South Africa Map
Tembe Elephant Park lies along the border with Mozambique in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal. It is usually visited as part of an extended tour or a trip. The park is located 560km/348mi southeast of Johannesburg (8 to 9 hours’ drive*); 550km/342mi south of Kruger National Park (8 to 9 hours*; shorter through Eswatini); and 410km/255mi north of Durban (5 hours*).
You don’t need a 4x4 vehicle to drive to the entrance gate, from where you can get a free transfer to the lodge if required. Self-drive day visitors require a 4x4 vehicle and numbers are limited.
Most visitors to South Africa arrive at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) or Cape Town International Airport (CPT). You can fly from either airport to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport (DUR), which is closer to Tembe and has car-rental facilities.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to South Africa, and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
Several domestic carriers run scheduled flights to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban from Johannesburg, Cape Town and elsewhere in South Africa:
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our How To Get to South Africa page to learn more about passport, visa and other entry requirements.