40 | LUXlife Magazine ocated near many of Tanzania’s highlights including the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Lake Eyasi, Gibb’s Farm has been a proud, family-owned, organic, Arabica coffee farm since 1923, and a tourist lodge and agricultural farm since the early 1960s. The property is the archetypal model for a sustainable and environmentally respectful practice, working tirelessly to continue the legacy of Founders Margaret and Jim Gibb. These days, those projects include solar energy, community upliftment, and organic farming. As one of the oldest lodges in Tanzania, the grounds are full of wellestablished fruit and flower gardens, attracting a variety of wildlife. The farm consists of 10 acres and supplies 80% of all the produce consumed on the site, including fresh eggs, milk, cheese, yoghurt, cream, and butter, as well as an abundance of fruits and vegetables year-round. Everything is grown organically, using only natural fertilizer and compost recycled from the farm. Gibb’s Farm is also complemented by conservation forest on two sides, a farm, and 30 acres of coffee on the others, meaning the grounds are a sanctuary of the senses, nestled in the heart of nature. Each guest room is individually decorated with antique pieces and original artworks, and boasts open fireplaces, bathrooms with full tubs, and both indoor and outdoor showers. As a result, the cottages really feel like a home away from home. The team also offer a range of activities, from guided running, traditional Massai medicinal plant guided walks including forest, farm, coffee, and community guided walks. Further adding to the luxurious feel is a 25m lap pool, gym, and spa for rest and relaxation. Cultural engagement is available through live entertainment offered four times a week at sundowners, evening talks by naturalists at sundowners three times a week, school and village guided tours, bike tours, and tree planting. The team at Gibb’s farm offer an authentic hospitality experience, with many of the staff hailing from the nearby Tloma village, they are genuinely proud to have guests come and stay in their home. It is the team that make Gibb’s farm such a special place to visit and return to. 14 different training courses are available to the staff during the low season in order to incentivise and reward the engaging in, and learning of, new skills. Sally describes the team as, “the heart and soul of Gibb’s farm. Our greatest asset.” With a low staff turnover, the company rarely need to recruit, but when they do, possessing the correct attitude is key. Many people who visit Africa do so for the wildlife, but they also want to stay in lovely accommodation, enjoy healthy and tasty food and drink, enjoy quality time with family and friends, and explore the local community. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, more and more guests have a renewed focus on wellness and wellbeing, as well as a sense of having a responsible impact on the community and environment. Despite these changes, there is Most Idyllic Safari Lodge 2023 - Tanzania The Gibb’s Farm in Karatu, Tanzania, offers a truly unique experience for guests. With 17 free-standing cottages, two houses for family use, and a beautiful surrounding of established gardens, the property is not only idyllic, but expertly located to explore some of Tanzania’s best locations. We speak with General Manager Sally Cooper to tell us more about this tremendous property in the north of the country. nothing new about the team’s commitment of farm to table dining, which has been happening on the farm now for over 100 years and is one of the highlights of the stay for guests, with the kitchen staff able to cater to a range of dietary requirements to accommodate your needs. Recently, the team have introduced a range of activities specifically designed to keep children entertained, this being due to the substantial growth of multi-generational travel in recent times. In 2024, plans are in place to build a new stand-alone spa, on top of soft refurbishments currently on-going. This helps to ensure that the property is well-maintained and can provide the best possible holiday experience for customers for years to come, just as it has continued to do for more than fifty years. Contact Details Contact: Sally Cooper Company: Ngorongoro Safari Lodge – known as Gibb’s Farm Web Address: gibbsfarm.com L
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