General Overview


Established as a district in 1997 and officially registered in 2000 after general elections.


Covers approximately 3,300 km², making it the 4th-largest district in Arusha Region.


Shares borders with Ngorongoro to the north, Monduli to the east, Mbulu & Babati to the south, and Meatu in Simiyu Region to the west.


?️ Administrative Setup


Divided into 4 divisions (Mbulumbulu, Eyasi, Karatu, Endabash), 14 wards, and 58 villages.



Wards include: Baray, Buger, Daa, Endabash, Endamaghang, Endamarariek, Ganako, Kansay, Karatu, Mang’ola, Mbulumbulu, Oldeani, Qurus, Rhotia.




The district capital is Karatu town, also known as “Safari Junction” due to its proximity to Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara.


? Demographics


Population (2022 Census): 280,454 residents (131,417 males & 125,422 females as of 2012; growth reflects significant rise from previous census years).


Ethnic composition: Predominantly Iraqw, followed by Datooga, Hadza, with Swahili settlers.


Population density averages around 73 people/km², with lower density near Lake Eyasi (7–10/km²) and higher in urban wards (~100/km²).


Birth rate approximates 3.1%, literacy at about 64% (2016).


⛅ Climate & Geography


Climatic zones range from lowlands (~300–400 mm rainfall/yr) to highlands (~900–1,000 mm).


Elevation spans from Lake Eyasi basin to peaks around 1,900 m (Marang Mountains/Oldeani).


Three agro-ecological zones:



Highlands (1,400–2,000 m; 600–800 mm rain)


Midlands (900–1,400 m; ≥600 mm)


Lowlands (300+ mm).




Seasonal pattern: short rains (Nov–Dec), hot dry (Jan–Mar, mid-May), long rains (Apr), followed by cold dry (Jun–Oct).


? Economy & Infrastructure


Agriculture and livestock dominate (~85% of economic activity): onions, coffee, wheat, barley, maize, beans; livestock includes cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry .


Irrigation covers ~4,050 ha; maize yield averages 3 t/ha rainfed, 5.75 t/ha irrigated.


Livestock: over 800,000 animals; dairy production around 97.9 million liters (2015).


Industry: Small-scale (milk canning, coffee processing); tourism services (lodges, market stalls).


Road network: ~713 km total; 253 km regional (52 km tarmac), rest gravel/earth; T17 trunk road passes through.


Telecom: Multiple providers (Vodacom, Tigo, Zantel, TTCL).


Airstrips: Five (Manyara has commercial services).


Per capita income (circa 2016): ~800,000 TZS/year (~US$340).


? Health & Education


Health facilities include multiple dispensaries, health centres, plus Karatu District Hospital and Lutheran Council Hospital in Qurus.


Educational institutions: primary and secondary schools, a teachers’ college, and Karatu Boys High School.


? Tourism & Culture


Known as the “Onion Capital” of Tanzania; also attracts tourists en route to Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro.


Attractions include Endoro Falls, Lake Eyasi, Oldeani Peak, Mumba rock art, cultural tours with Hadza & Datooga groups.


⚖️ Governance & Council Responsibilities
Mandated by the Local Government Act (1982) to:



Maintain peace, order, and good governance


Promote social welfare and economic development


Ensure environmental conservation


Support decentralization and democratic participation


Generate reliable revenue and ensure financial accountability.
Key bodies include the District Executive Director, Council Chairperson, ward tribunals, and village/local governance teams.




In summary, Karatu District Council is a vibrant, agriculturally rich district strategically positioned as a tourism gateway, with diverse climate zones, a robust farming and livestock economy, developing infrastructure, and active governance aimed at fostering local development and public services.