Beautiful, historic and full of character, this Gibbs Farm is one of Northern Tanzania’s oldest guesthouse properties. It has a prime location within the Ngorongoro Highlands, and truly feels infused with the spirit of Tanzania’s people, land and wildlife.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Gibbs Farm is situated near Karatu and close to the Highlands and Ngorongoro Crater. The farm is just a short drive from Lake Manyara, and could be used as a base for safaris to Lake Manyara National Park or the Ngorongoro Crater.
Rooms
The timber and stone guest cottages total 17, and include one family suite. Each contains handmade furniture and is decorated to a particular theme by Gibbs’ artist-in-residence. You can expect a seating area, focal-point fireplace, private veranda, and a large bathtub from which you can view the gardens.
Communal Areas
The old farmhouse, built in 1929, hosts a bar, two dining rooms with garden views, and a boutique. A separate spa is scheduled to open this year. The restaurants offer great, organic food sourced from the farm’s own gardens and served at buffet breakfasts and lunches as well as formal three-course dinners. The farm’s coffee can be purchased in the boutique.
Activities
Guests can spend time exploring the beautiful grounds (including herb, rose and vegetable gardens), the coffee fields, and the Ngorongoro forest – where walks guided by a naturalist explore traditional Maasai medicine. Gibbs Farm also makes a great base for safaris, particularly in Lake Manyara National Park or the Ngorongoro Crater.
Full Board
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March. Temperatures are generally very pleasant – around 23°C/73°F on the crater floor at midday. The altitude of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area can, however, make this ‘dry season’ fairly unpredictable.
The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March. Temperatures are generally very pleasant – around 23°C/73°F on the crater floor at midday. The altitude of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area can, however, make this ‘dry season’ fairly unpredictable.
The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. We would, therefore, recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.
The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. We would, therefore, recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.
The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. We would, therefore, recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit, however make sure to bring waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit, however make sure to bring waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.