Safari Guru

TEMBO PLAINS CAMP

Tembo Plains Camp is nestled amidst the thick riverine forest along the edge of the Zambezi River, offering a prime location within the Sapi Reserve. This exclusive reserve provides a sanctuary for wildlife and a captivating backdrop for your safari adventures. The camp's proximity to the Zambezi River offers uninterrupted views, immersing you in the sights and sounds of the wilderness.

Tembo Plains Camp is part of the Réserve Collection of camps, reflecting the highest level of luxury within the Great Plains portfolio. This authentic yet luxurious camp combines canvas and stone walls to create a unique design inspired by the famous Zimbabwe Ruins.

The name "Tembo," meaning elephant, pays homage to these majestic creatures and sets the tone for the camp's atmosphere and unique relationship with them. The camp honours these animals found on these Zimbabwean plains alongside the Zambezi River. Tembo Plains Camp reflects more than just a place; it also speaks to their long and unique relationships with elephants.

The camp's central facilities include a tented safari main area comprising a lounge, dining area, interactive kitchen, library, and wine cellar. A coffee/tea station and a fire pit with seating provide cozy spots to relax and share stories. The Great Plains Safari Boutique offers locally and regionally crafted products, including the d&b clothing line inspired by Dereck and Beverly Joubert.

Tembo Plains offers four suites and a beautiful 2-bedroomed family suite, ideal for couples, families, or those seeking a private safari experience. The spacious tents feature semi-circular walls that separate the bath and shower areas from the bedrooms, ensuring privacy and comfort. The blend of canvas and stone walls creates a unique architectural aesthetic that combines comfort with a touch of exploration. The pack-stone wall design enhances privacy while the front of the suites offers panoramic views of the Zambezi River, just meters away.

Inside, you'll find a perfect balance of rustic elegance and modern amenities, creating a serene haven in the heart of the wilderness. Tembo Plains offers an authentic bush experience without compromising on luxury. Each suite is equipped with a professional camera, lenses, and high-quality binoculars for guests to use during their stay. Capture the essence of the wildlife and landscapes as you explore the Sapi Reserve and create stunning photographic memories.

TEMBO PLAINS CAMP ACTIVITIES

Tembo Plains offers an unparalleled safari experience within the private Sapi Reserve, where elephants and the wilderness reign supreme. Your days are filled with exploration and adventure. Game drives, both during the day and at night, allow you to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Guided walks provide a closer connection to the flora and fauna, while canoeing and boating on the Zambezi River offer a unique perspective of the reserve's beauty. Private vehicles and guides are available for those seeking a more personalised experience.

The Sapi Reserve is a wildlife haven, offering opportunities to witness an array of magnificent creatures. African wild dogs, lions, leopards, buffalo, and elephants are frequently spotted around Tembo Plains Camp. The Zambezi River attracts a wealth of wildlife, with animals often seen swimming across its waters.

Great Plains Conservation uses custom-built, open Toyota Land Cruisers specially designed for these conditions and photography, including fold-down windscreens, raised roofs, photographic bars, and multi-plug inverters. Each of the Land Cruisers is fully stocked with reference books, drinks, and snacks.

The Sapi Private Reserve, established by Great Plains as part of their mission to convert vast tracts of Africa into pure conservation land, is now a beautiful private photographic reserve that borders the Mana Pools National Park. It is recognised as one of the finest wildlife destinations in Africa today. This fantastic wildlife sanctuary and the Mana Pools National Park offer a combined range of over 337,000 hectares of prime, protected wilderness for Tembo Plains visitors. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and a core area of the middle-Zambezi biosphere reserve.

The Sapi Restoration Initiative represents significant landscape conservation at its best, combining best practices in land management and sound business principles through tourism. Learn more at Great Plains Foundation.

TEMBO PLAINS CAMP

Property Details

Tembo Plains Camp Location

Within the private 118,000-hectare (291,000-acre) Sapi Reserve, east of Zimbabwe's renowned Mana Pools National Park.

Accommodation

4 double or twin configuration suites, 1 x 2-bedroom family suite,

Guest Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee

Tembo Plains Camp Facilities

Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Spa

Family Policy

Children must be a minimum of 8 years old to participate in extensive walking activities and 12 years to participate in canoeing

Activities

Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, High Tea, Massages, Night Drives, Game Walks (Guided)

Available Services

Credit Card, Massages, Private Vehicle / Guide

Included

Guided Safaris, All Meals and Drinks (excluding French Champagne), Laundry

Not Included

Curio Purchases, Massages, Gratuities

Why Tembo Plains Camp?

