The area around the nearby village of Karatu was cultivated as early as 2000 years ago by the Mbulu or Iraqw, a Cushitic group of people who migrated south from Ethiopia and Yemen, and who still dominate the area today. The Maasai came fairly recently, in the late 1700's, but were driven into other areas more suitable for cattle herding by repeated wars with their agricultural neighbors, and by the sleeping sickness in their herds.

The first European settlers to arrive were the Germans, in the late 1800s. After the First World War, Tanganyika became a British Protectorate. In the late 1920s a coffee farm was established by a German farmer, subsidized by the German Government. During the Second World War, the British Custodian of Enemy Property took over the Farm. Neglected through the war years, the Farm was bought in 1948 by James Gibb, a British war veteran, who returned it to production. In 1959, he married Margaret, who was born in Tanzania to British parents. Margaret, an avid gardener, started a small vegetable and flower garden on the property.

In 1960, the Serengeti National Park was partitioned and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established along the northern boundary of Gibb's Farm. As more and more visitors became attracted to the Conservation Area and surrounding National Parks, James and Margaret built guest cottages in 1972, making Gibb's Farm one of the first guesthouses in Northern Tanzania. James Gibb died in 1977, but Margaret Gibb continued to run Gibb's Farm until 2003 when Margaret and her late husband Per Kullander passed on the Gibb's Farm tradition to new investors - users of the lodge for the past 20 years.

The newly upgraded Farm Cottages echo the original style of Gibb's Farm guest cottages. A number of improvements have been made in response to suggestions by loyal clients: more windows to bring the gardens and Ngorongoro Forest Reserve into view; larger bathrooms; greater privacy; and access to the surrounding flower gardens from private verandahs. All cottages feature rich wooden floors and classic interiors with wraparound windows. En-suite garden bathrooms offer twin basins, luxurious bathtubs and indoor/ outdoor showers. A wraparound fireplace warms the bathroom and living area.

A diverse variety of experiences are possible during a visit to Gibb's Farm. A sampling of some of the popular activities available are listed on the following page (extra costs may apply for some optional activities).

• African Living Spa: The African Living Spa is a complete sensory journey. Treatments for travelers are based on indigenous Maasai healing techniques that have been passed through the hands of many generations. Ole Labiki Menyengera, third-generation Maasai healer, and founder of GIBB'S FARM OSERO FOREST CLINIC, devotes his time and knowledge to guests and employees of GIBB'S FARM. (Cost Varies)
• Coffee Roasting: GIBB'S FARM has been cultivating coffee for decades. Guests are welcome to enjoy the aroma of coffee roasting, daily at The Farmhouse. FOC
• Tloma Primary School Visit: GIBB'S FARM has been supporting the Tloma Primary School for years. A visit is easily arranged for those who wish to experience rural Tanzania and observe first-hand the challenges facing education today. FOC

• Cultural Journey: Explore Tloma Village by bike, foot or car. Meet a local family and learn about Iraqw culture and traditional ways of life. Admire the women's pot-making techniques, try your hand at pounding grain, and taste the local brew. $18 per person
• Karatu Town Tour: Wander the streets and markets of Karatu, and take in the sights and sounds of 21st century small town Africa. The tour includes a visit to the market, local bar, hair salon and various other small businesses. $18 per person
• Village Walk: This is a one to two hour leisurely walk around our neighboring village of Tloma. An intimate look into Tanzanian village life. $18 per person
• Indigenous Medicine Walk: Ole Labiki Menyengera, GIBB'S FARM Indigenous Maasai Healer, leads Medicinal Walks into Ngorongoro Forest around the Farm. Olemoran, Olaiyapiyap and Osinoni are just a few of over twenty medicines described on the walk. Commonly used in Tanzania to treat health problems, these and other herbal medicines are also used at Osero Clinic, a facility established in 2005 to provide health care for the Farm's employee community. FOC

• Bicycling: Explore the back roads of the village by bicycle or for the more adventurous, take a mountain bike day trip to Rotiea, and unforgettable way to experience rural Tanzania $15-20 per person (minimum 2 people)
• Waterfall/ Elephant Caves: GIBB'S FARM shares a border with Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Just inside the conservation area, a majestic waterfall beckons travelers to enjoy a light hike through the forest highlands. Along the way, experience the 'elephant caves': cave-like structures created by elephants digging up the earth to ingest the vitamin-rich soil. This soil also attracts other large animals like Buffalo, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, and Baboons. $10 per person