Gibbs Farm Tanzania - The Classic Safari Company

Coffee estate guesthouse

Gibbs Farm is a charming farmhouse, first constructed by a German farmer in the 1930’s to be the homestead of a large coffee plantation. During the Second World War the property was confiscated by the British Custodian of Enemy Property and in 1948 it was sold to war veteran James Gibb, who returned the neglected property to working order. Now a warm and inviting safari lodge, Gibbs imparts a sense of well-being and tranquillity as you take in the beauty of nature, relax into the rhythm of farm life and experience the warm hospitality of the local community.

The lodge consists of 19 one and two bedroom en-suite cottages spaced throughout the gardens. Each is richly appointed with eucalyptus floors, hand-crafted furniture, indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace and a private verandah. Every one beautifully depicts a theme for example the Mulberry Cottage which features botanical illustrations by artist Riziki Kateyais and is surrounded by established, fruit bearing trees used to make mulberry jam and preserves for guests.

The main farmhouse boasts a charming living room, two dining rooms and plenty of private nooks in which to curl up with a good book. Roaring fires create a cosy ambience during the cooler months whilst the outside verandahs and spacious patios are the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine surrounded by lush, soothing gardens and sweeping views of the valley. The property’s extensive grounds are a cool oasis for a late afternoon or early morning walk while the vegetable garden supplies the kitchen with delicious organic produce and attracts many spectacular species of birds.

During your stay you can enjoy a whole host of safari and wildlife experiences including guided drives through the famous Manyara National Park to see hippos gathered at sunset and bush walks through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The 6 hour wilderness walk ascending the slopes to the crater rim takes in untouched forests, unique plant life, animals and rare birds with a stunning finale of magnificent views of the crater floor below.

You can be as actively involved in farm life (or not!) as you wish to be. Avid birders are encouraged to join naturalists for an early walk around the farm to observe morning birdlife for census and behaviour, and contribute to any new sightings. You can also join the early morning bread making ritual, laugh with the chefs as they go about their daily routine of harvesting fresh organic produce from the vegetable garden or experience traditional coffee cultivation and roasting, just as it has been done for generations.

There are also plenty of ways you can be involved with the local community. You can work alongside the farm’s carpenters to construct and deliver school furniture, meet the students and teachers at Tloma Primary School and visit the town of Karatu. Wandering through a local market, drinking a local beer and having your hair done in a local salon is a fascinating way to observe daily African life.

Combining colonial charm with an intimate, relaxed atmosphere and a whole host of utterly unique experiences, a stay at Gibbs Farm is a wholly authentic insight into the beauty of African life on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater.

You will love

Working coffee estate & farm
Rich heritage & colonial charm
Wilderness walks to the crater rim
Build & donate a desk
Ideal location between Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater

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Two women in traditional attire carrying baskets of fresh vegetables along a path in a lush green farm, showcasing the agricultural richness of Gibbs Farm, a historic coffee plantation in Tanzania.

Outdoor dining setup at Gibbs Farm, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views of the coffee plantation landscape, showcasing the charm and tranquility of the historic safari lodge in Tanzania.

Farm workers harvesting vegetables at Gibbs Farm, a historic coffee plantation lodge in Tanzania, surrounded by lush greenery.

Spacious en-suite cottage at Gibbs Farm featuring two beds, rustic stone walls, handcrafted furniture, wooden floors, and a cozy seating area, embodying the charm of a historic Tanzanian farmhouse.

Outdoor seating area at Gibbs Farm with wooden chairs and a coffee set, overlooking lush green hills and a scenic landscape in Tanzania.

Outdoor shower in a tropical garden at Gibbs Farm, featuring stone walls, lush greenery, and vibrant red flowers, highlighting the lodge's connection to nature and tranquil atmosphere.

Scenic landscape view of Gibbs Farm, showcasing lush green fields and rolling hills in Tanzania, highlighting the natural beauty surrounding the historic farmhouse and coffee plantation.

Pathway leading through lush herb garden at Gibbs Farm, with a wooden gazebo and a sign indicating "SAGE," showcasing the farm's tranquil atmosphere and connection to nature.

Outdoor dining area at Gibbs Farm, featuring tables set with placemats and cutlery, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views of the landscape, reflecting the charm and tranquility of this historic farmhouse in Tanzania.

Luxurious bedroom at Gibbs Farm lodge featuring two beds, handcrafted furnishings, large windows overlooking lush gardens, and warm wooden flooring, embodying the charm of a historic coffee plantation homestead in Tanzania.

Lush garden at Gibbs Farm featuring vibrant flowers, ferns, and a wooden bridge over a tranquil pond, embodying the serene atmosphere of this historic Tanzanian farmhouse.

Outdoor seating area at Gibbs Farm, featuring a large tree, rustic furniture, and a staircase leading to a treehouse, surrounded by lush greenery and coffee plants, evoking a tranquil farm atmosphere.

Dining area at Gibbs Farm lodge with elegantly set tables, surrounded by vibrant purple flowers and greenery, showcasing the inviting atmosphere of the historic farmhouse in Tanzania.

Gibbs Farm lodge exterior surrounded by lush gardens and tall grasses, showcasing a charming and tranquil atmosphere in Tanzania's coffee plantation setting.

Donkeys grazing in a lush garden at Gibbs Farm, a historic coffee plantation lodge in Tanzania, with a wooden cart nearby, showcasing the farm's charm and agricultural heritage.

Plate of gourmet beef dish topped with herbs, served with mashed potatoes, red cabbage, and garnished with colorful sauces, highlighting the culinary offerings at Gibbs Farm.

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Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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