Tembo Plains Camp
Mana PoolsTembo Plains, meaning "Elephant Plains," is nestled in the dense riverine forest bordering the Zambezi River within the 128,000-hectare private Sapi Reserve, located just east of Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park.
With six tented suites, Tembo Plains Camp offers a choice of 4 double or twin-bed configurations. The elegant Zanji Suite comprises two suites with a shared private lounge and dining area.
Tembo Plains Camp's design is uniquely characterized by a blend of canvas and stone walls, reminiscent of the Zimbabwe Ruins. The packstone wall design extends along the back of the guest accommodations, providing enhanced privacy while offering unobstructed views of the nearby Zambezi River.
Wild dogs, lions, and leopards are increasingly spotted in the area, while buffalo and elephants, often seen daily, provide captivating wildlife encounters in front of the camp.
Tembo Plains Camp Information
Location & Getting There
Light aircraft transfers from Harare International Airport (1 hour 35 minutes) and Victoria Falls International Airport (3 hours 50 minutes) are available, with private air charters also an option. The transfer time from a Sapi Private Reserve airstrip to the camp is approximately 45 minutes, offering wildlife viewing opportunities along the route. Guests should note that for same-day international departure flights from Victoria Falls or Harare, booking a private charter from Sapi may be necessary, with confirmation provided upon inquiry.
Accommodation
Tembo Plains Camp offers four suites, each configurable as double or twin beds. Each suite boasts a private indoor lounge area, an outdoor swimming pool with exercise bikes on a spacious veranda, and an outdoor dining area. Handmade bathtubs, and indoor and outdoor showers, provide a sense of home-like comfort. Every suite is equipped with a professional camera and lenses, while high-quality binoculars are also provided for guests to enjoy wildlife viewing in the Sapi Reserve. These thoughtful amenities ensure a luxurious safari experience in Zimbabwe.
Activities
- Wildlife viewing. The focus of your stay is centred around exploration and adventure. Each of the Land Cruisers is fully stocked with reference books, drinks, and snacks. You have the opportunity to experience up-close encounters with elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, buffalo, eland, zebra, and other ungulate species. This is a prime bird-watching country, and opportunities abound for guests to spot resident and migrant species, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Photography. Each suite comes complete with a professional camera and lenses, plus high-quality binoculars for guests to use whilst they are with us in Sapi.
- Fishing. Enjoy the thrill of heading out on the Zambezi River with your guide to try your hand at catch-and-release fishing.
Children
Children of 6 years and older are welcome to participate in all scheduled camp activities. Children must be supervised due to high predator densities and open surroundings with water features and raised, uncovered decks and pools. Great Plains Young Explorers program – thoughtfully designed to explore a range of experiences and topics from birding to cooking to art to tracking wildlife.
- Tented safari main area which includes lounge, dining, interactive kitchen, library and wine cellar
- Coffee/tea station
- Fire pit with seating
- Safari Boutique
- Wildlife Viewing (safari drives, safari walks, boating and canoeing)
- Photography
- Fishing
- Private Vehicle Option
- Private Guides
"To the east of Zimbabwe's renowned Mana Pools lies the Sapi Private Reserve, home to expansive lush forests harbouring elusive leopards and herds of elephants enjoying the Zambezi River. Tembo Plains offers the perfect retreat to immerse oneself in the wilderness, returning to luxurious comfort each evening"
Lightfoot Travel is a fully licensed global tour operator with a 24/7 support line for our guests, giving you peace of mind on your holiday . We have three core values that underpin our commitment to creating meaningful holidays for our guests.
Travel your way with Lightfoot. We’ll take you into the heart of each destination and introduce you to the people and places that reveal the true essence of a country. With our trusted local connections, we create holidays that immerse you in culture, history, and everyday life. Far from the crowds, always deeply authentic.
Travel with confidence, guided by experts. Our team boasts decades of first-hand knowledge and we are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for our guests. We specialise in unveiling the world’s most extraordinary and lesser-known destinations.
Your journey is as unique as you are. We take the time to understand what inspires and excites you, creating 100% tailormade itineraries that reflect your personality, interests, and holiday aspirations. Our bespoke holidays are designed to elevate every moment of your travel experience.
