Gibb's Farm
Deeply rooted in African culture and community, Gibb's Farm imparts a sense of well-being, tranquility and history in a rustic luxury environment. While on safari in Tanzania, the Farm is a peaceful sanctuary to rejuvenate the senses. The Farm features cozy, well-appointed cottages, breath-taking scenery and wildlife and unique cultural activities that allow you to fully experience the rhythms and beauty of the farm, community and nature. Gibb’s Farm’s rustic charm and gracious accommodations provide an ideal sanctuary for a few day’s respite while on safari. The 1929 farmhouse and five cottages comprised the original guesthouse in 1972. Today, there are 17 guest cottages featuring a unique theme and richly appointed with eucalyptus floors, hand-crafted furniture, two queen-size beds, indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace and private verandah. A cottage with a common living area and two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms is available for families or couples traveling together.
Shamba is the Swahili word for “farm.” The verandah of Shamba House is the perfect place to enjoy the peace and solitude of the surrounding farmland and gardens. Robert Aswani’s “Shamba” painting illustrates the farm’s gardeners tending the fruits and vegetables enjoyed by Gibb’s Farm’s guests.
Healthy, farm fresh cuisine and attentive, gracious hospitality defines the iconic nature of the dining experience at Gibb’s Farm. Our organic farm-to-table cuisine stimulates the senses and provides sustenance to restore, replenish and energize. Garden grown organic vegetables and locally raised meats, farm-fresh milk, cream and baked goods provide the healthy, nutritious ingredients for our sumptuous breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
Gibb's Farm Cottages (17)
Each farm cottage holds its own story connected to Tanzanian culture and offers either twin queen or a king-size bed swathed in a soft mosquito net. Spacious interiors richly appointed with eucalyptus floors and hand-crafted furniture have recently been refurbished with modern touches to accentuate their classic charm. Perfect for smaller families, the cottages can comfortably accommodate a family of four in two queen beds (extra bed available for a third child).
The large bathroom of each cottage offers indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace in both the living area and bathroom, bathtub and a private veranda complete the sense of tranquil privacy. From the wooden deck, soak up the peaceful surroundings with a view over the gardens, plantation or Great Rift Valley. The Swahili word “Karibu,” is often spoken expressing the genuine, innate pleasure we take in welcoming you as our guest. This is the open-heart of our hospitality.
• 17 guest cottages — each featuring a unique theme, authentic artwork and richly appointed with eucalyptus floors and hand-crafted furniture
• Each cottage has lovely views of the coffee plantation or the expansive vegetable gardens
IN ROOM FACILITIES:
• Wi-Fi access available in all rooms
• Writing desk area and a lounge with a wood burning fireplace
• Outside deck overlooking the gardens
• En-suite bathroom with fireplace, indoor and outdoor showers, bathtub and a separate toilet
• Hairdryer
• In-room safe
Bustani House (1)
Nestled in the forest on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater overlooking the spectacular Rift Valley, Bustani House has been named for the Swahili word meaning garden. While retaining the farm cottage feel, Bustani has been inspired by nature, the remarkable view and the landscaped gardens directly below. The garden is an ideal spot for book lovers and writers alike, or just to relax and enjoy a break from safari.
The gardens of Bustani afford guests the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil beauty of nature against a backdrop of singing birds. Experience paradise which has been created and preserved for you by the passionate Gibb’s Farm garden team, as well as our talented carpenters who have produced some of the furniture, a labour of love. Inside, the beautiful architectural details such as the original wooden beams and colourful artwork of local artists greet you.
Charming with modern accents and dark wood finishes, the spacious two-bedroom cottage offers a master en-suite bedroom with a king-size bed and a second en-suite bedroom with two queen-size beds. Each bathroom offers an indoor shower and bath as well as an outdoor shower. The cosy living room is complete with a fireplace and the inner sanctum extends outwards to an expansive private veranda, an idlyllic setting for afternoon tea or a moment of peace. Guests can enjoy Wi-Fi access in the rooms, a writing desk area, hairdryer, and in-room safe.
Deutsches House (1)
Named in honor of the German Duke who founded Gibb’s Farm in the early 1900s, Deutsches House is a comfortable family retreat. Unwind amidst the peace and tranquillity of the farm after a day of activities. Richly appointed with eucalyptus floors and hand-crafted furniture, history imbues the finishes and carefully selected artworks which adorn the walls creating an atmosphere of classic charm from a bygone era.
The house features an en-suite master bedroom with a king-size bed and a second en-suite bedroom with two queen-size beds. Both bedrooms offer an indoor shower and bath as well as an outdoor shower (voted as one of the world’s best outdoor showers by Forbes). Relax in the comfort of the spacious living room beside a roaring fireplace with an absorbing read and cup of freshly roasted coffee, or enjoy the chatter of birds from the large, private veranda.
