Gibb’s Farm Karatu

Located on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater lies Gibb’s Farm. Founded in the 1920s as a coffee plantation, we embrace traditional East African hospitality with our roots extending deep into the land and our heritage here.

An idyllic retreat while exploring the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara national parks, as well as Lake Eyasi, on safari in Tanzania. Recline with a cup of freshly roasted coffee overlooking the Great Rift Valley in lush surroundings.

Awaken to the sound of bird call and while-away the days sipping on freshly roasted coffee grown here on the farm. A haven of tranquillity and imbued with the classic charm of a traditional farm, our cottages and houses will beguile you.

Each of our recently refurbished cottages has a distinct theme founded on an element of East Africa. Discover the spacious interiors, eclectic artworks, verdant garden settings and award-winning sense of wellbeing awaiting you.

We encourage our guests to immerse themselves in the rhythms of the farm and enjoy a sense of tranquillity and well-being. Surrounded by the rich traditions of East African life, share in the eternal sense of history and community.

Generations of local families have helped to create a truly authentic, serene and memorable experience here. Share in their lifestyle with activities both on the farm and in the area from long walks to milking our cows.

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.

THE HISTORY
Walking around Gibb’s Farm surrounded by gardens planted in the 1960’s, farm relics dotted around the area, and the centuries old Great Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Forest nearby, I began to realise what a special place we found ourselves in. After an exciting east African safari, we arrived at one of the first guesthouses in northern Tanzania.

Upon arrival, we were beckoned by an intimate garden path leading us towards the authentic farmhouse which has been refurbished to offer a rustic, luxurious and welcoming sanctuary. The sense of history is palpable as you stroll through the gardens.

Dr. Albert Freiherr von Poelnitz, a German duke purchased the land (the area that is now Gibb’s Farm) from his brother-in-law and continued to cultivate it as a coffee plantation. The original farmhouse was built in 1929, and what is today known as the Deutsche House cottage was built to commemorate the German heritage of the farm.

In the late 1920’s a coffee farm was established by a German farmer, which was subsidized by the German Government. During the Second World War, the British Custodian of Enemy Property took over the farm.

Neglected through the war years, the farm was bought in 1948 by James Gibb, a British war veteran, who returned it to production. In 1959, he married Margaret, who was born in Tanzania to British parents. Margaret was an avid gardener and started the extensive vegetable and flower garden. We have her to thank for our beautiful gardens!

In 1960, the Serengeti National Park was partitioned, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established along the north boundary of the farm. To accommodate the influx of visitors attracted to the conservation area and surrounding national parks, James and Margaret built guest cottages in 1972, making Gibb’s Farm one of the first guest houses in northern Tanzania.

James Gibb died in 1977, but Margaret continued to run the farm until 2003, when she and her late second husband, Per Kullander, passed on the Gibb’s Farm tradition to current owners, Rick & Judi, and under their guidance Gibb’s Farm continues to build upon the gracious hospitality and legacy of conservation, an organic farm for over 27 years, so carefully cultivated for future generations to enjoy.

FARM COTTAGES
Immerse within the age-old rhythms of the farm, freshly roasted coffee in hand, from a private veranda. A welcome retreat, our cottages showcase hand-selected local artwork, many pieces from our “Artists in Residence” program. 17 refurbished one-bedroom cottages, twin queen beds or king-sized, are perfectly located around the farm.

Each offers a private terrace, living area, en-suite bathroom, garden or valley view and outdoor shower to create a personal, richly appointed space to soak up the sense of welcome and rhythms of the farm. Each of our 17 cottages has a unique story to tell through art, furnishings and history. Discover one that speaks to you.

To name but a few, the front door of Ngorongoro Cottage faces the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, less than 40 feet away. Rebuilt in 2014, Zamani Cottage now stands on the site of the last existing guest room built by Margaret and James Gibb. Mulberry Cottage’s present legacy are the Mulberry trees that surround the house.

