Gibb's Farm is located on the forested outside slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater in Northern Tanzania, overlooking the centuries old Great Rift Valley. It is the ideal base from which to explore the Crater and Lake Manyara.
Each day at Gibb’s Farm follows a gentle rhythm. Discover a sanctuary for the senses to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. A destination in itself and sanctuary for safari goers, take time to immerse in the sense of wellbeing at Gibb’s Farm.
This historic organic farm and family coffee plantation covers over 80 acres on the forested outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater. Share in the eternal sense of history and community with two-family houses and seventeen cottages. Discover a sense of wellbeing, tranquillity and history, deeply rooted in East African culture and community, a welcome retreat for a few days’ respite while on safari or extended vacation.
Beautiful architectural details, such as the farmhouse’s original wooden beams and colourful artworks, are inspired by local African artists. The farm’s organic vegetable and terraced flower gardens provide a wonderful setting for afternoon tea or a quiet walk to impart a sense of contentment.
Google street view tour of Gibb's Farm
Each farm cottage holds its own story connected to Tanzanian culture and offers either twin queen or a king-size bed swathed in a soft mosquito net. Spacious interiors richly appointed with eucalyptus floors and hand-crafted furniture have recently been refurbished with modern touches to accentuate their classic charm. Perfect for smaller families, the cottages can comfortably accommodate a family of four in two queen beds (extra bed available for a third child).
The large bathroom of each cottage offers indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace in both the living area and bathroom, bathtub and a private veranda complete the sense of tranquil privacy. From the wooden deck, soak up the peaceful surroundings with a view over the gardens, plantation or Great Rift Valley. The Swahili word “Karibu,” is often spoken expressing the genuine, innate pleasure we take in welcoming you as our guest. This is the open-heart of our hospitality.
• 17 guest cottages — each featuring a unique theme, authentic artwork and richly
appointed with eucalyptus floors and hand-crafted furniture
• Each cottage has lovely views of the coffee plantation or the expansive vegetable gardens
IN ROOM FACILITIES:
• Wi-Fi access available in all rooms
• Writing desk area and a lounge with a wood burning fireplace
• Outside deck overlooking the gardens
• En-suite bathroom with fireplace, indoor and outdoor showers, bathtub and a separate toilet
• Hairdryer
• In-room safe
Nestled in the forest on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater overlooking the spectacular Rift Valley, Bustani House has been named for the Swahili word meaning garden. While retaining the farm cottage feel, Bustani has been inspired by nature, the remarkable view and the landscaped gardens directly below. The garden is an ideal spot for book lovers and writers alike, or just to relax and enjoy a break from safari.
The gardens of Bustani afford guests the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil beauty of nature against a backdrop of singing birds. Experience paradise which has been created and preserved for you by the passionate Gibb’s Farm garden team, as well as our talented carpenters who have produced some of the furniture, a labour of love. Inside, the beautiful architectural details such as the original wooden beams and colourful artwork of local artists greet you.
Charming with modern accents and dark wood finishes, the spacious two-bedroom cottage offers a master en-suite bedroom with a king-size bed and a second en-suite bedroom with two queen-size beds. Each bathroom offers an indoor shower and bath as well as an outdoor shower. The cosy living room is complete with a fireplace and the inner sanctum extends outwards to an expansive private veranda, an idlyllic setting for afternoon tea or a moment of peace. Guests can enjoy Wi-Fi access in the rooms, a writing desk area, hairdryer, and in-room safe.
Named in honour of the German Duke who founded Gibb’s Farm in the early 1900s, Deutsches House is a comfortable family retreat. Unwind amidst the peace and tranquillity of the farm after a day of activities. Richly appointed with eucalyptus floors and hand-crafted furniture, history imbues the finishes and carefully selected artworks which adorn the walls creating an atmosphere of classic charm from a bygone era.
The house features an en-suite master bedroom with a king-size bed and a second en-suite bedroom with two queen-size beds. Both bedrooms offer an indoor shower and bath as well as an outdoor shower (voted as one of the world’s best outdoor showers by Forbes). Relax in the comfort of the spacious living room beside a roaring fireplace with an absorbing read and cup of freshly roasted coffee, or enjoy the chatter of birds from the large, private veranda.
Steeped in the history of the farm, Deutsches offers cosy accommodation for up to four adults or two adults and four children. After a long day’s adventure on safari in Tanzania, recline on the veranda and let the verdant setting soothe your mind and quieten your soul.
24-hour Security, Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah
Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities, Foreign Exchange
Bird Watching, Cycling, Garden Tours, High Tea, Massages, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, General Sightseeing, Hiking, Historical Tours, Mountain Biking, Safaris, Wildlife Tours
A variety of treatments, tailored to suit your needs, are offered within the privacy of your cottage. Based on Maasai healing techniques, the naturally derived treatments draw from over 50 different indigenous plants and offer a complete sensory experience.
