Karatu or Karatu Town is an administrative ward and district capital located in the Karatu District of the Arusha Region of Tanzania. The ward town is bordered on its north side by Ganako ward, to the east by Rhotia ward, to the south by Endamarariek ward, and to the west by Qurus ward. According to the 2012 census, the ward has a total population of 26,617. Karatu ward is the most populous ward in Karatu district and is the capital of Karatu District.