Gibb's Farm—A Unique, Authentic Experience...
Immerse yourself in the peace and serenity of Gibb’s Farm. Overlooking the centuries-old Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Forest, Gibb’s Farm was one of the first guesthouses in Northern Tanzania. Established as a coffee farm in the late 1920s and refurbished as a warm, luxury inn, Gibb’s Farm is a welcome retreat for a few days’ respites while on safari or for an extended vacation or honeymoon getaway.
Beyond the farm’s coffee fields, Ngorongoro Forest and the local village beckon. Experience a sense of place as you bicycle the back roads of Karatu, learn about Iraqw culture while visiting a local family, or explore centuries-old waterfalls and elephant caves. After a full day of adventure, Chef Lisa Campbell’s delicious organic cuisine—fresh from our gardens, bakery, and dairy—will replenish you.
Gibb's Farm Experience
Accommodations
What To Do While Staying at Gibb's Farm
Voted multiple times, Best Safari Hotel* in Africa, Gibb's Farm imparts a sense of well—being, tranquility, and history—deeply rooted in African culture and community—in a warm, rustic luxury environment. A peaceful sanctuary to rejuvenate the senses while on safari in Tanzania, the farm features cozy, well—appointed cottages, breathtaking scenery, and wildlife, and unique cultural activities that allow you to fully experience the rhythms and beauty of the farm, community, and nature.
Robert HenrySafari Manager at Shrike Safaris
Game Viewing to Ngorongoro Crater
For a complete adventure, take a day to explore Ngorongoro Crater on one of our safari adventures. You will soon see why Ngorongoro Crater is considered to be among the World’s great wonders...
Ngorongoro Crater boasts more than 30,000 animals, in and around the crater, including rarely seen black rhino, lion, hippo, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, African buffalo, and more.
2—Hour Guided Elephant Caves Walk
On this two—hour hike through the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will discover a magnificent waterfall and incredible “elephant caves” created by elephants digging up the earth to ingest the vitamin—rich soil. You may see buffalo, bushbuck, waterbuck, and baboons, also attracted by the soil.
There is perhaps nothing grander than the peace and solitude of a walk or nature outing to restore one’s well—being and discover the wonders of a new environment.
Farm—to—Table Dining Experience.
To energize and replenish you, plentiful fresh, farm-to-table cuisine is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring the farm’s organic produce and meat, milk and cream from the dairy, and fresh—baked bread, and desserts.
Chef de Cuisine Lisa Campbell and her culinary team are renowned for creating rich, earth—friendly menus are happy to accommodate guests with special dietary needs, including vegan, gluten—free, and low—carb menu options.
Candlelight Dinner
After the sun sets, replenish with expertly prepared, farm—to—table organic cuisine as you dine by candlelight and share the day’s adventures.
Guests may also enjoy a full bar featuring specialty cocktails and an extensive wine list. The Main Farmhouse Dining Room is open seven days a week, year-round, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Infinity Pool
Take a break from your safari adventures and cool off in our free—form infinity pool overlooking the green forest of Ngorongoro highland.
With sunbeds and bar service, it’s an idyllic setting from which to watch a glorious sunset or admire a turquoise sky. Upon request drinks can easily be served for you.
Gibb's Farm is the "Paradise Of Birds"
Enjoy the call of the Tropical Boubou during afternoon tea or watch the many colorful and enchanting birds, like the African Pygmy—Kingfisher, Moustached Tinkerbird, Golden—winged Sunbird, and African Cuckoo, frolic among the profusion of flowering trees and shrubs.
Shrike Safaris team of birding specialists have discovered more than 200 species of birds. Within the farm, you may see a bushbaby, baboon, or the occasional Savannah elephant who wanders into a snack on cabbage from the garden.
Spa Treatments
After a private consultation, Gibb's Farm will design a personal treatment for you. Treatments are based upon the healing powers of nature and may include freshly harvested and prepared botanicals to enhance your experience. Drawing from over 50 different indigenous plants, our naturally-derived treatments include Engorno Milk Massage, Floral Foot Soak, Oljingai Heat Revival, and Olorien Hot Wood Treatment.
Gibb’s Farm African Spa treatments offer a complete sensory experience to enhance energy and promote wellness and healing. Steeped in ancient traditions and nature—based, our caring treatments will leave you refreshed and re—energized. Enjoy a personalized spa treatment in the privacy of your cottage.
Extraordinary Night Game Drive at Lake Manyara
One of the best ways to observe rarely—seen nocturnal animals, our night drive outing to Lake Manyara National Park is an experience to remember.
A Shrike safari leader together with the Park rangers will take you on a wondrous night of discovery, followed by warm hot chocolate upon your return to the farm.
Village Walk or Biking Tour
This leisurely two—hour walk around our neighboring village of Tloma provides a personal look at Tanzanian village life. You will discover the true essence and traditions of rural East African village life.
Explore the back roads of the village by bicycle or for the more adventurous, take a mountain bike day trip to Rhotia, an unforgettable way to experience rural Tanzania.
Celebrate Your "Love" in Legendary Style
The traditions, history, and romance of Gibb’s Farm make it ideal for a destination wedding or adventure honeymoon. The farm’s namesake, James Gibb, married his wife Margaret here. To commemorate the occasion, they planted the lovely flowering Erythrina Abysinnica tree outside the Wedding House cottage.
Surrounded by lush, fragrant plants, species of birds, exotic wildlife, and rolling coffee fields, the rhythms of the farm and beyond transport you and your loved one to another time and place.
Hippo Pool Sunset or Sunrise Safari Outing
After an early sumptuous breakfast or farm-to-table lunch, drive for 45 minutes and experience either a guided morning or afternoon game viewing through the famous Manyara National Park to see hippos gathered at sunset or sunrise at the Hippo Pool.