Karatu is a vibrant town in Tanzania, acting as a gateway to the Ngorongoro Highlands and a popular base for exploring the nearby national parks. Situated between Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, it is the last town to change money and stock your fridge.
But we found a better place for parking at the well-managed Sango Petrol Station, which offers good toilets, a water supply, and a nice Taste Poa Cafe serving acceptable food. It is located in a vibrant town, Mto wa Mbu, meaning “Mosquito River” in Swahili, known for its cultural diversity and proximity to Lake Manyara National Park. It’s a melting pot of over 120 Tanzanian tribes and also attracts immigrants from neighbouring countries. The fertile land supports agriculture, particularly banana plantations, and the village is famous for its bustling markets.
Parking location – Mto Wa Mbu: 3.372974S 35.864212E (🚻,🅿️5,000 TZS,💦10,000 TZS)