Enjoy swims in our 25m lap pool and a session of yoga with a view on the deck.
Through Gibb’s Farm’s artists-in-residence program, East African artists stay at the farm and create commissioned artwork. Meet some of East Africa’s most talented artists, learn about their influences and inspiration and watch them create their artwork, which is available for purchase.
Gibb’s Farm offers many different walks, depending upon your interests and desired activity level. Experience a real working farm as you explore our organic 10-acre fruit and vegetable gardens and 30-acre coffee fields.
Experience a one day wildlife safari, starting early in the morning in closed safari vehicles with pop-up roofs. A magnificent experience is sure to be had! Lunch is served picnic style, surrounded by the natural wonders around you as well as the exceptional wildlife, roaming freely, with which you share these extraordinary paradises.
This leisurely two-hour walk around our neighboring village of Tloma provides a personal look at Tanzanian village life.
Explore the back roads of the village by bicycle, or for the more adventurous, take a mountain bike day trip to Rhotia, an unforgettable way to experience rural Tanzania. 1.5 Hour Village Cycle Tour, 2.5 Hour Mountain Bike Adventure.
Ngorongoro Crater boasts more than 30,000 animals, in and around the crater, including lion, hippo, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, African buffalo and more. You will soon see why Ngorongoro Crater is considered to be among the world’s great wonders!
A delicious gourmet picnic on safari with farm fresh bread and produce tops the experience
Outing to Tloma, a nearby village, where you have the opportunity to meet a local family and learn about Iraqw culture and traditional ways of life. Discover the age-old process of making pots, try your hand at pounding grain and taste the local brew.
Visitors can donate a school desk, engraved with their own special message and personally deliver it to the school whilst staying at Gibb’s Farm. The material is purchased locally and our carpenters expertly build the desks to specifications after which they carefully engrave the guest’s message by hand. Guests are welcome to join our carpenters for an afternoon in the workshop and assist with
the crafting of the desks.
Meet the students and teachers at Tloma Primary School and learn firsthand about the successes and challenges of education in rural Tanzania.
On this two-hour hike through the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will discover a magnificent waterfall and incredible “elephant caves” created by elephants digging up the earth to ingest the vitamin-rich soil. You may see buffalo, bushbuck, waterbuck and baboons, also attracted by the soil.
A 40-minute stroll through eight historic gardens with a horticulturist.
Indigenous Maasai healers lead you through the Ngorongoro Forest, where over 20 medicinal plants commonly used in Tanzania to treat health problems are described.
A Gibb’s Farm naturalist is your guide for this tranquil two-hour walk through the farm and into the Ngorongoro Forest. Discover more than 200 species of birds, dozens of native plants and trees, and an incredibly diverse array of wildlife.
After an early Breakfast, experience a guided drive to Lake Eyasi to meet a local Hadzabe tribe. Meet the family and learn about the culture and the traditional ways of living of the Hadzabe people. Hunt together with the warriors and taste the local brew.
Join the team for the early morning bread making ritual. What could be more fun than baking brea, and of course, sampling it hot from the oven?
Join in the laughter and banter as the chefs go about their daily ritual of harvesting fresh organic produce from our vegetable garden, to be enjoyed at lunch or dinner time.
Experience traditional coffee cultivation and roasting, just as it has been done for generations. Enjoy the aroma and taste of a cup of wonderful organic, fresh-roasted Arabica coffee each day at the main lodge.
The evening begins here for many guests, with a glorious sunset accompanied by a refreshing drink. Complementing the relaxed mood, our naturalists and traditional healer share stories about primates, Iragw culture, elephants traditional medicine, Maasai legends and tales of tribal folklore.
Healthy, farm fresh cuisine and attentive, gracious hospitality defines the iconic nature of the dining experience at Gibb’s Farm. Our organic farm-to-table cuisine stimulates the senses and provides sustenance to restore, replenish and energize. Garden grown organic vegetables and locally raised meats, farm-fresh milk, cream and baked goods provide the healthy, nutritious ingredients for our sumptuous breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
Start your day with organic Arabica coffee, grown and roasted right on the farm and a hearty farm breakfast.
Midday, a farmhouse buffet offers a delectable array of foods to re-energize you, and in the afternoon, enjoy high tea in the garden with a delicious assortment of coffees, teas, fresh cream and scones.
In the evening, candle-lit dinners feature English and Tanzanian-influenced cuisine and the opportunity to share the day’s experiences.
Day visitors are welcome to join us for a meal at the restaurant.