FARM HOUSES
A sense of togetherness comes to the fore with a stay in one of our 2-bedroom Farm Houses, Bustani and Deutsches. Perfectly suited for families and friends travelling together, our farm houses each sleep up to 4 adults or 2 adults and 4 children.

Deutsches is located close to our main farm house and is ideal for families with younger children, while Bustani is set back on the farm and offers spectacular views. Find a stay to suit you.

BUSTANI HOUSE
Named for the Swahili word meaning garden, Bustani House offers the most spectacular views of all our farm stays. While retaining the farm cottage feel, Bustani has been inspired by nature, the remarkable vista before it with landscaped gardens directly below and the Great Rift Valley beyond.

Charming with modern accents and dark wood finishes, the spacious two-bedroom farm house offers a master en-suite bedroom with a king-size bed and a second en-suite bedroom with two queen-size beds.

Each bathroom features an indoor shower and bath as well as an outdoor shower. The lounge area connects the bedrooms and all areas lead onto an expansive private terrace to enjoy the tranquil landscape.

DEUTSCHES HOUSE
Named in honour of the German Duke who founded Gibb’s Farm in the early 1900s, Deutsches House is a comfortable family retreat for up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 4 children. 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 en-suites offer an indoor shower and bath as well as an outdoor shower. Relax in the comfort of the spacious living room beside a roaring fireplace with a cup of freshly roasted coffee, or enjoy the chatter of birds from the large, private veranda.

A SENSE OF ADVENTURE
As you unwind and relax amidst the peace and tranquillity of Gibb’s Farm, you may wonder what lies beyond our uninterrupted panoramic views. To allow you to fully experience the rhythms and beauty of the farm, community and nature, Gibb’s Farm offers a variety of activities, adventures and opportunities to explore on and around the farm.

Gibb’s Farm is private property and priority of activities and services are given to our in-house guests. We are restricted in capacity, especially whilst adhering to Covid safe procedures. Guests may visit Gibb’s Farm for lunch or dinner with a prior confirmed reservation. No pets are allowed at Gibb’s Farm.

When staying at our farm, be sure to book an extra day to enjoy all of the activities available throughout our gardens, farmyard, bordering forests and the nearby village of Tloma. Gibb’s Farm is a cashless operation. Guests are asked to charge any extras to their room during their stay and then settle accounts with a credit card or direct deposit on their last day.

A SENSE OF ENVIRONMENT 
As a model for sustainable and environmentally respectful practices, we work to continue the legacy of our founders Margaret and Jim Gibb through projects including solar energy, community upliftment and organic farming.

Operation of the entire organic farm—consisting of 30 acres of coffee, 10 acres of vegetables and fruit, 5 acres of flowers and herbs and a working dairy and pig farm—is based upon sustainable farming methods.

Everything is grown organically using only natural fertilizer and compost from the farm. Each thing we do is a step towards creating a sanctuary for the senses, where our guests, our team and our animals feel nourished and content.

DINING
Healthy, farm cuisine prepared fresh daily by attentive, gracious hands is the essence of our food philosophy. Organic farm-to-table dining inspires the senses and ignites the soul to restore and replenish your well-being.

All of our fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs are freshly picked from our organic gardens and meat is sourced from local, sustainably-raised farms. Fresh milk, cream and baked delicacies create balance for nutritious and 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. Lunch time sees a smorgasbord of organic dishes and outside guests are welcome to join us.

Enjoy afternoon tea in the garden with a delicious assortment of coffees, teas, fresh cream and scones. In the evening, share stories over candle-lit dinners featuring English and Tanzanian-influenced cuisine.

RISE & SHINE, BAKING TIME
Join us for our early morning bread making ritual. What could be more fun than baking bread, and of course sampling it hot from the oven?

COFFEE & TEA
We have 20 acres of Arabica coffee planted throughout the farm and each morning, the aromas of freshly roasting coffee fill the air. Savour a cuppa in the terraced gardens, on your private cottage terrace or beside the fire … And don’t forget to take some home with you for later.

