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Just east of Zimbabwe's famous Mana Pools, sits the Sapi Private Reserve where vast and lush forests hide furtive leopard, and herds of elephant are seen wallowing in the Zambezi River. Named after Africa's magnificent tuskers, Tembo Plains takes its cue from nature, with meal times to suit your safari and sublime river views from bed. There are few other properties with as many luxe points in the area, and with only four tents, you'll feel suitably spoiled. Tembo Plains is just the place to embrace the wild, then return for evenings spent in the utmost comfort.
From $1,190 person/night
Each tented suite comes with a private plunge pool overlooking the river. If that isn't the stuff of dreams, we don't know what is.
Sapi is perfect for all you shutterbugs, with few other 4x4s to spoil your shot, incredible wildlife, and a professional Canon camera thrown in with every room.
Tembo has a fantastic family suite but if your party includes children under 12 years, you'll have to keep looking.
Tembo Plains isn't your average safari camp and the keen-eyed amongst you will notice weathered Zanzibari doors and subtle nods to the iconic Zimbabwe Ruins in its design, whilst also retaining that classic canvas look. The central tented area has an interactive kitchen where delicacies from home and further afield are served at alfresco tables - with your choice of vino from the wine cellar. Inside, there are leather sofas, a bar area, and a spa for relaxing moments in between safari adventures.
The suites at Tembo combine the look of a luxury chalet with that of an explorer's tent. Underneath a billowing canvas roof, you'll find an enormous bed protected from mosquitos by sheer curtains, intricate, tassled rugs and, curved stone walls that create a private bathroom. Enjoy soaking in the clawfoot bathtub or take in the view from your open-air shower. Outside, there is a wrap-around deck to catch those glorious panoramas and a plunge pool. The Tembo Suites have two bedrooms, a shared lounge, and a dining area.
In the golden hours of dawn or dusk, depart on a boating safari down the Zambezi or canoe past the reeds to capture the birdlife in flight. On game drives, keep your camera and Leica binos at the ready to spot elephant, African painted dog, herds of buffalo and plenty more plains game. Venture into the wildlife-rich Mana Pools or explore the petrified forest where there are several dinosaur footprints to marvel at. Breakfast and lunch are often served on the road, so timing is no issue.
Tembo Plains Camp is owned by Great Plains which is dedicated to creating lasting, sustainable conservation solutions for the world's iconic wildlife and wilderness areas. Through their model of compassionate protection and intelligent management, funded by low-impact tourism, they integrate communities, governments, and the private sector. Embracing the concept of 'Conservation Tourism', they prioritise environmentally sound practices while ensuring benefits directly support conservation efforts without a negative impact on the land or wildlife.
A contribution of $95 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
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