Many of our past guests have reached out to ask for news about their guides, porters, camp crews and the Gibb’s Farm team. While North America hunkers down, what is life like in Tanzania? Today we’re sharing a letter from the husband and wife Gibb’s Farm management team, Nick and Sally, providing an update on how they’re taking care of the farm and staff during this time.

Dear Thomson,

We are lucky to have an amazing team here at Gibb’s Farm. Our team loves Gibb’s Farm and are very proud to call it our home. Many of our team have been here for our entire working careers.

During this downturn in visitors, it has been very important for us to ensure we continue to employ all 130 of the staff and look out for their welfare.

Our lovely farm is still in full production. The animals and plants do not slow down with the reduction in guests, and so some of the staff from food and beverage are now working on the farm – and loving it! We also have had some of the kitchen team join the maintenance and housekeeping teams to assist with refreshing the cottages. Some of the administration teams are assisting with the grounds teams in maintaining the lovely gardens.

As a result, we still have all of our staff employed. They are doing some cross-training and upskilling and only working half their normal hours. We are also supplying each staff member with a basket full of fresh farm produce each week to supplement what they grow in their own “shambas” and to ensure that they are getting plenty of fresh fruit, eggs and vegetables at this time without having to go to public markets.

With fewer people around we are seeing a lot more animals around the property. There is an abundance of bird life and daily raids from baboons. We have also been setting up the sensor camera and have caught imagery of hyenas, leopards and plenty of elephants around the perimeter of the property.

Some of the team have elected to take their annual leave as the schools are closed and they prefer to be with their families.

We are still open and operating, and have 20 guests over the Easter weekend. We are busy preparing for egg decorating, Easter basket making and of course, the Easter egg hunt!

All in all, we are keeping very well and positive here on the farm and although it’s a bit quieter, life goes on as normal.

Asante sana,
Sally and Nick

Sally and Nick, General Managers at Gibb’s Farm