Tembe Elephant Park Lodge

KwaZulu Natal & the North Coast

Rating: Modest

highlights

See the Big 5 including Tembe's famous elephants
Friendly, welcoming staff and guides
Comfortable, en-suite tents
Great bird watching in Ndumo Reserve
Savour delicious African food

Tembe Elephant Park Lodge overview

Tembe Elephant Park Lodge provides spacious tented accommodation in the heart of the park, making it an ideal base for exploring the game, which includes the Big 5. Game drives take place in the morning and late afternoon, led by knowledgeable local guides. During the middle of the day you'll be able to relax at the lodge, enjoying tasty food, chatting to other guests and refreshing yourself with a swim in the secluded pool. Later, having returned from your afternoon game drive, you can savour a 3-course dinner beneath the stars and adjourn to the campfire for a nightcap. The lodge is staffed by local Tembe people whose warm hospitality makes you feel welcome.
Guest tents provide roomy accommodation, with comfy beds, campaign-style furniture and en-suite bathrooms. Most tents have enclosed outdoor showers, though 4 feature indoor showers. There are 3 types of tent, all with similar amenities and set well apart from each other to ensure privacy. Some are larger and are ideal for families.

details

Open: Tembe Elephant Park Lodge is open all year.

Location: Tembe Elephant Park Lodge is in Maputaland, in the north east of KwaZulu Natal. The airports of Richards Bay, Durban and Johannesburg are 200kms, 400kms and 600kms away respectively. By road you drive to the entrance of Tembe Elephant Park where you can leave your vehicle in a secure location and are driven by 4x4 vehicle to the lodge.

Rooms: There are 8 Tusker Suites, 4 Large Tusker Suites and 1 Royal Tembe Suite. Tusker Suites have 2 single beds and space for a 3^rd, so can accommodate 2 adults and a child, have an indoor basin and toilet and an outdoor enclosed shower. The Large Tusker Suites each have 1 queen bed and 1 single and space for a 2^nd single bed, an indoor shower and basin and separate toilet, a viewing deck, and make good family accommodation. The Royal Tembe Suite has 2 queen beds, an indoor bathroom with hand basin and toilet, and an outdoor enclosed shower, and a viewing deck and also suitable for families.

Activities: There are twice daily game drives (morning and late afternoon) in Tembe Elephant Park to see the Big 5 and more. The afternoon game sometimes includes sundowner drinks at a scenic location, otherwise you’ll enjoy sundowners by the camp fire back at the lodge.. Guided nature and bird watching walks can be taken in the neighbouring Ndumo Game Reserve. There is a photography hide overlooking a waterhole for close-up views of wildlife, especially elephants. Visits can be arranged to a local Zulu village.

Facilities: The lodge has a lounge and bar where you can relax and enjoy the company of fellow guests. There is a small pool shaded by a thatched roof.

Dining: Meals are eaten at individual tables, with many being served in the open air boma area.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Tusker Suites can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child, Large Tusker Suites and the Royal Tembe Suite can sleep 2 adults and 2 children.

Health: This is not a malarial area.

Communication: There is Wi-Fi internet access.