Condé Nast recently crowned Gibb’s Farm the #1 hotel in East Africa, and Travel + Leisure has twice named it the #1 Safari Lodge in Africa. Not bad for our favorite rustic-chic paradise on the slopes of Ngorongoro Crater.
Are we thrilled? Absolutely. Surprised? Not even a little.
If safari is the adventure of a lifetime, then Gibb’s Farm is the oasis; it’s here that Thomson guests can trade their Land Rover for a lounge chair overlooking picturesque African valleys. It’s here they can stroll through lush fields and experience true farm-to-fork dining. It’s here they can relax in luxury on a property boasting a century of history, heart and soul.
We invite you to discover the magic of Gibb’s Farm through the eyes of Thomson staffer Angela as she describes the perfect day for first-time guests.
It’s the safari escape you didn’t know you were missing.
Sunrise
The perfect day at Gibb’s starts with a cup of coffee on your veranda as the sun rises, and sipping that coffee as you listen to the sounds of the farm, the singing farmhands, the birdsong.
Witnessing Gibb’s come to life at this hour is just so serene and lovely; it sets the relaxed tone for the rest of your day.
Next, some early morning exercise; there’s a lot to choose from. I love doing yoga on the platform. It’s a nice way to decompress the spine after being in a safari vehicle, to stretch the legs and start the day with a moment of zen. There also running guides for those who want to run or jog, a lap pool for swimmers, and a gym.
A walk through the farm is also a very soothing way to start your day. A variety of organic fruit, vegetables and herbs are grown year-round. They’re harvested daily and whisked off to the kitchen, where they’ll make their way into your meals.
The farmhands take such pride in their work and are thrilled when guests are interested in learning more. If you choose, they can teach you how to hand-milk a cow, collect chicken eggs, release the hens for their day of foraging, and feed the pigs. The piglets are precious!
Afterward, I recommend a leisurely, al fresco breakfast while the coffee roasts – you can sip a cup as you smell it roasting. The farm-fresh eggs and fruit are your first tastes of all of the culinary delights to come!
Late Morning/Afternoon
Next, I would do one of the walks. There are a variety of ways to stretch your legs, like the walk through the town of Tloma for cultural experiences, or the forest walk to the elephant caves and waterfalls to continue with your wildlife viewing adventures, or the walk to the bee hotels. I enjoy all of them.
The personal bond you form having a naturalist guide leading these walks is really enriching. You can ask them any question, and they are so hospitable as they offer a look at the property through their eyes.
When you return, it’s really nice to have a leisurely lunch at the property, then take your book and a cocktail to the pool and lounge the afternoon away.
Evening
After a late afternoon spa service, I recommend preparing for the evening by sipping complementary sundowners at the poolside terrace. I love watching as the sun dips below the coffee fields and spills spectacular golden rays over the valley.
The stillness of this tranquil scene breaks beautifully as the sound of a harmonious chorus rises in song. It’s the Tloma Choir, adorned in colorful kanga cloth; they’ll sing for half an hour or so in what is essentially a private concert deeply rooted in traditional Iraqw music. The sound of their voices is so lovely, and the musicians are wonderfully talented. It’s evident from their big smiles how excited they are to share their culture with you.
If the choir isn’t performing that night, you may instead nod your head to the tunes of Baba Dingi, a traditional Iraqw musician who entertains with song and dance. Or you may sit on the edge of your seat while a naturalist storyteller weaves tales of Maasai folklore, Iraqw legend or the history of Gibb’s Farm.
With a drink in your hand, incredible entertainment in front of you and a backdrop of terraced flower gardens and ancient groves, you may find yourself transported to another time and place altogether.
Late Evening
Rounding out the perfect day is a delicious dinner. Remember the farmlands you toured in the morning? The ingredients for your homemade ravioli with ricotta were harvested there; so too were the components for your slow-cooked lamb shoulder and rhubarb crumble pie. Farm-to-fork is one of the core philosophies at Gibb’s. It’s a philosophy founded on free-range eggs, fresh veggies and organic meats. You can really taste the difference.
After a sumptuous dinner, I recommend returning to your cottage and reading by the fireplace until sleep calls to you. If you’re like me, you’ll lie down in anticipation of the birdsong that will wake you tomorrow morning, when the cycle begins again.
