Gibbs Farm — Best Stay In Karatu
Gibbs Farm Tanzania — A Luxury Eco-Lodge Near Ngorongoro In 2025/2026
If you are looking for a unique place to stay during your safari in Tanzania, Gibbs Farm is one of the country’s most enchanting luxury eco-lodges. Tucked away in the scenic highlands of Karatu, just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this historic property offers the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Unlike typical safari lodges, Gibbs Farm is a working farm that blends rustic charm with world-class hospitality, giving travelers a one-of-a-kind experience in northern Tanzania.
Here, guests can wake up to fresh mountain air, sip homegrown coffee roasted on-site, stroll through organic gardens, and later set off for world-renowned safari destinations like the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, or Serengeti National Park. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a family getaway, or a cultural journey, Gibbs Farm is designed to make your stay in Tanzania both memorable and meaningful.
🌿 Overview of Gibbs Farm
Originally established in the 1920s as a colonial coffee plantation, Gibbs Farm has grown into a luxury lodge while retaining its historic farmhouse character. The lodge is set against the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, coffee fields, and lush gardens.
The property is known for its warm atmosphere and eco-conscious design. While many lodges focus purely on safari, Gibbs Farm invites guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy farm life at its finest. It is a place where you can spend the morning learning traditional coffee roasting methods, the afternoon walking to waterfalls and elephant caves, and the evening sharing stories by the fireplace over a farm-to-table meal.
One of the most appealing aspects of Gibbs Farm is its balance. It offers all the luxury expected from a high-end Tanzanian lodge but in a setting that feels welcoming, homely, and deeply connected to the surrounding community.
Gibbs Farm Photo gallery
These are real photos from our clients on their Tanzania safaris. They show the wildlife, landscapes, and special moments you can experience on your own safari adventure.
Expert recommendation
At Tanzania Safari Experience, we often recommend Gibbs Farm to travelers who want to enjoy a balance of safari adventure and cultural immersion.
After spending a day exploring Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara, returning to Gibbs Farm feels like stepping into a peaceful sanctuary. Here, you can sip freshly roasted coffee on your veranda, join a farm walk, or unwind at the spa while still being just minutes away from some of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations.
For those seeking a lodge that combines luxury, sustainability, and authenticity, Gibbs Farm is one of our top choices in northern Tanzania.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
Gibbs Farm Highlights
- Luxury eco-lodge near Ngorongoro Crater
- Historic farmhouse with rustic elegance
- Farm-to-table dining with organic produce
- Coffee plantation, dairy, and vegetable gardens
- Spa with traditional Maasai healing therapies
- Guided walks to waterfalls and elephant caves
- Easy access to Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti
At a glance
- Tanzania
- Safari Accommodation
Tailormade itineraries
Every Tanzania Safari Experience adventure is customized just for you—no fixed tours or set dates. Speak with our Tanzania Safari experts to help you plan your perfect Tanzania Safari itinerary.
Accommodations at Gibbs Farm
At Gibbs Farm, accommodations are designed with both comfort and character in mind. Guests can choose between beautifully appointed farm cottages or larger farm houses, depending on their needs.
Farm Cottages
The cottages are spacious, private, and surrounded by lush gardens. Inside, guests enjoy a blend of rustic farmhouse charm and modern amenities. Each cottage features a large en-suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers, making your stay refreshing and luxurious. The private verandas overlook vibrant flower gardens, vegetable patches, and coffee plantations, offering a peaceful space to relax in the afternoons.
Cooler evenings in the highlands are made cozy by the wood-burning fireplaces found in every cottage, while comfortable seating areas provide a homely feel. These cottages are ideal for couples or small families who want privacy without sacrificing comfort.
Bustani & Deutsches Houses
For larger groups or families traveling together, Gibbs Farm offers the Bustani and Deutsches Houses, two spacious farm houses designed for privacy and exclusivity. Each house features two en-suite bedrooms, generous living and dining areas, and private gardens. These accommodations give families the chance to enjoy togetherness while also having their own space to unwind.
The design is consistent with the overall lodge’s style—rustic elegance paired with modern amenities. Whether staying in a cottage or a farm house, guests enjoy a serene retreat surrounded by natural beauty.
Safari Access: Perfect Location for Exploration
While Gibbs Farm itself is a destination, its location makes it a perfect base for exploring northern Tanzania’s safari circuit.
Ngorongoro Crater: Just a short 30-minute drive from Gibbs Farm, the crater is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in one day.
Lake Manyara National Park: Around 45 minutes away, this park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and pink flamingos.
Serengeti National Park: A few hours’ drive connects you to the legendary plains of the Serengeti, home to the Great Wildebeest Migration.
This accessibility allows guests to enjoy the thrill of world-class safaris while returning to the comfort and tranquility of Gibbs Farm each evening.
Why Choose Gibbs Farm?
There are many lodges near Ngorongoro and Serengeti, but Gibbs Farm stands out for its unique character. It is more than a stopover—it is a destination in itself.
Guests choose Gibbs Farm for its luxury accommodations, organic dining, unique farm activities, cultural connections, and proximity to top safari parks. It is a lodge that offers both relaxation and adventure, allowing you to tailor your stay according to your interests.
Whether you are planning your first safari or returning to Tanzania for another adventure, Gibbs Farm offers an experience that is both memorable and meaningful.
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Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
- At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
Connect with our local experts for personalized travel planning
Plan your Gibbs Farm today
Looking for more?
We can design a safari for you from scratch, or you can choose from our tailor-made safari proposals below. You’ll receive a free Tanzania safari proposal with no obligation, featuring trips created for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers.
5 Days Ndutu Migration Safari Calving Season
- Ndutu Migration Safari Calving Season
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari Itinerary
- Tanzania Classic Safari
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
8 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
- Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
3 Days Ndutu Migration Safari Calving Season
- Ndutu Migration Safari Calving Season
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
Everything You Need to Know About Your Safari
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
Gibbs Farm is located in Karatu, northern Tanzania, just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It’s easily accessible by road from Arusha and is perfectly situated for visiting Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti.
Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities including farm tours, coffee roasting, nature hikes, birdwatching, cultural encounters with the Maasai and Iraqw, and wellness treatments at the African Living Spa.
Absolutely. Gibbs Farm is perfect for families thanks to its spacious farm houses, interactive farm activities, and safe natural surroundings. Children especially enjoy the hands-on experiences like helping on the farm.
The farm is only a 30-minute drive to the Ngorongoro Crater gate, making it one of the most convenient lodges for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The lodge is dedicated to organic farming, renewable energy, waste reduction, and supporting local communities. Staying at Gibbs Farm contributes to conservation and cultural preservation.
You can book your stay through Tanzania Safari Experience, where we design tailor-made itineraries that include Gibbs Farm along with visits to Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara.