Gibbs Farm

Established in the late 1920s as a coffee farm, Gibb's Farm has retained the charm of life in East Africa during that era. It is five kilometres from the village of Karatu, at the entrance to the Ngorongoro Highlands, midway between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. Gibb's Farm commands spectacular views of the surrounding farmlands, and the forested slopes to the rear are home to an abundance of wildlife, including elephant and leopard.

Gibb's has 17 gorgeous farm cottages, all set among the gardens. The term 'farm cottage' doesn't quite do justice to these rooms though!  All built in the last few years, they are huge, superbly furnished and decorated, with a fireplace, great bathrooms (indoor and outdoor showers), and a very good eye for detail. You will have everything you need.

The main facilities - a sitting room, reading room, dining room, internet café, bar and gift shop - are situated in the old farmhouse. The old colonial farmhouse still has the character of a well cared for private house with roaring fires and friendly service, and guests wake up to fresh coffee, a multitude of flowers and breathtaking views.

The fruit, vegetable and flower gardens now cover 10 acres and everything is grown organically using only natural fertiliser from the farm. The farm provides the milk, coffee, eggs and meat which are served to guests, and the meals are truly superb. In the shadow of the forest there is a tree nursery where hundreds of young saplings are grown to encourage the use of native tree species in the local villages.

Gibb's offers a wide range of activities, from an African Spa to great walks in the region, and of course you're not far away from the Ngorongoro Crater, so there's plenty to keep you occupied during your stay here.

Gibb's Farm is one of the most expensive options in the Karatu/Ngorongoro region. However if you fancy a treat, and that feeling of almost staying in piece of local history, and some of the best food in Tanzania, you will love it.