Steeped in the history of the farm, Deutsches offers cosy accommodation for up to four adults or two adults and four children. After a long day’s adventure on safari in Tanzania, recline on the veranda and let the verdant setting soothe your mind and quieten your soul.
Wellness
A variety of treatments, tailored to suit your needs, are offered within the privacy of your cottage. Based on Maasai healing techniques, the naturally derived treatments draw from over 50 different indigenous plants and offer a complete sensory experience. Enjoy swims in our 25m lap pool and a session of yoga with a view on the deck.
Artists-in-Residence
Through Gibb’s Farm’s artists-in-residence program, East African artists stay at the farm and create commissioned artwork. Meet some of East Africa’s most talented artists, learn about their influences and inspiration and watch them create their artwork, which is available for purchase.
Farm Walks - Around the Farm
Gibb’s Farm offers many different walks, depending upon your interests and desired activity level. Experience a real working farm as you explore our organic 10-acre fruit and vegetable gardens and 30-acre coffee fields.
One day Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara Safari
Experience a one day wildlife safari, starting early in the morning in closed safari vehicles with pop-up roofs. A magnificent experience is sure to be had! Lunch is served picnic style, surrounded by the natural wonders around you as well as the exceptional wildlife, roaming freely, with which you share these extraordinary paradises.
Walking Safaris - Village Walk
This leisurely two-hour walk around our neighboring village of Tloma provides a personal look at Tanzanian village life.
Bicycle Tours
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. 1.5 Hour Village Cycle Tour, 2.5 Hour Mountain Bike Adventure.
Safari - Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater boasts more than 30,000 animals, in and around the crater, including lion, hippo, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, African buffalo and more. You will soon see why Ngorongoro Crater is considered to be among the world’s great wonders! A delicious gourmet picnic on safari with farm fresh bread and produce tops the experience
A Cultural Journey
Outing to Tloma, a nearby village, where you have the opportunity to meet a local family and learn about Iraqw culture and traditional ways of life. Discover the age-old process of making pots, try your hand at pounding grain and taste the local brew.
Donate a Desk
Visitors can donate a school desk, engraved with their own special message and personally deliver it to the school whilst staying at Gibb’s Farm. The material is purchased locally and our carpenters expertly build the desks to specifications after which they carefully engrave the guest’s message by hand. Guests are welcome to join our carpenters for an afternoon in the workshop and assist with the crafting of the desks.
Tloma Primary School Visit
Meet the students and teachers at Tloma Primary School and learn firsthand about the successes and challenges of education in rural Tanzania.
Walking Safaris - Waterfall/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.
Farm Walks - Garden Walk
A 40-minute stroll through eight historic gardens with a horticulturist.
Farm Walks - Indigenous Medicinal Walk
Indigenous Maasai healers lead you through the Ngorongoro Forest, where over 20 medicinal plants commonly used in Tanzania to treat health problems are described.
Farm Walks - Ngorongoro Forest Walk
A Gibb’s Farm naturalist is your guide for this tranquil two-hour walk through the farm and into the Ngorongoro Forest. Discover more than 200 species of birds, dozens of native plants and trees, and an incredibly diverse array of wildlife.
Lake Eyasi Day Safari
After an early Breakfast, experience a guided drive to Lake Eyasi to meet a local Hadzabe tribe. Meet the family and learn about the culture and the traditional ways of living of the Hadzabe people. Hunt together with the warriors and taste the local brew.
Bread Making
Join the team for the early morning bread making ritual. What could be more fun than baking brea, and of course, sampling it hot from the oven?
Vegetable Harvesting
Join in the laughter and banter as the chefs go about their daily ritual of harvesting fresh organic produce from our vegetable garden, to be enjoyed at lunch or dinner time.
Coffee Roasting
Experience traditional coffee cultivation and roasting, just as it has been done for generations. Enjoy the aroma and taste of a cup of wonderful organic, fresh-roasted Arabica coffee each day at the main lodge.
Tembo Fire Tales
The evening begins here for many guests, with a glorious sunset accompanied by a refreshing drink. Complementing the relaxed mood, our naturalists and traditional healer share stories about primates, Iragw culture, elephants traditional medicine, Maasai legends and tales of tribal folklore.
Greater Good
Eco-minded Gibbs Farm is a model of sustainability with tree planting projects, water ecology and state of the art recycling and refuse disposal methods. For over 27 years, Gibb’s Farm has practiced sustainable, environmentally-respectful farming methods. The farm has won numerous awards, including the Tanzania Tourist Board’s 2011 Sustainable Tourism Award. Gibbs Farm also benefits a variety of community projects including a visit to the local village. Meet the students and teachers at Tloma Primary School, and learn firsthand about the successes and challenges of education in rural Tanzania or spend a few hours alongside the farm carpenters constructing school desks for the Gibbs School Desk Project. These are just a few ways that you can give back while enjoying your stay at Gibbs Farm.
https://www.packforapurpose.org/destinations/africa/tanzania/gibbs-farm/
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