Tembo Tembo

Get to know this coffee in detail

Leon Christianakis is part of the third generation of a Greek family involved in coffee in Tanzania.

In 2007, together with his business partner Mark Stell, he established Acacia Hills Estate and Tembo Tembo on Mount Oldeani, a high-altitude area perfectly suited to growing speciality coffee.

There, they planted varieties such as Kent, SL28 and Geisha, and began working with neighbouring smallholders to help raise the quality of the region’s coffee.

In 2020, their “Cupping at the Crater” initiative evolved into an international auction that placed Tanzania firmly on the speciality coffee map.

In addition to producing outstanding coffees such as this washed Kent, with notes of jasmine, raspberry and cocoa, Leon has developed local water infrastructure and created employment opportunities.

His sustainable vision and commitment to the community have made Acacia Hills a benchmark for quality in East Africa.

Meet the producer

Tembo Tembo: Tanzanian coffee that blends tradition, sustainability and nature

A family history with deep roots

Nestled in the hills near Karatu in northern Tanzania lies Tembo Tembo Estate, a farm that combines family history, a passion for coffee, and a profound respect for nature. Its owner, Leon Christianakis, is part of the third generation of a Greek family that emigrated to Tanzania in the early 1900s to work in coffee production. Since then, the craft has been passed down through generations, adapting to industry changes and environmental challenges.

Adapting with a commitment to sustainability

Leon has witnessed firsthand the transformation of the coffee sector: the fall in commodity coffee prices, the rise of speciality coffee, and the impacts of climate change in the region. Realising that to continue his profession and passion he needed to adapt, he focused his efforts on growing speciality coffee with a sustainable approach. It wasn’t just about producing exceptional quality beans, but also ensuring the land, the people, and the wildlife that form part of the environment could thrive in the long term.

Growth, innovation and respect for wildlife

Together with his wife Aideen, Leon has expanded and strengthened the estate, starting with a nursery where they grow seedlings of various coffee varieties. From there, they have introduced new coffee types, perfected processing methods, and at the same time created jobs for the local community. One of their priorities has been to protect the wildlife in the area — especially important since the estate borders the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to iconic species such as the African elephant.

The estate’s name — Tembo Tembo — means “elephant” in Swahili, a tribute to these majestic neighbours who, while admired by Leon and Aideen, have also posed significant challenges. Elephants and other wild animals are attracted to the sweet coffee cherries, forcing the producers to find clever ways to protect the crops without harming the wildlife. This delicate balance between agriculture and wildlife conservation is one of the defining values of Tembo Tembo.

Unique conditions for exceptional coffee

The coffee here grows at altitudes between 1,750 and 1,850 metres in a privileged environment for cultivating high-quality varieties such as Kent AB. The cool mountain climate and fertile volcanic soil of the Oldeani region create the perfect conditions for the beans to develop a unique sensory complexity.

At Tembo Tembo, the coffee is typically fully washed: after harvesting, the cherry pulp is removed and the beans are carefully fermented and washed before drying. This method highlights the coffee’s clarity and enhances its bright, sweet notes — qualities highly prized by speciality coffee lovers.

A flavour profile to fall for

The result is a coffee with a fruity and clean profile, featuring notes of jasmine and raspberry, balanced on a sweet base reminiscent of butter and almond, with undertones of cocoa and white chocolate. It has a gentle acidity, a silky body, and a medium finish that leaves an elegant and lasting impression.

A legacy that leaves its mark

Tembo Tembo Estate is not just a coffee farm, but an example of how tradition, innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. Every cup tells a story that goes beyond flavour: one of generations caring for the land, respectful coexistence with nature, and a strong commitment to quality. A coffee that, like the elephants it’s named after, leaves a lasting impression.