Gibb’s Farm

CEDARBERG RATING

Luxury

Overview

Gibbs's Farm is a working farm located on the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area overlooking the Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Forest. This warm traditional farmhouse is surrounded by beautiful gardens with views over the hilly countryside in every direction. It comprises a warm and friendly community where the rhythm of farm life has calmed and restored the weary safari visitor for over 40 years. Gibb's Farm offers something a little different to the full-on safari experience you will no doubt have incorporated into your trip. It is a welcome retreat from the rigours and adventures of a safari in Tanzania. Plus its location means that you can use it as a base to visit not only the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara but also enjoy visits to the bushmen community of Lake Eyasi or simply enjoy learning about farm life.

A taste of farm life

A diverse variety of experiences is possible during a visit to Gibb’s Farm. “A Farm Life” activity program encourages cultural awareness, an historical interest, a connection to nature and a desire for adventure. The program still leaves ample time for relaxing and enjoying the gentle rhythm of Farm Life. Organic Arabica coffee is grown and roasted on the farm. Gibb’s Farm is proud to have its own 10-acre organic fruit, vegetable and herb garden, on-site dairy and bakery which provide the wonderful ingredients for the farm-to-table cuisine. The freshness of the farm-to-table cuisine is sure to bring delight to dining at Gibb's Farm.

Accommodation

Set among formal English gardens, the farmhouse has a warm ''colonial'' ambience. But the 17 en suite cottages and 2 family cottages have been distinctly upgraded to offer some of the most stylish accommodation in Tanzania. Each spacious room is subtly styled around a particular theme and enjoy glorious rural and garden views.  Eucalyptus floors and hand-crafted furniture complete the look. The bathrooms have a fireplace (shared with the bedroom) with bath, indoor shower as well as a courtyard with outdoor shower.

Activities

Activities are diverse. Relax in the lush surroundings on your veranda, walk in the Ngorongoro Forest, explore elephant caves or cycle through the back roads of Karatu. To calm and restore, treat yourself to a traditional African Massage, featuring indigenous Maasai healing treatments. Gibb’s Farm is dedicated to creating unique activity programs that enrich the community and the guest’s experience. A “farm life” encourages cultural awareness, historical interest, a connection to wellness, nature and a desire for adventure.

At A Glance

  • Mountain biking
  • Birding hotspot
  • Good Food & Wine
  • Garden
  • Mountain Biking
  • Restaurants
  • Romantic
  • Rural location
  • Spa
  • Walking Trail
  • Wifi on premises

Gibb’s Farm on the map

Rooms

Cottages

Each farm cottage holds its own story connected to Tanzanian culture and offers either twin queen or a king-size bed swathed in a soft mosquito net. Spacious interiors richly appointed with eucalyptus floors and hand-crafted furniture have recently been refurbished with modern touches to accentuate their classic charm. Perfect for smaller families, the cottages can comfortably accommodate a family of four in two queen beds (extra bed available for a third child).

The large bathroom of each cottage offers indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace in both the living area and bathroom, bathtub and a private veranda complete the sense of tranquil privacy. From the wooden deck, soak up the peaceful surroundings with a view over the gardens, plantation or Great Rift Valley.


Kate’s review of Gibbs Farm

Gibbs Farm is an unashamedly colonial set-up with a traditional Tanzania farmhouse set in superb gardens with beautiful views in several directions. Probably the most stylish bedrooms in the whole trip. Stunning setting with great views from each room, and each room subtly styled around a theme. Comprehensive range of activities available on the estate so a free day could easily be occupied here.

It is very colonial and so some clients may not like that style/ambience.

Positives

  • Superb setting
  • Most stylish and individual rooms that we saw in Tanzania
  • Stunning gardens with views down to their vast vegetable and fruit garden as well as surrounding hills
  • Great range of activities on the farm, some of which are complimentary, for example farm visits, bread making, coffee tours, bike rides, forest walks, feeding the animals (great for kids) and so forth
  • Oodles of history and ambience

 

Cedarberg : Kate Bergh