Tembo Plains Camp: New five-star lodge opens on the banks of the Zambezi River

Great Plains Conservation opens a new five-star camp in Zimbabwe in August 2021, which will already be a member of Relais & Châteaux at launch. Tembo Plains Camp is located directly on the banks of the Zambezi River in the private 118,000-hectare Sapi Reserve, whose northern border runs more than 40 kilometres along the river. The Mana Pools Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, forms the western boundary.

Tents with pool and view of the Zambezi River

Four spacious tents and a two-bedroom family unit await visitors. All guest tents have a bathroom with tub and showers, an outdoor dining area and a plunge pool with views of the Zambezi River just a few meters away. The family unit for up to four people consists of two tents with a common living and dining area and a pool.

The unique architecture of the accommodations combines classic linen walls on the fronts with stone walls on the backs. Semi-circular stone walls also separate the bathroom and shower from the bedroom and lounge areas. Throughout their stay at Tembo Plains Camp, guests have access to professional Canon cameras and Leica binoculars.

Elephants, lions and leopards

“Tembo” means “elephant” and is a tribute to these animals, which are frequently seen in the Tembo Plains Camp area – along with wild dogs, buffalo, lions, leopards and numerous bird species. Activities at the camp include day and twilight game drives, walking safaris, canoe trips and boat cruises on the Zambezi River.

Great Plains Conservation’s portfolio includes a total of 15 safari lodges in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe – partly owned and partly entrusted by partners. Tembo Plains Camp will be the seventh camp in the “Réserve Collection,” which gathers five-star accommodations. Prices start at USD 1,160 per person per night with meals and additional services.

Click here for the website of Great Plains Conservation

Fotos: Andrew Howard Photography / Great Plains