Slow Travel and Mountain Trekking at Gibbs Farm South Africa
Amazing Africa DMC
It’s about the journey, not about the destination.
Gibb's Farm- our top tip for those who enjoy "Slow travel" - personally checked by our team at Amazing Africa.
When we speak of safari the immediate image that comes to mind is that of a decked-out 4WD safari vehicle traversing the horizon with dust billowing covering large open landscapes.
Whilst this is the most common way to safari and cover the most area, at this time it is also nice to slow down the pace and get out of the car and stretch your limbs and do a slow safari. For us, slow safari means walking tours, bike tours and even horse tours through the National parks and conservation areas. It is about taking the time to enjoy the natural environment and listen to the stillness.
One of the aspects we love about Gibb’s Farm is that you can go on guided treks/walks and Mountain bike rides around the 50 acres of property and also into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which surrounds you on three sides. One of the best things about these guided walks is the knowledge shared and stories from the guides.
The walks at Gibb’s Farm are guided by a Traditional Maasai who specialises in herbal medicines and plants that are indigenous to the region or one of the naturalists who know all about the 270 plus varieties of bird in the region. All of their guides can tell guests about the history of the farm, the coffee production and lead them into the local community.
There are walking trails that take you outside of the farm grounds into the green corridor and conservation areas and in addition to learning from the guides, they also read the signs of animal tracks and will be able to show evidence of what has been in the area and give advice on safety.
Our everyday lives are controlled by time restrictions, deadlines, and the rush to get to places: four walls, hard surfaces, and industrial spaces. The desire for immersion in nature, fresh air, slowing things down, and going at your own pace is becoming more and more essential in our vacation time.
We are fully embracing slowing down and taking time out for yourself.
Best time to visit:
Although the roads around the caldera can get rather muddy, the best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is during the April to May rainy season. There are far fewer visitors this time of the year, and the crater is wonderfully lush and green compared to the dusty dry-season landscape. High visitor numbers can be expected during the July to September peak season, and again during the December to February calving season that follows the November rains.
With Ngorongoro's wildlife remaining in the steep-walled crater all year round, the question of when to go on Ngorongoro Crater safaris is less about optimising your game viewing experience and more about how many other people and vehicles you want to share the crater with.
Ideal for:
Gibbs Farm is the perfect retreat for families of all shapes and sizes, Gibb’s Farm offers two family houses or the choice to combine garden cottages for extended family stays and the traditions, history and romance of Gibb’s Farm make it ideal for a destination wedding, memorable honeymoon or a special occasion with the ones you love.
What makes the property unique:
- Gibb’s Farm is a sanctuary for the senses. It is a retreat where the team, guests and animals are well looked after, nourished and content. The farm cottages are a welcome home away from home for travellers to unwind, relax and reset.
- No matter which cottage or house you stay in, they all boast open fireplaces, full bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and luxurious linens. Modern touches accentuate their classic colonial farmhouse charm.
- The farm-to-table cuisine is prepared fresh daily by attentive, gracious hands. Their food philosophy inspires the senses and ignites the soul to restore and replenish your well-being.
- Guests can enjoy a variety of farm activities like joining in the daily vegetable harvest, cow milking, pig feeding and egg collecting.
- The farm is perfectly located along the main safari route from Arusha to the Serengeti with Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Eyasi national parks all in close proximity.
Lufthansa City Center