Description
Tena Tena is owned and run by Robin Pope Safaris who were among the first to operate safaris in this area. The camp is small and exclusive, set in the shade of a mahogany grove, the five large tents are beautifully furnished in rich colours and all look on to the waterhole which provides endless game viewing. The decor of the camp is decidedly Middle Eastern, with Persian rugs, hand-dyed Indian cotton bedspreads and Bedouin-style cushions. Open bathrooms are made of woven bamboo and joined to the tents by a large grass archway. One side of the tent rolls up completely, allowing guests to relax in the privacy of their own veranda, positioned to incorporate stunning views of either the river or the waterhole. The thatched dining room and bar are the perfect place to watch the elephants, hippos and antelopes on the banks of the mighty Luangwa River.
This remote area of the park offers some of the very best wildlife viewing with daily guided game walks and drives. The drives include morning, afternoon and night drives. An all day drive, with a picnic lunch, is always available. The vehicles are specially adapted and very comfortable, Toyota landcruisers, with two tier seats. This means all guests have a "window" seat (ie 2 on a row). There is no top on the vehicle enabling 360 degree vision. The walks are led by very knowledgeable guides, and escorted by armed National Park scouts. The standard of the guiding is extremely high as all the guides in the Luangwa have to pass a thorough exam before being allowed to escort guests in to the park. The guides give an insight into the bush at a surprising level, what animals passed by during the night, how the termites control the temperature in the huge mounds, where the woodpecker is nesting. And of course they explain the skills of reading the bush and knowing what is happening around you.
Tena Tena has a well earned reputation for providing a very superior safari experience.
Accommodation
Accommodation for ten guests is in four twin-bedded tents each with a veranda, dressing room and large open bathroom. There is also a secluded 'honeymoon tent'.
Childcare
Children under the age of twelve are not accepted at Tena Tena, as this is the minimum age for walking. Children aged twelve to sixteen are able to walk if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. As the camp is in a wildlife-dense area, children are asked to be with an adult at all times.
Facilities
The camp is of an intimate nature, both the bar and the dinning area are open structures with lovely views over the river and waterhole. There is a good 'library' of books on offer for guests to read.
Activities
Activities are entirely chosen by the guests and tailored to their requirements. Guests have the option of a walk or a game drive. The drives include morning, afternoon and night drives. An all day drive, with a picnic lunch, is also available. The walks are led by very knowledgeable guides, and escorted by armed National Park scouts. The standard of the guiding is outstanding. Guests can also visit the local village of Kwaza and interact with the villagers and learn about their way of life.
When to travel
The Camp is closed November to March.
Zambia has a moderate to sub-tropical climate with three distinct seasons: from November to March is the Emerald, or the rainy season, April to July is Zambia's winter, when the weather is cool and dry, and August to October is summer, when the weather is hot and dry. In terms of game-viewing, the dryer months, meaning a higher concentration of game at the permanent water sources, are a superb time to visit. Alternatively come for some superb bird-watching at the end of the rains.
Jan
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Tena Tena Camp is located on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa river and in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park.
How to get there
10 hour international flight from London to Lusaka followed by a flight of 1 hour in a light aircraft to Mfuwe Airport. It is then 30 - 40 minutes by road to the camp.
