Tembe Elephant Park

Comfort and Country all in one package

I arrived at Tembe and was warmly greeted by the staff, many of whom I knew from a previous trip. Luggage was taken to my very comfortable tent and I had plenty of hot water to shower after my long drive. Then it was time for the late afternoon bush trip.
There were so many animals seen - antelope including suni, ellies, giraffes, lions and a rhino. And so many kinds of birds that I couldn't keep track of them all.
Then back to the camp for supper, which was taken in the open. It was atmospheric, convivial and tasty, with the special treat of a bushbaby hanging in a tree near my table begging for fruit. The bushbabies also raid the coffee station near the front desk for packets of sugar, and one little novice ended up stealing a packet with a tea bag in it instead, so I imagine he was very disappointed.
After supper the staff lit a big bonfire in a pit and chairs were placed around it so we could sit with out coffee or after-dinner drinks. There are various entertainments there, singing, dancing groups sometimes, or just quietly chatting as we wound down, getting ready for sleep.
Night in the tents is just magical, with the scent of the earth and growing things all around and the sounds of the animals as they move through the bush or hunt. Elephants sometimes come into the camp at night after everyone is tucked away to snack on the trees around the tents, and at least one nyala makes a habit of browsing through the camp during the day.
The daytime activity I liked best was getting a lunch from the kitchen and going to one of the hides and just sitting there, listening to the breeze, the birds and insects and watching the passing parade of creatures that came to drink. Watching a mom ellie trying to teach a little one how to take a mudbath properly was a hoot, and very special.
There is a small library of nature books and a few novels in case you just want to kick back and do nothing active for a while, computer access for those who must keep in touch, and plunge pool for those hot days. A leisurely, delicious breakfast eaten on the deck in the fresh morning air set me up just right for another day of wonderful discoveries.

A real bush experience

We saw elephants with the biggest tusks of southern Africa, lots of other animals and birds. The accomodation was good in tents with private bathrooms, the food was very good and served in a thatched boma. In the evening we enjoyed the shows of local singers and dancers. The Tembe staff, working in the lodge, kitchen and guides, are all people of the original Tembe tribe, who used to live in this area. You can only visit the park by 4x4 or with guides, because of the sand roads. Because of the habitat of sand forest, woodland, grassland, and swampland Tembe is a unique park to visit.

Last Encounter with Gentle Giants (Elephants)

To see these huge Tuskers is an awesome priveledge that few people get to see. Tembe is still far away from being touristy and one get's a magical experience in the bush with the local community that are hands on as rangers and camp staff. Loved staying in the safari tents and hearing the night sounds.
The highlight was sitting at the hides for hours watching the wildlife!
A true African bush/wilderness experience with lots of wildlife.

stuning meetings with elephant herds or solitary big specimens