Tembo Plains Camp

a genuinely high class safari operation

Tembo Plains Camp is located in the Mana Pools area of northern Zimbabwe.

The lodge is centred on a lavish tented mess, with lounge and dining areas, leading out onto a broad deck with views of the river.

Guest accommodation is in just 4 tented suites, each equipped with in-net air-conditioning and with an indoor bathroom.

Additionally there is the two-bedroom Zanji Suite, which can function completely independently of the rest of the property.

Activities are centred on vehicle safari, walking safari, motorboat safari, canoe safari and night vehicle safari.

Being on a private concession means that there is little chance of encountering vehicle traffic when out on safari. However, the camp does not usually head into the main reserve, so we need to add a second property if you also want to explore that area.

Mana Pools is one of the most renowned safari areas in Africa, but remains relatively little-visited due to its awkward location.

The area only tends to be visited by serious safari travellers, who are prepared to jump through a few extra hoops to get here.

The usual stay duration is 3-5 nights in one camp, occasionally 5-8 nights split between two camps.

Seasonality

The best time to visit Mana Pools is during the May-Oct dry season, when the wildlife is focused around the waterholes and easy to find.

Within that period, May-Jul is pleasantly cool at night, but the animals may not yet be fully migrated back into water.

Towards the end of that period, Oct-Nov the wildlife should be at its strongest, but the weather is likely to be uncomfortably hot, especially at night. Bear in mind that most camps do not have air-conditioning.

Getting there

Mana Pools is usually accessed by light aircraft from Victoria Falls, Hwange or Harare.

It is also possible to drive in from Lusaka or Lower Zambezi, across the river in Zambia.

usually visited in combination with Hwange and Victoria Falls