About Gibb’s Farm Ngorongoro
Gibb’s Farm Ngorongoro is a historic boutique lodge located on the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania. Its on a working coffee plantation and surrounded by lush gardens, this peaceful retreat offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including the rolling hills of Karatu and the Great Rift Valley. Its strategic location is just a short drive from the Ngorongoro Crater, making it an ideal base for exploring the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and its incredible wildlife.
It was established in the early 1920s as a colonial coffee plantation, Gibb’s Farm has evolved into an eco-friendly lodge known for its sustainability and farm-to-table approach. In 1960, the Serengeti National Park was partitioned, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established along the north boundary of the farm. To accommodate the influx of visitors attracted to the conservation area and surrounding national parks, James and Margaret built guest cottages in 1972, making Gibb’s Farm one of the first guest houses in northern Tanzania.
The lodge emphasizes sustainable tourism with initiatives like solar energy use, water conservation, and sourcing food locally. Gibb’s Farm actively engages with and supports the local community through education, health, and cultural projects. It combines luxury, sustainability, and authenticity, making it a standout property for travelers seeking a serene, immersive, and culturally enriching experience.
ACCESS & LOCATION of Gibb’s Farm Ngorongoro
By Road
Gibb’s Farm is located in the Karatu Highlands, about 4 kilometers from Karatu town and approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Gate. It is accessible via a well-maintained gravel road off the main highway connecting Arusha and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey from Arusha takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
By Air
The closest airstrip is Lake Manyara Airstrip, located about a 1-hour drive from Gibb’s Farm. Daily charter flights operate between Lake Manyara and major hubs like Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Serengeti airstrips.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT Gibb’s Farm Ngorongoro
Gibb’s Farm offers an intimate and tranquil retreat, blending rustic charm, eco-conscious practices, and modern amenities to provide a luxurious yet grounded experience. The lodge features 17 cottages, each uniquely decorated to reflect traditional African and colonial influences. Each cottage includes a bedroom, en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace, and a private veranda overlooking the gardens or surrounding forests. Larger cottages are available for families, offering multiple bedrooms and shared living spaces.
The lodge is renowned for its fresh, organic meals prepared using ingredients sourced directly from its own gardens and surrounding farms. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are served in the open-air dining areas or cozy indoor settings. Gibb’s Farm offers a range of spa services inspired by African healing traditions, including massages, facials, and body scrubs.
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ACTIVITIES AT Gibb’s Farm Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater Excursions
Experience thrilling game drives to the nearby Ngorongoro Crater, home to Africa’s densest wildlife population, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard). You also get to enjoy a delicious farm-prepared picnic lunch while surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the crater floor.
Guided Farm Tours
There are coffee plantation walks that enable you to learn about coffee production, from planting and harvesting to roasting and brewing, on an educational tour of the farm’s coffee fields. The garden tours enable you to explore the lodge’s lush vegetable and herb gardens while learning about sustainable farming practices.
Gallery of Gibb’s Farm Ngorongoro
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