Tucked away in the private Sapi Reserve, bordering the legendary Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, Tembo Plains is part of the prestigious Great Plains Conservation portfolio. We were fortunate enough to experience it firsthand shortly after it opened (ok it was a few years ago now), and to this day, it remains in our top five safari experiences (out of hundreds) for good reason. Let me tell you why.
A romantic escape
If you’re a couple, imagine arriving to the soulful sounds of the welcoming ritual – song and dance (by the team here and believe me it’s absolutely 100% genuine), a refreshing spritzer in hand, and a soothing hand-wash ritual to cleanse away the journey. You step through the grand doors into a scene straight out of an African dream—open plains, river views, and wildlife moving gracefully through the landscape. From the moment you settle into the oh-so-comfortable lounge for a warm welcome and briefing, the romance of Tembo Plains takes hold.
Walking along the immaculate boardwalk to your suite, anticipation builds, and when you finally push open the door… oh my your breath is taken away. Sheer magnificence personified! A blend of classic safari canvas and striking stonework reminiscent of Zimbabwe’s ancient ruins, the tented suites exude timeless elegance and ultimate comfort. Of course it does, it’s a Great Plains camp. So while you’d expect nothing less, it’s always impressive and, dare I say overwhelming (in a good way).
Days here unfold in pure luxury. Game drives bring encounters with elephants, lions, wild dogs, leopards, and an incredible variety of birdlife. But the real magic lies in the water experiences—canoeing and boating safaris that allow for close-up encounters with hippos, crocodiles, ellies playing in the water and the abundant life along the Zambezi’s channels. The intimacy of Tembo Plains, with just six tented suites (if memory serves), ensures a private and exclusive experience that epitomises the romantic African safari.
A family-friendly haven
Luxury safaris can sometimes feel a little intimidating for families, but Tembo Plains strikes a rare balance between high-end exclusivity and heartfelt hospitality. We spent two unforgettable nights here with our children, and from the moment we arrived, Matt, our guide, made it clear this was a place where kids could be kids. He joked, played games, and spun fascinating stories that kept them engaged at every turn. Oh and can I mention without offending, poo stories and ‘guess the poop’ games.
Despite being part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux family, we never felt on edge about bringing young adventurers here. Thoughtful touches made all the difference—afternoon popcorn treats, marshmallows roasted over the fire, and the ultimate surprise: private island sundowners at the end of a boat safari just for our little family. It was pure magic.
Our daughter even had the chance to step into the open-plan kitchen with the world-class chefs, learning to make her own pizza—one that all the guests were more than happy to sample! And those early morning game drives? The team ensured extra snacks were on hand to keep little stomachs full, preventing any mid-safari hunger meltdowns (who wants a hangry 6 and 9 year old?!). The ease of the experience meant we could relax, knowing everything was taken care of. That, to me, is true luxury.
The ultimate safari holiday experience
Whether you’re seeking an ultra-luxe romantic safari or a high-end yet welcoming family safari, Tembo Plains delivers. The beauty of the setting, the thoughtfulness of the team, the exquisite food, and the rare opportunity to experience both land and water safaris in such an intimate setting make it one of the most remarkable places we’ve ever stayed.
If you’re planning a Zimbabwe safari, put Tembo Plains at the top of your list. You won’t regret it.
PS – Did I mention they offer fabulous massages? And did I mention there’s a wonderful little gift shop that we may or may not have frequented a few times… the store… oh and the spa.
