Gibb's Farm | Best Tanzania Safari Lodges

The place

We travel along a bumpy red clay road, snaking our way through traditional African villages until we reach Gibb’s Farm, a gracious homestead on a working coffee plantation set among sprawling, landscaped gardens. We’re warmly welcomed with a ‘Karibu’ and a drink, and we instantly sense that we’re in for a very special stay. From our garden sanctuary, we can gaze into the lush forest and farmlands that surround us on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands and the Rift Valley Escarpment. The original farmhouse has old-world country charm, with low, beamed ceilings and stone floors covered in rugs, while several cosy lounges – featuring wood-burning stoves or open fireplaces – are dotted with quirky sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and original artwork. Wandering around, we discover the studio space, where one of the local artists-in-residence astounds us with his talent, making a sale on the spot!

We travel along a bumpy red clay road, snaking our way through traditional African villages until we reach Gibb’s Farm, a gracious homestead on a working coffee plantation set among sprawling, landscaped gardens. We’re warmly welcomed with a ‘Karibu’ and a drink, and we instantly sense that we’re in for a very special stay. From our garden sanctuary, we can gaze into the lush forest and farmlands that surround us on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands and the Rift Valley Escarpment.

The original farmhouse has old-world country charm, with low, beamed ceilings and stone floors covered in rugs, while several cosy lounges – featuring wood-burning stoves or open fireplaces – are dotted with quirky sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and original artwork. Wandering around, we discover the studio space, where one of the local artists-in-residence astounds us with his talent, making a sale on the spot!

The room

We follow a path to Weaver’s Cottage, named after the busy birds swooping in and out of their nests. Our room is open and spacious, with huge windows that look out over the beautiful grounds. Its beamed ceiling and stone walls are decorated with woven baskets and Swahili beads, while vases of fresh flowers from the garden adorn ornate furniture. It’s the essence of farmhouse chic, with an African flair. My partner plops down on one of the two queen-sized beds, so I (only half jokingly) claim the other as my own. I’m eager to freshen up before I relax, but with both outdoor and indoor showers (the indoor one has its own fireplace!) and a huge stone tub looking out into the garden, I’m spoilt for choice. Dinner is exceptional – home cooked, country-style food, served fresh from the organic vegetable garden – and we return to our cottage to find a roaring fire awaiting us. We fall asleep wrapped in the type of silence rarely found anywhere but in the wild.

We follow a path to Weaver’s Cottage, named after the busy birds swooping in and out of their nests. Our room is open and spacious, with huge windows that look out over the beautiful grounds. Its beamed ceiling and stone walls are decorated with woven baskets and Swahili beads, while vases of fresh flowers from the garden adorn ornate furniture. It’s the essence of farmhouse chic, with an African flair.

My partner plops down on one of the two queen-sized beds, so I (only half jokingly) claim the other as my own. I’m eager to freshen up before I relax, but with both outdoor and indoor showers (the indoor one has its own fireplace!) and a huge stone tub looking out into the garden, I’m spoilt for choice.

Dinner is exceptional – home cooked, country-style food, served fresh from the organic vegetable garden – and we return to our cottage to find a roaring fire awaiting us. We fall asleep wrapped in the type of silence rarely found anywhere but in the wild.

What sets it apart

Gibb’s Farm is a great base from which to enjoy various activities – including driving down into Ngorongoro Crater and exploring Lake Manyara – while providing a tranquil place to relax and recuperate. There’s plenty to do around the farm too, including walks, mountain biking and spa treatments. I especially enjoyed the garden tours, discovering the indigenous plants and shrubs that are used for the Maasai-inspired treatments in the spa, smelling the array of pretty flowers and sampling the organic fruit and vegetables that are used to create truly delicious home-cooked meals. Gibb’s Farm has strong ties to the local community. The proprietors invite East African artists to live, create and sell their artwork at the farm; employ a team of local naturalists and guides who provide educational walks and cultural programmes; support conservation of the surrounding forest and wildlife; and invest in education and training – a winning combination that ensures a stay at Gibb’s Farm is infused with warmth, authenticity and charm.

Gibb’s Farm is a great base from which to enjoy various activities – including driving down into Ngorongoro Crater and exploring Lake Manyara – while providing a tranquil place to relax and recuperate. There’s plenty to do around the farm too, including walks, mountain biking and spa treatments.

I especially enjoyed the garden tours, discovering the indigenous plants and shrubs that are used for the Maasai-inspired treatments in the spa, smelling the array of pretty flowers and sampling the organic fruit and vegetables that are used to create truly delicious home-cooked meals.

Gibb’s Farm has strong ties to the local community. The proprietors invite East African artists to live, create and sell their artwork at the farm; employ a team of local naturalists and guides who provide educational walks and cultural programmes; support conservation of the surrounding forest and wildlife; and invest in education and training – a winning combination that ensures a stay at Gibb’s Farm is infused with warmth, authenticity and charm.

At a glance

Luxury farmhouse with 17 one-bedroomed cottages and two two-bedroomed cottages on an expansive coffee farm surrounded by forest.

Close proximity to Ngorongoro Crater, flexible activities and private dining available.
Farm tour, cycling, Karatu Town cycling tour, cultural visits, artist-in-residence exhibitions, farm walks, spa treatments (additional cost), Ngorongoro Crater safari (additional cost), Lake Manyara safari (additional cost), Lake Eyasi safari (additional cost), crater rim hike (additional cost), Hippo Pool sunset safari (additional cost) and Elephant Cave Waterfall walk (additional cost)
Children welcome, with child-friendly activities and babysitting available. Two two-bedroomed cottages available, and extra beds can be provided in other cottages on request.

Luxury farmhouse with 17 one-bedroomed cottages and two two-bedroomed cottages on an expansive coffee farm surrounded by forest.

Close proximity to Ngorongoro Crater, flexible activities and private dining available.
Farm tour, cycling, Karatu Town cycling tour, cultural visits, artist-in-residence exhibitions, farm walks, spa treatments (additional cost), Ngorongoro Crater safari (additional cost), Lake Manyara safari (additional cost), Lake Eyasi safari (additional cost), crater rim hike (additional cost), Hippo Pool sunset safari (additional cost) and Elephant Cave Waterfall walk (additional cost)
Children welcome, with child-friendly activities and babysitting available. Two two-bedroomed cottages available, and extra beds can be provided in other cottages on request.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.