Within the unique sand forest and grassland ecosystem of the Tembe Elephant Park roam over 220 of the largest elephant in the world, the last remaining indigenous herd in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

This 300km pristine wilderness, a proclaimed reserve on the old Ivory Route between Mozambique and the Zulu territory, also boasts the other members of the Big Five – lion, leopard, black and white rhino and buffalo – as well as over 340 bird species and abundant other mammal species right down to the tiny Suni, one of the smallest antelope in the world.Tembe combines the best of both worlds – an authentic Big Five experience in a national game park and the personal touch and world class service of a private luxury lodge, 50% co-owned and managed by the Tembe tribe, headed by Nkosi (Chief) Tembe.

Travelling time to Tembe is approximately four hours from Durban and eight hours from Johannesburg

Come and tuck yourself away in the untamed bush. Tembe Elephant Park is a place for wilderness purists, with an appreciation for the comforts of life. Relax and let the sights and sounds of Africa enfold you in your luxury tent with en suite bathroom. The tents offer a remarkable experience – an adventure getaway that invigorates body and mind.

Embrace the great peace and quiet that descends over you at nightfall – and welcome the blazing sun at dawn, as it is announced by an enthusiastic chorus of birds.

Royal Tembe Suite: (1 unit) Luxury safari tent on a wooden platform with a deck. 2 x Queen size beds. Inside basin & toilet en suite. Outside shower. Suitable for families. This unit is approximately 300m from the main lodge area.

Matriarch Suite: (4 units) Luxury, spacious, safari tent built on a wooden platform with a deck. 1 x Queen size bed & single bed with space for an additional single bed. Inside shower, basin and separate toilet en suite. Suitable for families or special occasions - e.g. honeymooners, wedding anniversaries, etc.

Suni Suite: (4 units) Semi-luxury safari tent on a wooden platform with a deck. Smaller than the Matriarch Suites. 1 x Queen size bed and 1 x single bed - no space for additional beds Shower, basin & toilet all-in-one en suite. Suitable for couples, or families with one child.

Your stay at Tembe Elephant Park includes 3 meals daily.

Enjoy an early breakfast followed by a morning safari game drive, a delightful lunch and, at night, enjoy wholesome bush cuisine served under the stars by lamplight of the communal dining boma, surrounded by the thrilling sounds of the bush. Swap tales with your fellow guests as you bask in the warmth of the campfire, watching the spectacular evening display of acapella isiatamiya singing.

Tembe Elephant Park covers the area that was once known as 'The Ivory Route'. For many years this ancient route linked the ivory traders of Mozambique and Zululand. It is where the largest elephants in Africa - and the world - roamed. Today, over 220 of these gentle giants remain and thrive in their ancestral homeland. And this is where you can meet them…face to face.

This remote park, deep in an area of sand forests, pans and wetlands in northern Tongaland, lies on the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique. The diversity of birdlife is spectacular. The park is situated within the sand veld ecological zone and consists mainly of closed woodland and secondary thicket formation. The zone falls within a transition area between tropical and sub-tropical forms and therefore is home to a great diversity of vegetation.

With this diversity of habitats Tembe is home to a spectacular variety of animals and birds. Tembe is a special place with basic visitor facilities and a road system consistant with the wilderness management of the area.

Safari Game Drives: Come and enjoy the thrill of a Tembe safari game drive in one of our open vehicles. Shiver with anticipation as you edge up close to one of Tembe's giants. Feel their steady gaze as they size you up – as you observe each other. And meet one of the most dangerous animals in Africa – the Cape Buffalo – and watch as even the lions tread carefully around the horns of the massive buffalo bulls.

Stories told in Dance folklore: What better way to learn about the African bush than to sit around a glowing campfire in the boma, under the night stars and be witness to the dances of Africa?

Tembe dancers visit the lodge by request and re-enact folklore stories in song and dance. You will be entranced by the African rhythms and the eloquent dancers dressed in Thonga - Zulu regalia - skins and furs; wielding shields and spears with such fiery passion.

Border Cave: Only half an hour drive from Tembe lies Border Cave - home to some of the earliest traces of our oldest ancestors. Remains dating back more than 150 000 years are believed to be the oldest known evidence of Homo sapiens - anatomically modern humans.

Elephant Coast Excursions: If you are planning a longer stay with us, why not venture out into beautiful Maputaland to explore the wide range of activities on offer?

Enhance your bird watching experience by visiting nearby Ndumo Game Reserve. Ndumo has the highest bird count in the country with some 430 bird species.

Feel like a boat trip across the most pristine lake system on the South African coast? The Kosi Lakes harbour Barracuda and Kingfish in the deep, clear waters, as well as hippos and crocodiles.

Enjoy excellent snorkeling and scuba-diving at Kosi Bay, Black Rock and Rocktail Bay. In the right season you can watch sea turtles waddle ashore to lay their eggs. This happens along the coast from Kosi Bay to Ponto de Oro.

Visit the largest freshwater lake in South Africa, Lake Sibaya. The lake covers an area of 7 700 hectares and is home to 18 species of fish.

A modern, fully-equipped conference facility, catering for up to 40 delegates, is situated within the Tembe Elephant Park, just a few minutes away from the Tembe Elephant Lodge.

The conference room offers:

• Air-conditioning
• Overhead projector and screen
• Television and video facilities.

Flip charts and other stationery are not included in tariffs, but can be supplied by special arrangement.

Conferences are fully catered for by the Tembe Elephant Park – either at the centre, at the lodge, or delegates may prefer a “break-away” lunch at Mahlahesa, a concealed game-viewing hide situated near a waterhole favoured by the elephants.

Rates available on enquiry.

Rates Include: Accommodation / All meals / Teas & Coffee / Two daily game drives / Transfers to & from the hide during the day.

Rates exclude: Laundry / Beverages from the bar / Daily conservation fee.