Location: Karatu, Arusha, Tanzania
Overview
This historic organic farm and family coffee plantation cover over 80 acres on the forested outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater. Share in the eternal sense of history and community with two-family houses and seventeen cottages. Dr. Albert Freiherr von Poelnitz, a German duke purchased the land (the area that is now Gibb’s Farm) from his brother-in-law and continued to cultivate it as a coffee plantation.
The original farmhouse was built in 1929, and what is today known as the Deutsche House cottage was built to commemorate the German heritage of the farm. 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. James Gibb died in 1977, but Margaret continued to run the farm until 2003, when she and her late second husband, Per Kullander, passed on Gibb’s Farm tradition to current owners.
Rick & Judi, and under their guidance, Gibb’s Farm continues to build upon the gracious hospitality and legacy of conservation, it is an organic farm for over 27 years, so carefully cultivated for future generations to enjoy. The cottages showcase hand-selected local artwork, many pieces from the “Artists in Residence” program.
The 17 refurbished one-bedroom cottages, in twin queen beds or king-sized, are perfectly located around the farm. Each offers a private terrace, living area, en-suite bathroom, garden or valley view, and outdoor shower, the front door of Ngorongoro Cottage faces the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, less than 40 feet away.
Rebuilt in 2014, Zamani Cottage now stands on the site of the last existing guest room built by Margaret and James Gibb. Mulberry Cottage’s present legacy is the Mulberry trees that surround the house.
Uniqueness of this Property
- Gibb’s Farm is one of the first guest houses in northern Tanzania.
- The front door of Ngorongoro Cottage faces the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Accommodation
17 One-bedroom cottages: twin queen beds or king-sized, Wi-Fi, Wake Call, Extra Bed, Housekeeping, Laundry Service, Personal Safe, Mosquito Net, In-room fireplace, indoor bath, living area, International Plug Points/USB charging port, indoor and outdoor shower, terrace, Yoga Mat, Hairdryer.
Bustani House: One of the 2-bedroom Farm Houses, is set back on the farm, with spectacular views, offers a master en-suite bedroom with a king-size bed, a second en-suite bedroom with two queen-size beds, bathroom features an indoor shower, a bath, and an outdoor shower. The lounge area connects the bedrooms and all areas lead onto an expansive private terrace to enjoy the tranquil landscape, suitable for families and friends travelling together.
Deutsches House: a comfortable family retreat for up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 4 children, features an en-suite master bedroom, a king-size bed, and a second en-suite bedroom with two queen-size beds, en-suites indoor shower, bath, and an outdoor shower, spacious living room beside a roaring fireplace and private veranda.
Amenities
The Amenities: 24-hour Security, Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Babysitting Service, Credit Card, and Foreign Exchange
Activities
- Visit the Hadzabe Tribe, a helping hand in the communities
- Visitors can donate a school desk and Visit Tloma Primary School
- Go on a Cycling tour of 1.5 hr
- 2.5-hour mountain Bike Adventure
- Gibb’s Farm artists-in-residence program, afternoon tea in the garden
- Wellness treatments.
- Game viewing drive a day Ngorongoro Crater
- Gourmet picnic on safari or Lake Manyara Safari
- Walking Safaris to the Waterfalls/Elephant Caves
- Indigenous medicinal walk
- Ngorongoro Forest Walk
- Visit Lake Eyasi for day safari
- Farm Walks: vegetable harvesting, bread making, coffee roasting and Tembo fire tales.