A farm on safari sounds a bit unexpected – we’re not talking that farm in Africa (think rolling hills, not dramatic love triangles). Gibbs isn’t just any farm. Nestled on the forested outer hills of the Ngorongoro Crater, just outside Karatu, it’s a sprawling coffee plantation with all the charm of a classic African homestead. Picture rolling hills, lush gardens that stretch forever, and the freshest cup of coffee you’ll ever sip. It’s the kind of place where time slows down— except after your third espresso.
Gibbs Farm trades Wi-Fi for real connections—milking cows at sunrise or wandering through the vegetable gardens on a guided farm tour. The garden is the secret behind every mouth-watering meal. Whether it’s a fresh fruit basket on arrival or high tea in the afternoon, everything is plucked straight from the farm and served with love. Mornings here start with a hearty, organic breakfast. The sturdy breakfast table groans under the weight of the farm-to-table feast: fresh homegrown produce, seasonal fruit platters, garden-grown organic veggies, locally raised meats, fresh milk, cream, and baked goods—all served with organic coffee grown right on the farm. It’s just the fuel you need for a day on a safari.
Conveniently located between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, Gibbs is an easy hop to either park and the ideal base for a safari with a difference.
Our favourite cottage has to be the “Writer’s Room”—a cosy nook where inspiration flows as freely as the coffee (yes, more coffee). All the rooms are spacious and snug, with double fireplaces and large patios with views of the gardens or the valley below.