Overview
Gibb’s Farm, a historic haven in the lush Karatu region, unfolds across a working coffee plantation on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by rolling hills, vibrant flower gardens, and the distant call of the wild, this elegant retreat offers a soulful blend of rustic charm and refined comfort. Just a whisper away from the Ngorongoro Crater’s rim and Lake Manyara National Park, guests are perfectly poised to explore Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, where the Big Five roam and flamingos paint the lakes pink. The farm’s organic gardens burst with fresh produce, and the air hums with the rhythms of East African life, inviting you to pause and reconnect with nature.
The Ngorongoro Crater, a mere hour’s drive, teems with wildlife—lions, rhinos, and elephants thrive in its volcanic caldera, while Lake Manyara, 45 minutes away, beckons with tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of waterbirds. Gibb’s Farm itself is a sanctuary of tranquility, its colonial farmhouse roots evident in handcrafted furniture, open fireplaces, and art celebrating Tanzanian heritage. Whether you’re sipping farm-roasted Arabica coffee on a private veranda or strolling through bougainvillea-lined paths, the atmosphere feels like a warm embrace, blending luxury with authenticity. Accessible via a 2-hour drive from Arusha or a 30-minute transfer from Lake Manyara Airport, Gibb’s Farm is an idyllic stopover or a destination in its own right.
Facilities & Features
Gibb’s Farm offers 17 one-bedroom farm cottages and 2 two-bedroom farmhouses, each uniquely themed to reflect East African culture, with twin queen or king-size beds draped in soft mosquito nets. Spacious interiors feature eucalyptus floors, en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, fireplaces, and private verandas overlooking manicured gardens or the Great Rift Valley. The Deutsches farmhouse accommodates families or groups, sleeping up to four adults or two adults and four children, with a cozy living area.
Amenities include a split-level dining room serving farm-fresh, organic cuisine, a charming lounge with a roaring fire, and a bar for evening cocktails. A lap pool overlooks terraced gardens, while the Maasai-inspired spa offers treatments using indigenous plants. Wi-Fi is available in cottages, and solar-heated water underscores the farm’s eco-conscious ethos. The Zawadi Boutique sells local art and coffee, and a yoga deck invites moments of mindfulness amidst the greenery.
Highlights
Prime Location: Nestled between Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, ideal for full-day safaris to see the Big Five and vibrant birdlife.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot elephants trumpeting nearby, or venture to the Crater for lion prides and endangered rhinos.
Unique Experiences: Roast your own coffee, harvest vegetables, or join guided walks to elephant caves and waterfalls in the Ngorongoro forest.
Cultural Immersion: Visit Tloma village or meet the farm’s artist-in-residence to connect with Iraqw and Maasai traditions.
Farm-to-Table Dining: Relish organic meals crafted from the farm’s gardens, paired with homemade cakes and Arabica coffee.
Eco-Luxury: Relax in cottages with solar-heated showers and unwind at the spa with treatments inspired by Maasai healing practices.
