Tembe Elephant Park  Verified Listing

Top class experience with top class staff. Truly a memorable time spent at Tembe. I miss it already. I will go back.

A lovely experience. As the bush was very thick we were not expecting to see too many animals, but were pleasantly surprised. The close interaction with the Elephants was amazing even though a bit scary at times. But did feel that the Ranger was in control so all was okay.

Tembe is a very special place, very relaxing and peaceful.
We were in awe of the animals, the Elephants were very large with long tusks and the first time going to a Game lodge where we saw Lions twice in one day, so special. The staff are amazing, they cannot do enough for you, very helpful. Loved it.

I cannot rate our experience at Tembe highly enough. The staff were efficient. Friendly and helpful. The Game Ranger was extremely knowledgeable and made the game drives interesting even when there were no animals in sight. The bush cuisine is very good – so tasty!! Accommodation comfortable. I would go again.
Thank you.

Our first time at the Tembe Elephant Park and we were blessed to see 3 out of the big five in just two game drives. The staff members were exceptional and know how to make the visitors feel welcome while sharing their knowledge of the park and its variety of wildlife. Noticeable is the low numbers of Rhino and confirms the situation in Southern Africa that it is not the end of illegal poaching. (we did not see any)
An interesting observation was the amount of visitors that return to the park (for obvious reasons) however bringing visitors with them to experience their first time with friends that have been to the park before. Word of mouth (as in our case) is unquestionably based on the parks sound reputation and the visitor’s wonderful experience. I will return for more, thank you Rassie and Hannetjie Erasmus (proudly South African)

This is one of the most affordable Big 5 game parks to visit. The accomodation has been refurbished which now offer outside showers - magical to shower under the stars or with the sunrise listening to the birds. Each Tent offers its own spa area - which we thoroughly enjoyed and took advantage of. Having a massage in the bush its got to be done - very relaxing.
The dining facilities and bar area has improved so much since our first visit - the food is delicious and tables set with your flag on the tables - arrving and departing to singing is another jewel of this lodge. Sadly the camp manager Tom has passed away since our visit he told us such funny stories round the fire and he is soul who will always be rememberd.

Our only con - is that there appears to be very little game on the reserve especially the smaller animals as we drove one morning for over 3 hours not seeing very much at all until we stopped at the main water hole. This was significantly different from our first visit however it does not detract from the lodge or location and the people. You will however see elephants and some fantastic sized elephants which is what Tembe is known for so this will not disappoint. We did also see Lion.

We had a very good time here, game drives were very good when it came to see and interact with elephants.
The hide has a fantastic viewing, one day we spend 4 hours there.
The food really leaves a lot to desire, in 3 days we had twice the same lunch?
They should rather concentrate on serving food with a touch of local influence, putu in place of rice, etc.

The staff is most friendly and efficient. The tented rooms were a pleasant surprise. The bed could have been a little more comfortable as the mattress was sagging somewhat causing some discomfort for my back. The food was very good and served in a delightful dining room in the open. One evening, a local group of singers performed while we all sat around a fire. The game drives were excellent with many different species of animals to see, not only elephants. The highlight was seeing a male and a female lion - close-up!

We had booked a group of 11 people for a 2 night stay.
This was our first visit to Tembe Elephant Park.

From the smiling welcome at the gate, to the singing welcome at the camp, & the fantastic guides, this was a great stay.
Efficient , professional , & with a "nothing is too much" attitude, this camp comes highly recommended.
Our guides were extremely, knowledgeable, highly entertaining , & were a great contributor in ensuring our stay at this wonderful reserve was fantastic!!
Excellent Elephant sightings were the highlight of the game drives.
if you are a birder - this reserve & its knowledgeable guides come recommended.

We have already booked for our second trip!!!