Explore below ↓Our take
Gibbs Farm is a very special place; we think it is the best coffee farm lodge in Tanzania. The rolling hills, fantastic views and rich soils have special charm, and their unique selection of farm activities will make your stay memorable. You can also visit the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara from here!
The sophisticated farmhouse, nestled in the heart of the countryside, serves as the focal point of the farm and exudes the captivating allure of East Africa, boasting lovely stone walls and rustic beamed ceilings. Within the living rooms, you'll discover oversized armchairs and exquisite antique coffee tables, while numerous inviting corners and recesses offer the perfect spots for book lovers to nestle in, especially when the crackling log fire adds to the cozy ambiance. The dining area is a split-level space adorned with vast wraparound windows, granting you sweeping, panoramic vistas of the lush, emerald hills stretching into the distance.
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A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
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Accommodation
Gibb’s Farm has 17 one-bedroom farm cottages and two two-bedroom farmhouses. The cottages have king or twin-queen bed arrangements, fireplaces, bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and terraces overlooking the gardens or wider landscape. The separate farmhouses provide additional living space for families or friends. Their two-bedroom layouts are different from booking a pair of cottages, so we choose the arrangement around your party.
Food & drink
Meals at Gibb’s Farm are planned around the safari day, with early breakfasts, relaxed lunches and dinners in camp or outdoors when conditions allow. Dietary requirements can be arranged before travel.
What to do
The working farm offers coffee roasting, harvesting, bread making and other seasonal farm activities. Guided forest walks include the Elephant Caves and waterfall route; longer walks towards the crater rim need appropriate fitness and advance arrangements. There is also a lap pool, gym and yoga programme. Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara game drives are separate outings from this Karatu base, rather than wildlife drives immediately outside the cottage.
Planning your stay
Two or three nights gives time for the farm and gardens as well as a planned crater excursion. We would avoid filling every day with a long park drive: the slower estate rhythm is a reason to choose Gibb’s. Add a well-positioned Serengeti camp for contrasting landscapes and wildlife.
The right fit
Travellers who want gardens, a working-farm atmosphere and a change of pace between tented safari camps. Family farmhouses merit comparison for guests wanting separate bedrooms and shared space.
Gibb’s is near Karatu, not on the crater rim. Crater visits involve a longer road journey than a rim stay. Decide whether the farm experience or proximity to the crater is more important.
Useful to know
No. It is near Karatu, in the Ngorongoro highlands area. We arrange the drive and crater excursion around that location.
The farm, gardens and slower pace are part of its appeal. An overnight used only for a crater transfer leaves little time for the setting itself.
The farmhouses provide separate bedrooms and shared living space. We compare their layout with the cottages for your party’s ages and sleeping preferences.
It is possible to arrange excursions, but we weigh the driving against time at the farm. For an unhurried safari, separate park stays may work better than repeated long day trips.
Tailor-made Tanzania
We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
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