Gibbs Farm, Northern Tanzania.

Introduction

Set on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, Gibbs Farm command huge views of the surrounding farmlands. Whilst to the rear of the farm, the forested slopes are home to an variety of wildlife, including elephant and leopard.

Established in the early twenties as a coffee farm, Gibb's has retained the charm of life in East Africa during the halcyon days. The ability to travel back in time is a rare and precious opportunity.

Camp Description

Set among lush floral gardens, the Farmhouse and 20 en-suite cottages are the heart of an 80 year old working African Farm.  Built in 1929, the old Farmhouse retains her character of a well looked after private house with roaring fires and friendly hospitality.

The vegetable and flower gardens now covers several acres and everything is grown organically using only natural fertiliser from the farm.

Our cows and pigs provides some of the best meat you will taste in Tanzania, and our chickens range freely to provide eggs of natural quality and taste.

The farm food is delicious, with vegetables from the gardens, fresh and cooked with care. Lunch includes a wide selection of savoury pies and salads, served buffet style, while dinner is waiter served. Home grown coffee or tea with cakes is served in the mornings and afternoons.

The main facilities, consisting of a sitting room, reading room, dining room, bar and gift shop, are situated in the old farmhouse

Accommodation 

The 20 farm cottages each have their own verandah with views of farm and forest.  The spacious interiors are complete with a bay dining area.  The comfortable bathrooms boast generous bathtubs and have both indoor and outdoor showers. 

Activities

Waterfall Walk
The lodge guests can walk to the top of a nearby waterfall and see caves made by elephants.

This guided walk takes about 2 or 2.5 hours and winds its way in and out of the forest highlands with breathtaking vistas; you will often see wildlife and always a multitude of birds.

Birding
There are over 200 different species of birds at Gibb's Farm. Personal bird walks with experienced naturalists can be arranged at your convenience, or alternatively you can explore and view at your own leisure. 

Garden Tours
Don't miss a tour of the flower garden or 10 acre vegetable garden.

This leisurely interpretative tour takes about 40 minutes.

Coffee Fields
Feel free to take a stroll on your own through the coffee below the farm at any time; it is perfectly safe, and a very relaxing way to spend an hour or more

Coffee Roasting
Growing and processing coffee is only part of the process. Check out the daily roasting operation taking place on the patio.

Jogging
For the fitness fanatics that feel they have to get in a jog to shake out the safari legs! During the cool of the evening the manager will gladly guide you on one of his favourite routes through the village. This is quite strenuous if you are not used to running at a 5,700 ft elevation.

Wood Carving
Visit our resident woodcarver. Watch him at work and listen while he explains the origins of his slender Makonde figures or his complex Tree's of Life.

Iraqw Cultural Visit
The Iraqw is the local tribe that has inhabited the immediate Ngorongoro highlands near Gibb's Farm for over 200 years. Walk or drive the 4 km to a traditional Iraqw home; the home is built entirely using traditional materials and methods of construction, just as it would have been 200 years ago.

Tloma Primary School

A visit to the local primary school is easily arranged in advance, to give visitors a glimpse of our rural school system

Camp Facts

Climate

The climate varies throughout the year.  In January to March temperatures are warm, rains are short and nights can be chilly.  April to May is the period of the long rains. Serengeti is not only green, it is also a profusion of flowers and at its most beautiful. However, roads and tracks may prove muddy and waterlogged. With the long rains temperatures may be cool during the day and cold at night.  From June to October the rains end and temperatures are higher. It is a excellent time to visit Tarangire and the southern parks, such as Ruaha and the Selous.  November to December the short rains begin again.

Malaria

The farm lies at an elevation where the malaria parasite cannot survive. However, depending on where you decide to safari, you may pass through malarial areas and should therefore follow your doctors advise regarding prophylactics.

Eco-Friendly

Gibbs farm endeavour to work in symphony with its environment.  Ninety five percent of all of the vegetables and many of fruits served at Gibb's Farm are grown in the organic vegetable garden. Their farmyard produces all of the pork and milk served at Gibb's and supplies them with all the organic compost they need.

Wine bottles are broken and used in building foundations; plastic bottles are decomposed by the sun prior to disposal. All of the guest rooms are built using local materials and labour, thus supporting the local economy.

Pricing

Please contact us for current rates:

How to get there

International flights arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is a short 45 minute drive from the town of Arusha. From here you can transfer to the Farm with a scenic drive (2hours), or fly to Lake Manyara, where you will be met with private vehicles.  Please contact us for other destination transfer times.

Sun Safaris can arrange all transfers.

Read more about:

Serengeti National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Ngorongoro Crater