This is arguably the most luxurious safari camp in the whole of Zimbabwe, part of the Great Plains Réserve Collection and the only Relais & Châteaux camp in the country. Nestled on the forest-fringed banks of the Zambezi river, with panoramic views across the water to the hills rising in the distance, the Tembo Plains Camp offers a seamless blend of unmatched comfort, timeless design, and a remote, wild feel.
It sits in the Sapi Private Reserve, a pristine area of wilderness east of the Greater Mana Pools UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reserve is visited by a breathtaking range of animals, from lions and leopards to rare painted dogs, buffalo, and the camp’s namesake, the elephant (‘Tembo’ means elephant in Swahili). It’s also a prime birdwatching destination.
The camp itself has been carefully designed by its owners to create a space that is completely in keeping with its surroundings. The five guest suites are characterised by great, ornate wooden doors, sand-coloured canvas, generous rugs and unique furnishings. On one side of each suite, a stone wall in the style of the famous Great Zimbabwe ruins pays homage to the nation’s history. On the other, the suite is open-sided, providing uninterrupted views of the river just metres away. Sink into your own private plunge pool and watch the comings and goings of animals and birds, with only the gentle sound of flowing water to break the silence.
