Gibbs' Farm (Ngorongoro Conservation Area) Tanzania
Location:
Gibb's Farm is a working Farm located on the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It comprises a warm and friendly community where the rhythm of Farm Life has calmed and restored the weary safari journeyer for over 40 years.
Gibb’s Farm hugs nearly a mile of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, part of a 3,200 square mile reserve. Ideally located, the Farm lies half way between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, near the village of Karatu.
Accommodation:
Set among formal English gardens, the Farmhouse and 20 ensuite cottages are the heart of a working farm. Built in 1929, the Farmhouse has hardly changed, retaining the charm of a well looked-after private house. Cozy living rooms and reading corners are just steps away from the dining room, bar and gift shop.
Fireplaces fill the Farmhouse with warmth and historical charm. Just outside, a sprawling verandah and floral garden invite sweeping views of the valley below the Farm. Organic Coffee is grown, processed and roasted on the Farm, and a vast 10-acre organic fruit and vegetable garden provides 90% of the ingredients needed for fresh, home-cooked meals.
Gibb’s Farm provides a welcome stay on any safari, and a base from which to enjoy the many activities available in the foothills of the Ngorongoro Forest, The Ngorongoro Crater and Manyara National Park. Even if your stay is short, find time for a gentle walk or a tour of our gardens.
Conservation Principles:
• 90% of the food served at the table is grown at Gibb's
Farm. We have 10 acres of vegetables and fruit, 5 acres of
flowers and herbs, and a working dairy and pig farm.
•
We grow, harvest, process, roast and serve organic coffee.
• We have a tree nursery where we nurture hundreds of young
tree saplings, to encourage the growth of native species.
• 90% of our hot water is heated using solar power.
• All of our crops are grown organically, without chemicals
or pesticides. Reclaimed water is used whenever possible.
• All glass bottles are broken down and recycled, or
used in building foundations.
• We make everything we
possibly can on site, using local materials and local labor.
This includes furniture.
• 99% of our employees are
members of the Karatu community
• Wine bottles are
broken and used in building foundations; plastic bottles are
decomposed by the sun prior to disposal. All of the guest
rooms are built using local materials and labor, thus
supporting the local economy.
Activities:
Gibbs is a good option for either trips to Manyara, Eyasi or Ngorongoro Crater itself. Whilst here you can do anything from walking in the forest reserve (where there is some great birdlife and at least signs of buffalo and elephant) to, if the urge takes you, having a go at milking the farm's cattle (although if this activity really takes off, they're likely to soon get pretty sick of it).
Gibbs have a pretty much access-all-areas philosophy, so if you are interested there'll be someone who'll be happy to show you around; you can take tours of the coffee farm and the extensive vegetable gardens or just sit and take a break from the pace of your safari.
Accommodation Rates:- From $310 per person per night - Please contact us for a quote and suggested itinerary.