Gibb's Farm

Gibb's Farm — Ngorongoro's Historic Coffee Estate

Gibb's Farm sits on the outer hills of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands — a working coffee estate established in 1929 during the German colonial period. One repeat visitor's assessment captures its standing among Karatu lodges: "I've always believed Gibb's is the best of the coffee farm lodges around Karatu — classy and very well run." With 1,013 TripAdvisor reviews and a Certificate of Excellence, it is among the most established and trusted properties in the Ngorongoro area.

Seventeen newly renovated one-bedroom cottages each have unique character — distinctive art, furniture and history — with private terraces overlooking either the valley or the gardens, separate living rooms, bathrooms and outdoor showers. Full-board accommodation includes all meals, parking and WiFi. One repeat traveller calls it "the best facility of all" across multiple countries' safari trips, while chef Rachel is specifically praised for "accommodating food allergies" with organic cuisine sourced from the farm's own gardens, bakery and dairy. Weaver birds nest around the property's pond. Extensive gardens and farm areas give Gibb's Farm a unique "working estate" character distinct from typical safari lodges. One critical review notes the older "1950s-style" rooms in the original wing felt dated and were separated by a construction site — worth checking room category when booking.

The crater itself yields extraordinary game viewing — one repeat safari traveller reported "40 lions in one day" at Ngorongoro Crater during their stay. Gibb's Farm is recommended for a 2-3 night stay as a base for both Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, located approximately 2 hours from Arusha by road or 30 minutes from Lake Manyara Airport.

Accommodation

Seventeen renovated one-bedroom cottages, each unique, with private terraces (valley or garden views), living rooms, bathrooms and outdoor showers. Full-board with organic farm-to-table cuisine. Large pool, extensive gardens, farm and animal areas. 2 hours from Arusha, 30 minutes from Lake Manyara Airport.