A diverse variety of experiences are possible during a visit to Gibb’s Farm.  “A Farm Life” activity program encourages cultural awareness, an historical interest, a connection to nature and a desire for adventure – and still leaves ample time for relaxing and enjoying the gentle rhythm of Farm Life.

African Living Spa

The African Living Spa is a complete sensory journey. Treatments for travelers are based on indigenous Maasai healing techniques that have been passed through the hands of many generations. Ole Labiki Menyengera, third-generation Maasai healer, and founder of Gibb's Farm Osero FOREST clinic, devotes his time and knowledge to guests and employees of Gibb’s FARM.

Garden Sunset

The view from The Farmhouse has been compared to the ‘Napa Valley of California’. Rows of cultivated coffee caress the East African valley below. With terraced flower gardens at your feet, ancient trees overhead and a grassy knoll set with chairs and low tea tables, the African sun descends into the valley, putting on a memorable show each evening.

Afternoon Tea

The quintessential English Tea: Gibb’s Farm coffees and teas, accompanied by Farm-baked cake and tea biscuits.  Choose your teatime spot: the Gardens, your personal verandah, The Library, The Lounge, or The Sitting Room.  Or spend teatime at the staff teahouse in the vegetable garden.

Farm-Style Meals

Enjoy farm style meals every day in The Farmhouse.  Fresh, healthy, hearty meals stimulate the senses and restore energy. The creative Chef Samwel plans all the menus according to the Farm’s seasons.  Almost all ingredients are fresh from the Farm.

Garden Tour

Horticulturist Paskali Gwandu supervises the care of hundreds of species of flora, and Herb gardener Daudi tends to the aromatic herb garden. The 40-minute leisurely walk is a tour through a natural history museum: many plants have been here since 1959, when Margaret Gibb first started the flower garden.

 

Farm Walk

Farm Manager Petro Qwaridi appreciates your interest, although few come to Tanzania to see cows and pigs. Experience a real working Tanzanian Farm and try your hands at milking a cow on the Farm Walk.   Explore our 10-acre fruit and vegetable garden, and learn about the sustainable farming methods used at Gibb’s Farm.

Ngorongoro Forest Walk

This 2-hour walk covers the best of the Gibb’s Farm estate. Guided by a Gibb’s Farm naturalist, trails meander into the valley to a waterfall, through dense forest pathways, coffee fields and village trails.

Waterfall/ Elephant Caves

Gibb's Farm shares a border with Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Just inside the conservation area, a majestic waterfall beckons travelers to enjoy a light hike through the forest highlands. Along the way, experience the ‘elephant caves’: cave-like structures created by elephants digging up the earth to ingest the vitamin-rich soil.  This soil also attracts other large animals like Buffalo, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, and Baboons.

Birding

Currently, Gibb’s Farm is home to over 220 different species of birds, and avid birders are encouraged to contribute new sightings to our bird list . Many guests simply enjoy sitting in the gardens, binoculars trained on flowers and trees, or in the skies of the rolling valley below.   However, personalized bird walks with a trained naturalist can also be arranged.

Jogging

Manager John loves to run on the Farm and along the forest and village trails. If the high elevation does not bother you, (5,700 feet) join in! A great way to see the village.

Coffee Roasting

Gibb's Farm has been cultivating coffee for decades. Guests are welcome to enjoy the aroma of coffee roasting, daily at The Farmhouse.

Tloma Primary School Visit

Gibb's Farm has been supporting the Tloma Primary School for years. A visit is easily arranged for those who wish to experience rural Tanzania and observe first-hand the challenges facing education today.

Cultural Journey

Explore Tloma Village by bike, foot or car.  Meet a local family and learn about Iraqw culture and traditional ways of life.  Admire the women's pot-making techniques, try your hand at pounding grain, and taste the local brew.  

Karatu Town Tour

Wander the streets and markets of Karatu, and take in the sights and sounds of 21st century small town Africa.  The tour includes a visit to the market, local bar, hair salon and various other small businesses.

Village Walk

This is a one to two hour leisurely walk around our neighboring village of Tloma.  An intimate look into Tanzanian village life. 

Artists-in-Residence

Guests to Gibb's Farm can discover original work through Sanaa, the Farm’s Artists-in-Residence program.  Meet some of East Africa’s talented artists, watch them work and unearth some of the continent’s finest work.

Indigenous Medicine Walk

Ole Labiki Menyengera, Gibb’s Farm Indigenous Maasai Healer, leads Medicinal Walks into Ngorongoro Forest around the Farm. Olemoran, Olaiyapiyap and Osinoni are just a few of over twenty medicines described on the walk. Commonly used in Tanzania to treat health problems, these and other herbal medicines are also used at Osero Clinic, a facility established in 2005 to provide health care for the Farm’s employee community.

Reflection & Discussion

Early evenings are a perfect time to reflect. Naturalists, Farm Managers and Indigenous Healers take turns doing daily half hour presentations in The Farmhouse. Indigenous medicine, the history of Gibb’s Farm, animal behavior, birds and flora are all possible topics for discussion. A good time to ask questions and get to know some of the talented and knowledgeable people in our community.

Hippo Pools Sunset Safari

The Hippo Pools Sunset Safari leaves the Farm after an early lunch. A guided afternoon game drive through the famous Manyara National Park culminates in drinks and snacks at the stunning Hippo Pools sunset spot.

Farm to Crater Rim Walking Safari

Guided by a Naturalist from Gibb’s Farm as well as Rangers from Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Gibb’s Farm Farm–to-Rim Walking Safari is an exciting wilderness experience that is only possible by leaving the vehicle and striking out on foot.  Along the 6-7 hours walk, one traverses untouched forests and encounters unique plant life and rare birdlife.

Mountain Biking

See the village from a new perspective on the Village Cycle Tour. Or, for the adventurous, a day trip from Gibb’s Farm through the fertile valley to Rotia is an unforgettable experience: a wonderful way to get out and see rural Tanzania!

Canoeing on Lake Manyara

Gibb's Farm naturalists guide canoeing trips along the shores of Lake Manyara.  A true escape from reality, this peaceful 2-hour journey is an unforgettable experience.

Night Drive in Lake Manyara National Park

African nocturnal animals are some of the most exciting animals to observe - and can only be viewed on a night drive.  After a bush dinner under the stars, Gibb's Farm naturalists guide you through the night for an adventure of a lifetime.