Karatu District Council

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.