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Livingstone's Tembe

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

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Livingstone's Tembe is a historical building in Kwihara, near Tabora, which served as a residence for both David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley. The structure was built around 1860 by an Arab trader named Salim bin Rashid and is a classic example of caravan-era architecture, featuring thick mud walls and a flat roof. Livingstone spent several months here in 1872, following his meeting with Stanley in Ujiji, to await fresh supplies and porters for his final expedition. It was at this location that Livingstone completed his journals and wrote extensive letters before departing southward toward Lake Bangweulu. The Tembe stands as a testament to the strategic importance of Tabora (formerly known as Kazeh) as the preeminent inland trading center in 19th-century Tanzania. Today, the building houses a small museum showcasing personal items, maps, and correspondence from the explorers. The site provides a profound look into the logistical hurdles of early African exploration and the enduring influence of Arab architectural styles in the region.

Location: Tanzania
Top sights: Livingstone tembe · Isike museum
Nearby: Urambo (82 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	22	22	22	22	21	21	22	25	25	24	22
Rain mm	175	133	149	112	30	4	1	3	7	43	157	240

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The former Arab house that served as Livingstone's base is open to visitors. You can explore the interiors that recall the era of explorers; typically a small entrance fee is charged.

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Typical hours

Opening hours are not fixed, but the house is usually accessible during daylight. A morning visit is recommended to ensure someone is on site.

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Photography

Photography indoors is usually allowed, but without flash to protect the exhibits. Outdoor shots of the building are permitted anytime.

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Time needed

Allow about 30 to 60 minutes to visit the small museum and the building. With a local guide, you may need a bit more time.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with other historical sites in Tabora, such as the Kipalapala Mission or the old German Boma. The Kwihara area has other colonial buildings.

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Getting there

Livingstone's Tembe is located in the Kwihara district of Tabora. From the city center, you can reach it by taxi or dala-dala bus in about 15 minutes.

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Insider tip

Bring a hat and plenty of water as there is little shade on the site. A local guide can tell you fascinating stories about the explorers.

Geography

Coordinates

-5.05000, 32.80000

Facts

The building was constructed around 1860 by the Arab trader Salim bin Rashid.
David Livingstone resided here for several months during the year 1872.
Henry Morton Stanley also utilized the building as his base while in Tabora.
Kwihara was a major suburb of Kazeh, which is known today as Tabora.
The architecture features thick mud-brick walls (tembe style) for insulation.
The on-site museum displays original letters and maps from the explorers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tabora3 km · EExplore →

Tabora Farmland5 km · EExplore →

Wanyamwezi Forest23 km · NExplore →

Aguelmane Sidi Ali31 km · NExplore →

Midelt32 km · SEExplore →

Midelt Apple Region40 km · SEExplore →

Khenifra59 km · WExplore →

Jbel Aouam Mine64 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Livingstone's Tembe (2)

Livingstone tembe 🏛 museum

Set in a traditional flat-roofed Arab-style house in Kwihara, this museum preserves the quarters where explorer David Livingstone stayed in 1871.

Isike museum🏛 museum

This museum is dedicated to Chief Isike of the Nyamwezi people, detailing his fierce military resistance against German colonial expansion in the late 19th century.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is a Tembe?

A traditional mud house.

Is it touristy?

No, it is very authentic.

Can I go inside?

Often only to be seen from outside.

Do I need a guide?

A local guide helps a lot.

When is the best time?

During the day, with good light.

Livingstone's Tembe: where is it located?

Livingstone's Tembe is located in Tanzania.

Livingstone's Tembe: what is there to see?

Highlights include Livingstone tembe, Isike museum.

Livingstone's Tembe: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Livingstone's Tembe: why is it worth visiting?

Livingstone's Tembe is a historical building in Kwihara, near Tabora, which served as a residence for both David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Livingstone's Tembe

Best time to visit & climate