The TEMBO Guesthouse and Sustainability

March 28, 2011

The roadside sign

The TEMBO Guesthouse (TGH), where I am comfortably staying, is located at the foot of Mount Longido in the heart of Maasai land and in one of the best cultural tourism areas in all of Tanzania. The TGH is central to the goal of making TEMBO Trust an independent Tanzanian organization by the year 2020. The guesthouse was officially opened in January 2009 to help provide funds for education and economic empowerment for girls and women. Growth has been slow but steady. The guesthouse continues to be highly subsidized by TEMBO Canada and in 2011-2012 we are working hard to reduce this subsidy greatly.

Nestled at the foot of Mt. Longido

TEMBO Trust's vision of ustainability is not just about money, though money certainly makes it possible. When TEMBO opened the TGH we made a choice to hire local villagers as much as possible. We could have brought trained or eperienced people from Arusha but this would not have helped the local economy. The current staff of three askaris (watchmen), a gardener, two housekeepers, and the TGH manager is all from Longido and Kimokouwa. Through employment at the guesthouse they are able to better provide for their families and educate their children.

The colourful multi-purpose inner courtyard

Hiring local people also means the learning curve is much steeper and it is even more challenging when you add in the fact that the service you are offering is to people from many different cultures. On the job training must happen, and so many new skills must be learned. Patience is a must but the benefits can be enormous and far reaching.

Harvesting rainwater from the TGH roof grows food for the kitchen

 It takes any business time to make itself known and to get its name and services circulating in the wider community. Effective marketing and follow up is essential. Seeds that were planted a year ago and replanted in the fall of 2010 seem to be paying off. TEMBO Guesthouse is seeing many repeat customers and some NGO’s have begun signing yearly contracts. New marketing strategies are being tested and the feedback from customers is enabling the TGH to better know what clients from around the world need and expect.

A current very large contract from World Vision, an established NGO, is teaching the staff many valuable things they will incorporate into the service they offer in the future. As one staff member offered, “This is teaching us what our weaknesses are.” It is also highlighting what their strengths are. TGH staff are able to work together under pressure as a very effective team to provide a very good quality service. Their pride in the service they offer is evident and appreciated. And it will ensure even more repeat customers. If they continue on the path they are on, and with the support of TEMBO Trust and TEMBO in Canada, as well as new and returning customers, 2011 might just be a very significant year in the growth of the TEMBO Guesthouse.

Beauty to welcome guests

Guests who arrive leave with the satisfaction of knowing that by staying at TEMBO Guesthouse they have contributed to TEMBO Trusts’ Education Sponsorship and Micro-Business programs for girls and women. And a backpack full of memories.