Gibbs Farm (tanzania)

The Ngorongoro region is a melting pot of nature and history. The crater being the symbol of one of the greatest wonders of the world is located near a sanctuary that surrounds the Great Rift valley. The Ngorongoro is well known for the fertile grounds as a consequence of the volcanic terrain and Gibbs farm was established in the 1920s as a coffee plantation.

History is deeply rooted on this farm, as it was one of the first guest houses in Northern Tanzania and it still maintains its humble traditions of organic farming and connecting the environment, the local community with the guests that visit. Awarded by Travel and Leisure, as the best safari lodge in Africa, Gibbs farm showcases the best that Ngorongoro has to offer, by providing luxurious accommodation, through its décor that beautifully adorns the farm cottages, and the unforgettable adventures, allowing you to explore the dramatic scenery of the Ngorongoro.

You feel right at ease to delve into the local culture, and you can do it in your own style; through bike rides around the villages, long romantic walks in the picturesque forests or you can just relax and receive traditional Maasai spa treatments. The immersion is designed for your enjoyment whether for safari, honeymoon or just an extended vacation.

Gibbs farm is one of the most renowned safari hotels in the world; it was previously voted the Best Safari Hotel in Africa. This Safari Hotel is a particularly luxurious example of the accommodation that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area can offer. Gibbs Farm is a working farm that is perched on the forested slopes on the fringes of the crater and is the perfect base to sit and enjoy the spectacular views and enjoy a high end safari tour. The farm sits half way between the crater itself and Lake Manyara and was established in 1929 and hasn’t changed much since. Gibbs Farm has retained its charm and has been well preserved – genuinely up there of one of the best places to stay for a Safari Holiday!

What is there to do at Gibbs Farm?

Gibbs Farm in Tanzania is a spectacular Coffee Lodge perched just outside the Ngorongoro Crater. The Lodge is within 2 hours of Arusha and on the doorstep of the whole northern circuit.

Farm walks * Garden tours * Ngorongoro Forest walks * Hikes to the waterfall and Elephant Caves * Birding * Coffee Roasting * School Visits * Karatuu Town Tours * Indigenous Medicine Walks * Mountain Biking * Canoeing and Night Drives at Lake Manyara*

The farmhouse itself calls back to an old English Country home with charming boutique traditional rooms; living room, 2 dining rooms and outside veranda. The Outside is spacious and has spectacular views of the sweeping crater valleys. Gibbs Farm also offers 17 en suite farm cottages that each have been spectacularly arranged, each with spectacularly decorated with their own unique theme with hand crafted furniture, indoor & outdoor showers, & private veranda, fire place and 2 queen sized beds. The Spa as part of Gibbs Farm is a unique feature is in the traditional Massai style which uses natural healing methods.

How To Get To Gibbs Farm?

The process of getting to Gibbs Farm is very, very easy. If you wish you can arrange transport with the farm before arriving in Tanzania, or you may be able to catch a bus into the Lake Manyara area. However you plan to travel, there will always be somebody who can help!

If you choose one of our guides, and you wish to stay at Gibbs Farm – then get in touch – and we can pick you up, and drop you off from wherever you are.

Gibbs Farm is situated roughly 2 hours from Arusha and 25 minutes from the Lake Manyara airstrip. The roads are fairly strait forward and in good condition.

Gibbs Farm Cottages

The 17 guest cottages are each uniquely designed by in residency artists, creating handcrafted furniture and giving each room a rustic and elegant feel. The cottages consist of a living room, a fireplace, two bedrooms, en-suite bathroom and outdoor and indoor shower. The private verandas overlook the gardens, creating a tranquil atmosphere catered for a romantic getaway, or a family gathering.

Green Bustani House & Deutsche House

The Green Bustani house and Deustche house are available for bigger groups or guests needing more space. The buildings were built in the 1920s and have been refurbished to create a lavish environment but still maintain that touch of historic architecture.

The ‘Bustani’ house, which is translated as ‘garden’ house, in Swahili is located at the top of the plantations and has spectacular views of the farm. The Deutsches House is named and decorated to resemble the German coffee farming that originally took place when the farm was built. There are verandas on the outside of the buildings with a scenic view of the farm and the inside of each house is very cosy, with two dining rooms, living room and spacious bedrooms.