Location
Gibb’s Farm is a working Farm located on the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. GIBB’S FARM hugs nearly a mile of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, part of a 3,200 square mile reserve. Ideally located, the Farm lies half way between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, near the village of Karatu.
Built in 1929, the Farmhouse has hardly changed, retaining the charm of a well looked-after private house. Just outside the farmhouse, a sprawling verandah and floral garden invite sweeping views of the valley below the Farm. Organic Coffee is grown, processed and roasted on the Farm, and a vast 10-acre organic fruit and vegetable garden provides 90% of the ingredients needed for fresh, home-cooked meals.
The main facilities, consisting of a living room, reading room, dining room, bar and gift shop, are situated in the old Farmhouse
Accomodation
Gibbs Farm has 20 en-suite cottages. The 14 newly completed Farm Cottages mark the beginning of a new era for GIBB’S FARM. All remaining Standard Rooms will be renovated in 2008, and we will have 20 Farm Cottages, featuring rich wooden floors and classic interiors with wraparound windows. En-suite garden bathrooms offer twin basins, luxurious bathtubs and indoor/ outdoor showers. A wraparound fireplace warms the bathroom and living area
Activities
African Living Spa
The African Living Spa is a complete sensory journey. Treatments for travelers are based on indigenous Maasai healing techniques that have been passed through the hands of many generations.
Garden Sunset
The view from The Farmhouse has been compared to the ‘Napa Valley of California’. Rows of cultivated coffee caress the East African valley below. With terraced flower gardens at your feet, ancient trees overhead and a grassy knoll set with chairs and low tea tables, the African sun descends into the valley, putting on a memorable show each evening
Garden Tour
Horticulturist Paskali Gwandu supervises the care of hundreds of species of flora, and Herb gardener Daudi tends to the aromatic herb garden. The 40-minute leisurely walk is a tour through a natural history museum: many plants have been here since 1959, when Margaret Gibb first started the flower garden
Farm Walk
Experience a real working Tanzanian Farm and try your hands at milking a cow on the Farm Walk. Explore the 10-acre fruit and vegetable garden, and learn about the sustainable farming methods used at GIBB’S FARM
Ngorongoro Forest Walk
This 2-hour walk covers the best of the Gibb’s Farm estate. Guided by a Gibb’s Farm naturalist, trails meander into the valley to a waterfall, through dense forest pathways, coffee fields and village trails
Waterfall/Elephant caves
GIBB’S FARM shares a border with Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Just inside the conservation area, a majestic waterfall beckons travelers to enjoy a light hike through the forest highlands. Along the way, experience the ‘elephant caves’: cave-like structures created by elephants digging up the earth to ingest the vitamin-rich soil. This soil also attracts other large animals like Buffalo, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, and Baboons
Birding
Currently, GIBB’S FARM is home to over 220 different species of birds, and avid birders are encouraged to contribute new sightings to our bird list
Hippo Pools Sunset Safari
The Hippo Pools Sunset Safari leaves the Farm after an early lunch. A guided afternoon game drive through the famous Manyara National Park culminates in drinks and snacks at the stunning Hippo Pools sunset spot
Farm to Crater Rim Walking Safari
Guided by a Naturalist from GIBB’S FARM as well as Rangers from Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the GIBB’S FARM Farm-to-Rim Walking Safari is an exciting wilderness experience that is only possible by leaving the vehicle and striking out on foot. Along the 6-7 hours walk, one traverses untouched forests and encounters unique plant life and rare birdlife
Canoeing on Lake manyara
Gibb’s Farm naturalists guide canoeing trips along the shores of Lake Manyara. A true escape from reality, this peaceful 2-hour journey is an unforgettable experience
Night game drive in Lake manyara
African nocturnal animals are some of the most exciting animals to observe – and can only be viewed on a night drive. After a bush dinner under the stars, Gibb’s Farm naturalists guide you through the night for an adventure of a lifetime
