Ngila Estate is a coffee farm and producer that has been cultivating coffee since the 1920s, though it was not until 1992 that it was purchased by the Meyer family and established in its current name.

Located on the edge of the cloud forest that surrounds the Ngorongoro crater in Northern Tanzania, Ngila lives in harmony with the protected wildlife living on its doorstep. The farm covers approximately 100 hectares and borders a 50-hectare forest corridor that allows local fauna, such as elephants, to access traditional migration paths and mineral-rich caves. The estate’s proximity to the Ngila River also supports seasonal reforestation efforts, which help mitigate erosion and promote biodiversity in the region.

Ngila is home to both native wildlife and seasonal animal migrations. While larger animals such as elephants and buffalo are fenced out to protect the coffee trees, smaller species like antelope, leopards, wild boars, and dik-diks roam freely on the property.

Ngila Estate supports its workers and the local community through fair wages, medical assistance, education funding, and skills training. Many of the estate’s 100 employees have worked there for over 30 years. During the harvest season, additional employment opportunities are provided to over 250 workers, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Ngila Estate grows a range of Arabica coffee varieties, including Typica, Bourbon, SL28, Pacamara, Geisha, Batian, and Kent. The Glenmalure section of the estate is dedicated to specialty coffee, while more commercial-grade coffee is grown elsewhere on the farm. Ngila’s coffee consistently scores above 84.5 on the specialty coffee grading scale, meeting the standards of premium markets worldwide.

The estate spans 100 hectares and maintains approximately 150,000 coffee trees, yielding an average of 120 tons of coffee annually.

Traditional and sustainable practices are employed at every step of coffee production. Hand-picking ensures the careful selection of ripe coffee cherries, while washing and fermentation processes, combined with sun-drying on raised beds, optimise the coffee’s quality and flavour. Processing innovations, such as water-efficient pulping equipment, further support Ngila’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Ngila estate operates a dedicated washing station with pulping, fermentation, and drying facilities, including African raised drying beds. There is also a small huller with a capacity of 250 kg per hour for specialised processing. Coffee beans are processed without mechanical dryers, using sun-drying techniques to preserve their natural flavours.

Ngila Estate is Rainforest Alliance Certified, which owner Vera Stücker values for the external audits, which ensure Ngila’s continued compliance with sustainability standards.

Ngila has implemented several initiatives to protect its surrounding environment and promote sustainable farming. The estate maintains an 8-hectare wildlife corridor adjoining the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which allows local fauna to access natural resources and maintain their migration routes. Since 2004, the estate has planted 4,000–5,000 indigenous trees annually to combat soil erosion and foster reforestation. Biochar production, introduced in collaboration with ReyCoal, has become a recent focus, providing long-term soil health and carbon sequestration benefits.

Recognising the importance of water management, Ngila Estate has acquired and reforested lands along the Ngila River to prevent erosion and promote ecosystem health in partnership with local farmers. Through a plot-leasing program, Ngila engages local farmers in land conservation practices, encouraging sustainable land use in the region.