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This study explores Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in Tanzania and Indonesia through a comparative analysis of Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tourism Enterprise (Tanzania) and Pentingsari Tourist Village (Indonesia). Using a qualitative comparative case study approach, data were drawn from websites, secondary literature, and researcher narratives, then analyzed with NVivo 12 Plus using Giampiccoli’s Eight E’s Framework (Endogenous, Environment, Education, Empowerment, Equity, Evolving, Enduring, and Entrepreneurship). Findings show that while both cases benefit from cultural authenticity, factor endowments, and government support, Indonesia leads in digital marketing, branding, and experiential tourism, with more established CBT networks. Tanzania has fewer initiatives but demonstrates strong potential through Mto wa Mbu’s success in community participation, benefit-sharing, and environmental stewardship. The study contributes to policy by emphasizing investment in CBT development and digital promotion, to practice by showcasing cooperative, sustainable models, and to literature by offering a cross-continental comparison of CBT through the Eight E’s Framework. Results provide actionable insights for scaling CBT in Sub-Saharan Africa to support rural development and cultural preservation.

Community Based Tourism (CBT); Sustainable tourism; Community empowerment; Environmental conservation