Warm Tanzanian hospitality in the heart of safari country
Lilac Tanzania is a Tanzanian-owned family of cafés, restaurants, bars and boutique stays in Karatu, on the Northern Safari Circuit. Whether you need a relaxing night before the Serengeti, a great coffee on the road, or a memorable dinner after a day on safari, we're the place to meet. Tukutane!
Tanzanian-owned
Locally owned and run, with hospitality rooted in the Karatu community.
On the safari route
Between Arusha and Ngorongoro, the perfect stop on the way in or out of the parks.
Local flavours
Locally grown Karatu coffee and dishes that reflect the tastes of East Africa.
Restaurants, café & bar
From morning coffee to poolside dinners, there's a Lilac table for every part of your day.
Lilac Oasis
📍 Main road into Karatu from Arusha
Our newest destination: unwind with a drink, enjoy a meal, host a meeting or cool off in the pool.
Explore Lilac Oasis →
Lilac Café
📍 Karatu main road, near Exim Bank
A relaxed stop for travellers and locals: quick lunches, morning coffee and a comfortable place to work.
Explore Lilac Café →
Lilac Restaurant @FAME
📍 Inside FAME Hospital, Karatu
Our first location, serving fresh, wholesome meals that support the recovery and well-being of patients, families and visitors.
Explore Lilac @FAME →Rest before (or after) your safari
Peaceful, comfortable places to sleep, minutes from the road to Ngorongoro.
Lilac Hideaway
📍 Outskirts of Karatu
An intimate boutique hotel with just four thoughtfully designed rooms, a cosy restaurant and peaceful views, surrounded by nature.
View rooms →
Oasis Residence
📍 Karatu
Comfortable accommodation from the Lilac Tanzania family. Visit the Oasis Residence website for rooms and availability.
Visit oasisresidence.tz ↗
Planning a celebration or meeting?
Bring the Lilac experience to your event with Dungu by Lilac, our fully equipped mobile truck, or gather your group at Lilac Oasis with its meeting spaces, bar and pool.
- Drinks, cocktails & snacks served on-site
- Weddings, birthdays, corporate events & festivals
- Meeting space at Lilac Oasis
Book a table, a room or an event
Our team in Karatu is happy to help you plan your visit.