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About Longido TEMBO Inn

A Place to Stay.
A Mission to Support.

The Longido TEMBO Inn opened its doors in 2010 in Longido, Tanzania, as more than just a guesthouse. It was envisioned as a local employment initiative and a sustainable revenue stream to support the work of TEMBO, a Tanzanian NGO dedicated to empowering women and girls through education and microfinance.

Tucked just 300 meters off the T2 highway that connects Nairobi to Arusha, Tembo Inn is easy to access but quietly set back, marked by two signs to guide your arrival. It features 7 comfortable rooms, a shared kitchen, a courtyard shaded by acacia trees, and office space used by the TEMBO team. The Inn is secured with a concrete wall and staffed 24/7 to ensure guest safety.

Whether you're a traveler seeking a restful stay, a volunteer looking to engage with local programs, or a researcher curious about grassroots models of change, Tembo Inn offers more than accommodation — it offers purpose.

Learn more here

Supporting Women and Girls in Longido

Since 1998, when TEMBO founders Jo Marchant and Marian Roks first visited the region, the organization has remained rooted in one question: How do we meaningfully support girls who are often left behind?

After years of conversations with teachers, families, and community leaders, TEMBO was officially launched to address local needs. Today, its programs focus on:

Girls’ Education Sponsorship

Each year, dozens of vulnerable girls are selected based on financial and socio-economic need. For roughly 700,000/=TSH, each girl is provided with a school uniform, trunk, mattress, toiletries, books, and ongoing academic and social support through mentoring.

Microfinance for Women

TEMBO supports local women through a group-based lending model. Each participant receives a small loan (300,000 TZS) to invest in her business and repays monthly with peer support. After five years, groups graduate from the program with increased financial independence.

Informal Education

While TEMBO's direct sponsorship is focused on girls, boys and men are included in important education efforts — such as the Sara and Juma program — that encourage shared responsibility in promoting gender equality.

Why Stay at the Longido TEMBO Inn?

  • Every stay helps fund education and economic programs for women and girls in Longido.

  • Locally staffed and women-centered, Tembo Inn is a welcoming base for travelers, researchers, and impact tourists.

  • Guests are welcome to tour TEMBO's programs, visit local tailors, and explore the weekly Maasai market — or simply relax under the trees and connect with the community.

Ready to visit?

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