Tanzania is equally well known for its incredible teas. Enjoy a pot in the afternoon sun with a selection of biscuits, a slice or two of freshly baked cake or a fruit bun accompanied by home-made jams and butter.

COFFEE ROASTING
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.

COFFEE HARVESTING
Join us as we harvest the coffee berries the traditional way. The harvest is seasonal and starts from late June until November.

DRINKS
Gibb’s Farm offers a premier drinks list. From impressive wine, whiskey, gin, rum selection and craft beer on tap. Our wine selection boasts South African wines, personally chosen for our guests. Or sip on a Gin & Tonic, the quintessential safari drink of Africa, our curated selection features over 50 different gins from all around the world from which to choose.

WELLNESS
As you unwind and relax amidst the peace and tranquillity of Gibb’s Farm, you may wonder what lies beyond our uninterrupted panoramic views. To allow you to fully experience the rhythms and beauty of the farm, community and nature, Gibb’s Farm offers a variety of activities, adventures and opportunities to explore on and around the farm.

Gibb’s Farm is private property and priority of activities and services are given to our in-house guests. We are restricted in capacity, especially whilst adhering to Covid safe procedures. Guests may visit Gibb’s Farm for lunch or dinner with a prior confirmed reservation. No pets are allowed at Gibb’s Farm.

There is perhaps nothing grander than the peace of nature to restore one’s equilibrium. Gibb’s Farm takes a holistic approach to well-being as a sanctuary for the senses.

Unwind with a choice of revitalising wellness treatments refresh the body and mind in between days on safari, while the tranquil surroundings allow the mind to be still and reflect uninterrupted. Enquire upon making a reservation for the latest treatment menu and prices.

POOL & TERRACE
Take a refreshing dip or relax poolside with a gin & tonic while soaking up the afternoon sun. Our lap-pool and pool terrace overlook the picturesque coffee fields and Great Rift Valley.

BOUTIQUE
Bring home the feelings awakened during yourtime here. The Zawadi Boutique offers a wonderful selection of unique East African books, artwork, carvings, textiles, decorative art, exotic jewellery and Gibb’s Farm’s special Arabica coffee.

FAMILY TRAVEL
The perfect retreat for families of all shapes and sizes, Gibb’s Farm offers two family houses or the choice to combine garden cottages for extended family stays. Bustani House and Deutsches House each have 2 ensuite bedrooms, a living area, indoor and outdoor showers, and terrace to enjoy, sleeping up to 4 adults or 2 adults and 4 children.

Our cottages can be used in combination for family stays and each cottage is ensuite with a living area and terrace. Twin cottages sleep up to 2 adults and 3 children, double cottages sleep up to 2 adults and 1 child.

There is a host of things to do at Gibb’s Farm for the whole family to enjoy. From milking cows to collecting eggs, jumping in the pool, painting with the resident artist or exploring the coffee fields.

The perfect stop in between safari camps, parents – take some time to relax while our farm naturally entertains the younger generations with complete freedom to explore 32 acres of safely guarded, sprawling land.

With prior notice, we can even arrange to watch the kids for you (enquire for childminding rates). Please note, our pool does not have a cover and there is no lifeguard on duty.

Our chefs create nutritious and delicious meals which will not only appeal to your children’s taste buds but give them the energy to continue to explore and have fun during their time here.

We offer a range of meals from which to choose. A highlight for the children is certainly afternoon tea where a cascade of muffins, pastries and cake takes pride of place in our restaurant.

Please let us know if you or your children have any dietary requirements. Guests travelling with children 6 years and under are requested to dine before 7.00 pm. Baby sitting and room service available on request.

BIRD WATCHING
A guided early morning walk through the gardens and around the plantation to observe the early risers. Take a census and understand behaviour.

