OVERVIEW:
We’re excited about the opening of this luxurious new camp in Mana Pools! Great Plains’ Tembo Plains is a member of Relais & Châteaux, a collection of individually owned and operated properties across five continents – presently it’s the only R&C property in Zimbabwe. The camp has a fabulous location in a private concession that forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Accommodation will be booked on a full-board basis, and the camp will be open throughout the year.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Tembo Plains is situated in the Sapi Private Reserve, within Mana Pools National Park. It will be accessed via road transfer from the Sapi Airstrip, a short distance away.
?ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT TEMBO PLAINS CAMP:
There will be four double or twin tents and a two-bedroom family suite, so the maximum number of guests at camp will be 12. Images of a double tent reveal a sumptuous bedroom, its king-size bed surrounded by mosquito netting and flanked by bedside stands and lighting. Snug rugs provide some warmth on the otherwise wooden floors. To the right side of the bed/s, there’s a separate lounge, featuring sofas and a coffee table, while to the left you’ll find a smart washing area with separate toilet, twin washbasins set in a wooden unit, shower, and freestanding bathtub (this is homemade). There’s another shower outside the tent, on its wide veranda, which also offers a dining area, exercise bikes, and a swimming pool! The suite is made up of two tents, both with toilet, washbasins, shower, and bathtub en suite. There’s a shared lounge and dining area too, and a swimming pool on the private deck. The décor of all guest accommodation is inspired by the famous Zimbabwe Ruins, seen in the tents’ pack-stone walls. However, there’s a nod to the traditional safari aesthetic as well, in the use of canvas and timber.
Communal facilities at Tembo will include lounge and dining areas, and an interactive 5-star kitchen. There will also be a wine cellar, a spa, and a curio store, described as hidden discreetly behind weathered Zanzibari doors – this style acknowledges the explorers who once came to Mana Pools from Zanzibar. From the camp’s open areas, guests will enjoy amazing views over the Sapi Private Reserve, such as elephants drinking on the banks of the River Zambezi. The word Tembo means ‘elephant’, and it was chosen to honor Great Plains’ long and special relationships with the gentle giants. We’ll provide more information about Tembo Camp’s communal spaces as soon as it becomes available.
ACTIVITIES AT TEMBO PLAINS CAMP:
The camp will provide some classic safari activities, as follows:
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Expertly guided game drives
- The Sapi Private Reserve comprises 118,000 hectares of savanna, woodlands, forests, and water sources. Among the wildlife you might see on vehicle safaris are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, zebra, and wild dog. You’ll have access to Mana Pools National Park too, which is famous for its elephant, buffalo, and hippo populations! Moreover, the park is home to all the big cats, as well as lots of herbivores and over 350 bird species. Drives will be available during early morning and late afternoon. -
Guided walks
- Walking from Tembo will be a wonderful opportunity to take a close look at the plants, insects, and birds of Sapi. And the camp guide accompanying you on the trip will be happy to answer any questions. -
Canoeing
- Why not take to the waters of the reserve, to enjoy views of the aquatic wildlife? You’ll have a lot of fun spotting hippos, crocs, and waterbirds. -
Boating
- Heading out on a boat will also involve sightings of Sapi’s water dwellers, in addition to eles coming down to drink on the riverbanks.
* This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals will pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.
For more information about things to do at Great Plain's Tembo Plain's Camp, or anything else to do with staying here, please contact a member of the YZ team.