One of Zimbabwe's only Relais & Chateaux accredited safari camps!

Family Safari Specialists

If you’re dreaming of Africa, your journey has already begun!

Truly unique experience. Many thanks to Allan and his team for planning such a wonderful safari at Kruger National Park. Highly recommend!

Mikaël Schinazi

2023-01-09

This was our 4th trip to Africa and by far the best ever. All the details were properly handled; we had not flight problems or delays and the service provided by Safari Guru was outstanding. I would recommend them, and have to friends and family. We will be going back to Africa with the outstanding Staff of Safari Guru.

Ann Becher Smead

2022-11-17

We recently returned from Kenya, had a fabulous safari designed by Deon de Villiers of Safari Guru. We had some wonderful sightings and the whole thing went without a single hiccup. The guides were excellent. Deon was so helpful in allowing us to reschedule several times due to COVID restrictions preventing travel. We visited Sirikoi in the Lewa Conservancy and Serian Ngare, Serian Nkorombo and Mara Plains at Masai Mara, each place offering a different experience, each special in its own way. Loved the rhinocerous at Lewa, giraffe giving birth at Ngare, hippopotamus at Nkorombo and cats at Mara Plains, and so so much more. We highly recommend Deon and the Safari Guru team.

John M

2022-10-16

We finally got to take our Kenya/Rwanda adventure with Safari Guru post pandemic. Our trip was a fantastic experience that immersed us in Africa. The holiday went as planned, everything was organised so we were gently steered from place to place, which we enjoyed as we found we weren't "travel fit" after sitting on sidelines for two years! Our lodges in Kenya were beautiful, nice and small, felt like you were part of a family, rather than a customer! Rwanda was a highlight, an amazing country with a shocking past that is moving forward beautifully. The advice from Deon to do two gorilla walks was perfect. Our first day we hiked in to mountain and when we got there the heavens opened and it didn't stop! The scouts found 6 gorillas for us to glimpse as they were hiding from rain too! We trekked down in the mud, rivers of water ending up bedraggled! It was a great experience but the next day was perfect! Beautiful blue skies, trekked up and gorillas were everywhere, sunning themselves and eating vigorously. Was awesome being so close and they couldn't care less! Would highly recommend safari Guru, they planned us a perfect holiday and are easy to contact with queries and answer promptly. Travelling on our own was great as each place we stayed, there were like travellers from around the world to socialise with. Thanks Deon and Ashley

Jackie Helliwell

I was completely blown away with the service I received from Safari Guru. We had a most marvellous holiday in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Everything went extremely well and the Wilderness team were excellent in looking after us at each of their safari camps. Well done to Deon and Ashley, Morag Cotsell

Morag Cotsell

2022-10-15

Had an amazing experience working with Deon and Safari Guru. My wife and I went into this trip thinking of it as a once in a lifetime experience. Because of our experience we have another trip in mind to bring our children so they can have the same amazing experience that we had. Thank you Deon! We look forward to seeing you again!

John A. Mertz

2022-07-27

Thanks you Deon for amazing and wonderful experience of Masai Mara. It's once in a lifetime and on top great hospitality from Safariguru right from arrival, Resort stay and well designed itinerary. I would love to bring my family again this time for Botswana, so look forward to crafted trip next

Manish Shah

Safari Guru organized us an amazing journey in Namibia for our wedding anniversary; it will be long lasting and marvelous memories for years! We also greatly appreciated the dedication and support of Safari Guru's team during these challenging times of the Covid pandemic as they had to re-arrange 2 times our trip initially planned for 2020. Thanks and kudos to Deon and all at Safari Guru!

JF Redon

2022-04-19

We had a truly magical safari in Botswana. Deon and the staff of Safari Guru will guide you to the exact places you want to go specific to your desires and budget. Highly recommend!

barbara nelson

2022-03-23

Botswana! What an incredible destination as we begin to travel again. This is a trip of a lifetime. The game drives were exhilarating, the people are friendly, the food fantastic, and the accommodations are meant to spoil you. Our trip was beautifully planned and executed by Deon De Villiers and his team at Safari Guru. They have been to every camp they recommend and tailor your safari experience to you. What else could you ask for! We will travel with them again and highly recommend Safari Guru to plan your next trip!