Tembe Elephant Park

Tembe Elephant Park is located in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, directly on the border with Mozambique, within the Maputaland region. It sits close to Ndumo Game Reserve.

The reserve covers approximately 30,000 hectares, or 300 km², of sand forest, open and closed woodland, thornveld, grassland, seasonal floodplains and swamps.

Tembe was declared by the Tembe Tribal Authority in 1983, as a joint venture with KwaZulu-Natal conservation authorities, specifically to protect elephants migrating between Maputaland and southern Mozambique.

Yes. Tembe is a Big Five reserve with buffalo, lion, leopard, and black and white rhino present, alongside its famous elephant population, although the dense sand forest can make sightings less predictable than in more open reserves.

Tembe is famous for producing exceptionally large-tusked elephants. It was once home to three of the largest tuskers recorded in southern Africa: Isilo, Induna and Makobona, all of whom have since died of natural causes.

Tembe is community-owned and co-managed by the Tembe Tribal Authority and KwaZulu-Natal conservation authorities, making it one of South Africa's earliest examples of community-based conservation.

The sand forest is a rare vegetation type unique to this part of the Maputaland region. Tembe was established in part specifically to protect this distinctive, unspoiled ecosystem alongside its elephant population.

Tembe Elephant Park Lodge is the only accommodation inside the reserve. It is a community-run tented lodge offering full-board stays with two activities included daily, employing 55 local people.

Yes, with a genuine 4x4 vehicle capable of handling deep, soft sand tracks with axle-testing holes. Much of the driving requires low range. Lodge-guided vehicles offer the safest and most rewarding wildlife encounters.

Yes. Tembe is classified as a medium to high-risk malaria area, with the greatest risk during the rainy season from November to April. Precautions and repellents are advised throughout the year.

The dry season, from May to October, offers the best wildlife viewing thanks to sparser vegetation and wildlife congregating near water sources. The wetter months from November to April bring lush greenery and abundant birdlife but denser cover.

Tembe is reachable via tar roads from Durban (about 400km/5 hours), Richard's Bay (about 240km/3.5 hours), Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park (about 180km/2.5 hours) and Maputo, Mozambique (about 170km/2.5 hours). Charter flights can also land on an airstrip inside the park or nearby at Manguzi, depending on weather.

Yes. Royal Thonga Safari Lodge sits just beyond the reserve boundary with its own private gate into Tembe, offering chalet-style accommodation, a restaurant, bar, pool and guided game drives into the park.

Activities include morning, afternoon and nighttime guided game drives with spotlighting, visits to the Mahlasela hide, birdwatching, traditional singing and dancing performances, guided walking trails and bush spa treatments.

Tembe safaris typically cost from R1,980 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level, time of year and activities. This price excludes activities but includes accommodation, all meals and 24/7 support from our team.