GIANT CHESS
Gather your friends and family around for a game of ‘giant’ garden chess.

CARPENTRY, BUILD A DESK
Contribute to new school furniture, distributed through the Karutu Education Fund. At schools in the area, three to four children typically share one desk, so new furniture is always appreciated.

CONSERVATION AREA WALKS
We offer two walks directly from the farm into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Elephant Caves & Waterfall Walk (2 hours) and the Farm to Crater Rim Walk (6-7 hours). Explore the forest where you may encounter buffalo, bushbuck, abundant birdlife and unique plants.

NGORONGORO CRATER
Located 56 km, or a two-hour drive, from our front gate, explore this bucket-list safari destination on a full-day excursion. There is an abundance of plant, bird and wildlife for the opportunity to experience this natural marvel first-hand. Uncover just why the Ngorongoro Crater is considered to be among the world’s great wonders.

The Crater boasts approximately 25 000 large animals and has one of the densest populations of lions anywhere in Tanzania. You will be collected from the farm early in the morning in closed safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for 360° views.

For the truly adventurous, explore the Conservation Area with a two-hour hike to the Elephant Caves. Discover towering waterfalls and the incredible “elephant caves”, created by elephants digging through dense rock with their tusks to ingest the vitamin-rich soil.

LAKE MANYARA & LAKE EYASI 
Explore not one, but two beautiful lakes and their wildlife-rich national parks close to Gibb’s Farm. Well known for flocks of thousands of flamingos that feed along the edge of the lake in the wet season, Lake Manyara is located just a short 45 min drive from our farm.

The close proximity of this renowned wildlife region means you can enjoy a full-day or half-day safari to this bird haven. Did we mention that there are more than 350 bird species have been observed on the lake?

Slightly further afield, and absolutely worth the drive, Lake Eyasi is 1.5 hours away from our gates. A culture-rich experience, spend time with the Hadzabe tribe learning about their history and traditional ways of living. Spend the day exploring the Tanzanian wilderness in search of elephants. Be on the lookout for African spoonbill, flamingoes, great white pelicans and more.

FULL DAY SAFARI (NGORONGORO CRATER | LAKE MANYARA | LAKE EYASI)
Head out on an East African safari in the nearby national parks: Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Lake Eyasi. Lake Eyasi also offers cultural experiences with the Hadzabe tribe (don’t forget to taste the local brew).

HALF DAY SAFARI (LAKE MANYARA)
This nearby safari paradise offers dense bush, open plains, a vast lake, and natural watering holes – all a safe haven for a rich array of wildlife. A short 45-minute drive from Gibb’s Farm makes this half-day safari in Tanzania ideal for guests who still want to enjoy time on the farm.

ELEPHANT CAVES WALK (NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA)
Leave on-foot directly from your cottage on this two-hour walking safari through the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Discover towering waterfalls and the incredible “elephant caves”, created by elephants digging through dense rock with their tusks to ingest the vitamin-rich soil.

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
Through the Gibb’s Farm 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 (available for purchase).

TLOMA VILLAGE
Spend time in Tloma, a nearby village. Choose from a school visit, cycling tour or the opportunity to meet a local family and learn about Iraqw culture and traditional ways of life. Explore the markets, businesses and learn about the rural life.

HELPING HANDS SAFARI
Get to know our people while on safari by lending a helping hand in the communities that support your travel experience. SCHOOL DESK PROJECT – US$70: At schools in the area, three to four children typically share one desk, so new furniture is always appreciated.

CULTURAL SAFARIS
While on a safari to Lake Eyasi, spend time with the Hadzabe Tribe and learn the art living in the wild and using the land to support a sustainable way of life. Discover how to hunt with a bow and arrow, learn how to make a fire from seemingly nothing and how to read the landscape. Feel connected to the tapestry of cultures in Tanzania with the rich stories of the Masaai.

Website: www.gibbsfarm.com

Rooms: 17

Price: from 954 EUR per night