Tembo Plains

Mana Pools - Zimbabwe

Where elephants roam

Tembo Plains Camp is tucked away into a thick riverine forest on the edge of the Zambezi River, in the private 128,000‐hectare Sapi Private Reserve, East of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park.

It sits comfortably among the best accommodation offerings available, and is a proud member of Relais & Châteaux – the only Zimbabwean safari camp currently with this honour. Each of the guest suites has its own private indoor lounge area, outdoor swimming pool, exercise bikes on an expansive veranda, and private outdoor dining area. Stunning, handmade bathtubs plus indoor and outside showers invite you to unwind in the wilderness and sink into a sense of ‘home’. The beautiful 2‐bedroomed Zanji Suite comprises two suites flanking a shared lounge, dining area and pool, making it ideal for two couples or families travelling together. The camp’s central area features a wine cellar and interactive 5‐star kitchen feature in stunning stone design, and the spa sits discreetly behind beautifully weathered Zanzibar doors.

The private Sapi Reserve borders the Mana Pools National Park and forms part of a vast tract of pure conservation land making it incredibly rich in wildlife. However, it consciously hosts just a handful of visitors at any one time, and as a result it offers a highly exclusive and incredibly rewarding safari experience in the heart of the Zambezi Valley.

TEMBO PLAINS LIVE STREAM

You will love

  • Land dedicated to conservation
  • Rich, diverse wildlife
  • Private & highly exclusive
  • Relais & Châteaux member
  • A sense of ‘home’ to sink into
Two safari guides waving as a small plane lands at a remote airstrip, with a safari vehicle parked nearby and lush green hills in the background, highlighting the exclusive wildlife experience at a Zimbabwean safari camp.
Group of people, including children and guides, standing by a pond with water lilies, surrounded by lush greenery, showcasing a family-friendly safari experience in Zimbabwe.
Outdoor dining setup at a Zimbabwean safari camp, featuring elegantly arranged tables with candles, surrounded by scenic river views and a safari vehicle, capturing the essence of luxury and wilderness experience.
Luxurious interior of the Zanji Suite at Temba Plains Safari Camp, featuring ornate turquoise doors, a king-sized bed with white linens, and wooden furnishings, emphasizing exclusivity and comfort in a wilderness setting.
Luxury safari accommodation with a private outdoor dining area, wooden deck, and stunning views, featuring handmade bathtubs and spacious guest suites, ideal for relaxation in a natural setting.
Luxury safari camp nestled among lush trees and open landscape, featuring a canvas tent, ideal for exclusive wildlife experiences in Zimbabwe.
Elephant wading through water with canoeists in the background, showcasing Zimbabwe's rich wildlife and safari experience.
Child observing a stick insect on his hand with a safari guide in a lush outdoor setting, highlighting wildlife interaction and educational experiences in nature.
Luxurious safari camp interior featuring a spacious guest suite with a private lounge, elegant furnishings, and expansive views of the wilderness, complemented by an outdoor swimming pool and intimate dining area.
Chefs preparing gourmet dishes in a rustic kitchen at a luxury safari camp, featuring a wooden countertop with a variety of elegantly arranged food items and cooking equipment.
Outdoor dining setup by the river with elegantly arranged tables, red napkins, and guests enjoying the scenic view, reflecting the exclusive and private experience offered at the Zimbabwean safari camp.
Canoe trip with three people paddling in a serene river at sunset, with an elephant grazing on the riverbank, showcasing Zimbabwe's rich wildlife and natural beauty.
Children and a guide observing a tortoise in a natural setting, highlighting wildlife interaction and educational experiences in a safari environment.
Family fishing experience on a riverbank, with a boat in the background, showcasing a diverse group enjoying outdoor activities in a scenic wilderness setting.
Three people observing an elephant in the wild, surrounded by lush greenery and distant mountains, emphasizing a close wildlife encounter in a Zimbabwean safari setting.
Family playing cricket on a sandy riverbank, with a boat in the background and mountains in the distance, capturing a fun and relaxed outdoor experience at a Zimbabwean safari camp.
Luxury safari camp nestled in lush greenery, featuring private outdoor lounge area and proximity to a serene river, ideal for exclusive wildlife experiences.
Luxury safari camp suite with private pool, outdoor lounging area, and scenic wilderness backdrop at dusk, highlighting exclusive accommodations and relaxation.
Outdoor spa treatment with a therapist providing a massage to a guest, overlooking a scenic river view in a luxurious safari camp setting.
Hippos in the river with luxury safari tents in the background, showcasing the exclusive accommodation at a Relais & Châteaux member camp in Zimbabwe.
Children learning about wildlife from a guide near a large termite mound, with a safari vehicle in the background, highlighting educational experiences in African conservation.
Elegant dining area featuring a rustic stone wall, wooden furniture, candlelight, and a wine rack, embodying the luxurious atmosphere of a Relais & Châteaux safari camp.
Outdoor dining area at a Zimbabwean safari camp, featuring wooden tables and chairs, lanterns, and a scenic view at dusk, reflecting a luxurious and exclusive experience in nature.
Luxurious indoor lounge area of the Zanji Suite at a Zimbabwean safari camp, featuring comfortable seating, elegant decor, and large windows showcasing the natural surroundings.
Luxurious indoor lounge area of a safari camp featuring comfortable leather sofas, decorative cushions, a wooden coffee table, and artistic decor, reflecting the exclusive and homely atmosphere of a Relais & Châteaux member accommodation.
Elephant wading through water in a serene natural setting, surrounded by lush greenery, highlighting Zimbabwe's rich wildlife and conservation efforts.
Safari vehicle near a tranquil riverbank, surrounded by trees and hammocks, embodying luxury and wilderness relaxation at a Relais & Châteaux member camp.
Luxurious guest suite at a Zimbabwean safari camp, featuring indoor lounge area, outdoor swimming pool, and stunning views of the wilderness, embodying a sense of ‘home’ and relaxation.
Luxurious lounge area of a safari camp featuring comfortable seating, wooden furniture, and expansive views of nature, emphasizing relaxation and exclusivity in a private setting.
Group of guests enjoying a campfire experience by the river at a luxury Zimbabwean safari camp, surrounded by lanterns and a scenic sunset backdrop.

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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