The Gibb’s Farm Philosophy and Atmosphere

Gibb’s Farm operates on a gentle rhythm centered around sustainability, well-being, and farm life. Rather than acting merely as a place to sleep between game drives, the property is a destination in its own right. Surrounding the historic main farmhouse are lush organic vegetable gardens, terraced coffee fields, medicinal plant nurseries, and flowering flowerbeds that overlook the Great Rift Valley.   

The overall aesthetic reflects classic East African country house charm. Original timber beams, cozy stone fireplaces, polished eucalyptus floors, and locally commissioned artwork seamlessly integrate with the natural highland environment. The estate operates as a working organic farm, allowing guests to witness daily harvests, sample estate-grown Arabica coffee, and participate in authentic rural traditions.   

Detailed Accommodation: Cottages and Country Houses

Accommodation at Gibb’s Farm consists of seventeen individual farm cottages and two spacious multi-bedroom country houses, each secluded within private garden nooks.   

• Farm Cottages

Each of the seventeen private cottages is uniquely decorated around a distinct element of East African history, art, or natural flora. Designed with high cathedral ceilings, warm eucalyptus wood floors, and stone fireplaces, these cottages provide an inviting setting during cool highland evenings.   

Bedrooms are appointed with handcrafted king or twin beds swathed in soft mosquito netting. The spacious en-suite bathrooms are famed for featuring both deep soaking bathtubs and private outdoor showers that let you bathe under the open sky. Each cottage opens onto a large private veranda equipped with comfortable seating, offering peaceful views of the surrounding garden courtyards or coffee fields.   

• Bustani House and Deutsches House

For families, multigenerational groups, or friends traveling together, Gibb’s Farm offers two expansive private houses that provide generous shared living areas while maintaining privacy:   

• Bustani House: Named after the Swahili word for garden, this two-bedroom house is set above lush landscaped grounds. It features a large central living room with a fireplace, private veranda, antique furnishings, local art, and en-suite bathrooms equipped with Victorian bathtubs and outdoor showers.   

• Deutsches House: Built on a scenic corner of the estate, Deutsches House offers multiple en-suite bedrooms leading off a spacious communal lounge. It includes a private fireplace, outdoor seating verandas, and expansive views across the valley.   

Key Cottage & In-Room Amenities

• Private outdoor rain showers and indoor soaking tubs   

• In-room stone fireplaces lit every evening by lodge staff

• Hand-carved wooden furniture, desks, and reading nooks   

• Custom mosquito netting custom-fitted to all bed frames   

• Private verandas overlooking organic gardens or coffee fields   

• Organic, farm-made soaps, lotions, and bath products

• Daily housekeeping, laundry services, and evening turn-down service

• In-room electronic safes and electrical charging stations

Organic Farm-to-Table Dining Experience

Dining is one of the foundational pillars of the Gibb’s Farm experience. The estate grows roughly 80 to 90 percent of all produce served in its restaurant through organic farming practices without synthetic chemicals or pesticides.   

Culinary Highlights

• Farm-Fresh Meals: Produce harvested in the morning directly shapes the lunch and dinner menus. Meals feature fresh garden salads, oven-roasted vegetables, organic meats, homemade breads, and artisanal soups.   

• Estate Arabica Coffee & Afternoon Tea: Freshly picked, sun-dried, and on-site roasted Arabica coffee is served throughout the day. Guests can enjoy traditional afternoon tea on the main lodge terrace with farm-baked pastries and lemon tarts made from estate citrus.   

• Dietary Accommodations: The kitchen team easily accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and halal diets with tailored farm-fresh dishes.   

On-Site Farm Activities, Wellness & Experiences

Guests staying at Gibb’s Farm can tailor their stay with a wide variety of on-site farm activities, forest walks, and wellness treatments.   

Farm Life & Cultural Immersion

• Coffee Processing & Roasting Walk: Tour the 30-acre coffee fields, learn how coffee cherries are grown, harvested, and washed, and participate in an evening coffee roasting session.   

• Vegetable Harvesting & Cow Milking: Join the farm crew in the morning to pick fresh herbs and vegetables for dinner or try your hand at milking estate cows.

• Tembo Fire Legends: In the evening, gather around the outdoor Tembo fire pit to sip drinks while local naturalists and Maasai traditional healers share stories of regional folklore and wildlife legends.   

Forest Walks & Nature Treks

• Elephant Caves & Waterfall Walk: Take a guided 2-hour walk directly from the farm into the adjacent Ngorongoro Forest Reserve to visit natural mineral licks (elephant caves) and freshwater waterfalls.   

• Medicinal & Botanical Garden Walks: Explore the farm's medicinal plant nursery guided by a traditional Maasai healer to discover regional botanical remedies.   

• Farm to Crater Rim Trek: For active hikers, a guided 6 to 7-hour trek leads through the highland forest directly up to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.   

Spa & Recreation

• Olausian Spa: Indulge in massage therapies and body treatments rooted in traditional Maasai healing practices using local botanical oils.

• Infinity Lap Pool: Unwind in the heated outdoor infinity lap pool overlooking the valley and coffee slopes.   

Geographic Location and Travel Connections

Gibb’s Farm is located in the Karatu district of the Ngorongoro Highlands, offering convenient access to Northern Tanzania's primary national parks.   

Airport Transit Times

• Lake Manyara Airstrip (LMY): Located approximately 25 to 30 minutes away by road. This is the closest domestic airstrip for bush flights coming from the Serengeti, Arusha, or Zanzibar.

• Arusha Domestic Airport (ARK): Located approximately 2 hours drive east via paved roads.

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Located approximately 3 hours drive east (around 150 km).

Proximity to Wildlife Parks

• Ngorongoro Crater Gate (Loduare Gate): Approximately 20 to 25 minutes drive.

• Lake Manyara National Park: Approximately 25 to 30 minutes drive.

• Lake Eyasi (Cultural Hadzabe tours): Approximately 1 hour drive.

• Tarangire National Park: Approximately 1.5 hours drive.

Why Gnade Safaris Recommends Gibb’s Farm

At Gnade Safaris, we choose lodge partners that offer an authentic, high-quality, and memorable travel experience. Gibb’s Farm is one of our top recommendations for Northern Tanzania itineraries for several key reasons:

• Unmatched Culinary Quality: The farm-to-table dining offers an exceptional culinary experience, providing fresh, healthy nourishment after days on dusty safari trails.   

• Ideal Base for Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara: Its location between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater reduces driving times and provides a serene base rather than switching lodges every night.

• Perfect Balance of Nature & Comfort: Combining luxury cottage amenities with authentic working farm experiences delivers a deep connection to Tanzanian highland culture.

Essential Travel Tips for Your Stay at Gibb’s Farm

• Plan a Multi-Night Stay: To fully enjoy the farm walks, coffee roasting, spa, and garden relaxation, we recommend booking at least 2 nights.   

• Highland Evening Wear: Karatu sits at a cool high elevation. Evenings can be crisp, so bring a warm sweater or light jacket to wear around the outdoor fire pit and dining room.   

• Sensible Footwear: Bring comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots for garden walks, farm trails, and forest waterfall excursions.

• Pre-Book Forest Walks: If you plan to undertake the Elephant Caves or Crater Rim walk, notify your Gnade Safaris representative in advance so ranger guides and park permits can be coordinated.