopes of the highlands, and visit a local brick-making factory before
proceeding to the Iraqw bomas, for more information and history.
Visit
the elephant cave and waterfall. This hike is popular with bird watchers and
those interested in the flora and fauna of his part of the Great Rift Valley.
Enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal prepared by a local woman. Over lunch, hear
the history of the Rift Valley highland settlement.
Tour
around Karatu town. Starting from the centre, the tour takes you through the
town to observe economic activities like local markets, shops, small
industries, schools, dispensaries, churches, mosques, orphanage centres and
environmental centres. See how local brew is made.
Full-day hikes from Karatu
Snake Hill tour
This
trip includes a climb to the top of Mlima Nyoka (Snake Hill) which is abundant
in birdlife, flora and small fauna. From the top of the hill, one can enjoy
spectacular views, with Lake Manyara on the eastern side and Lake Eyasi to the
west. The walk back to Karatu passes through Lambo village to observe the daily
social activities.
Oldean Village tour
The
guide will take you to Oldean village, a historic German settlement. Pass
through Mama India Centre where you can observe different social project
activities.
Rift Valley tour
During
this hike of the Rift Valley, the guide will tell you fascinating stories and
the traditions of the residents. This walk takes you along the Rift Valley with
panoramic views over the Salela plains and Lake Manyara. Descend to the valley
floor and return to meet with and talk to local fruit, cassava and sweet potato
farmers about their irrigation scheme.
Lake Eyasi tour
Drive
to visit the Hadzabe Bushmen who are believed to have lived in the area for
nearly 10,000 years. The Hadzabe are the last of the hunter/ gatherer tribes.
You will be able to observe their daily lives and even join the men in hunting.
Other tours
Extended
village stays, camping and hiking inside the NCAA itself, ornithological,
botanical and other specialised treks can be arranged on request. Bicycles can
be hired for the day.
You
can also choose to volunteer in their conservation programmes, education in
various primary & secondary schools around Karatu and the rest of
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Getting there:
From
Arusha, several buses go to Karatu. Duration to reach is 3 hours by bus and 2
1/2 hours by private car. (Income from tourist visits will be used to support
the development project through the non-profit company-Karatu Culture,
Environmental and Health Organisation KCEHO).
For more information
visit www.africanaturaltours.com
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