Tembo Plains Camp

Set in dense riverine forest on the edge of the Zambezi River, Tembo Plains Camp lies within the private 128,000-hectare Sapi Reserve east of Mana Pools National Park. The reserve borders Mana Pools to the west, giving access to over 337,000 hectares of protected land along the middle Zambezi. Four tented suites combine canvas with semi-circular packstone walls — a reference to Great Zimbabwe. The stone continues along the rear of each suite; the front remains open to unobstructed river views. Each suite offers twin or double beds, a private indoor lounge, an outdoor swimming pool on an expansive veranda, and an outdoor dining area. Bathrooms include indoor baths, indoor and outdoor showers, and double vanities. A professional camera with lenses is provided for complimentary use; images are downloaded at departure. Binoculars, Wi-Fi, and work areas are standard.

Day and night drives in open vehicles cross the Sapi Reserve and, on stays of three nights or longer, enter Mana Pools. Guided walks and tracking depart from camp. Canoeing and motorised boating run on the Zambezi, water levels permitting. Painted dogs, lions, leopards, and buffalo appear regularly; elephants are seen daily in front of camp. The reserve sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the middle-Zambezi biosphere. You can watch live footage from the floodplains via the online PlainsCam. The camp is a member of Relais & Châteaux.