Tena Tena Camp in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia is synonymous with Robin Pope Safaris as it was their first camp. And has become a favorite amongst many safari lovers over the years. Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector, Tena Tena sits nestled under a magnificent and thick grove of mahogany trees. The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoiled wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. A claim which is not an overstatement.
Tena Tena Camp is open 22nd May – 31st October every year. Children over 12 years are welcome. There is no WIFI or telephone reception.
On a double tiered river bank each room enjoys its own private view onto a long stretch of the Luangwa River. It is sandwiched between the river and a complex lagoon system under a magnificent mahogany grove. The camp is a magnet for wildlife and you do not need to go far for some incredible sightings. Tena Tena Camp is small and intimate with 6 x tents. Four x twin or double & two x double with a maximum of twelve guests. It is run by an experienced team who are all passionate about their jobs and the level of service that they and the camp provide for the guests.
The tents all have en-suite outdoor bathrooms with twin basins and a shower.
Tents overlooking the Luangwa RiverOutdoor bathroom
Tena Tena Camp Activities
Walking Safaris – led by trained Robin Pope Safaris guide and an armed National Parks scout. Game drives (day and night) – operated in open game viewing vehicles. Blankets and / or Ponchos are supplied during chilly periods. Private activities – book this in advance at an additional fee (subject to availability). Cultural / village / local market tour – this can be arranged while in camp. A school visit is also possible seasonally. Tribal Textiles – locally made home decor company, giving an opportunity to see how everything is designed and made. Plus, the opportunity to purchase souvenirs.
Walking SafariPhotographic hide overlooking the river
When to visit Tena Tena Camp
The different seasons offer us incredible diversity in terms of landscapes, wildlife sightings and experiences. We have put together some of these highlights for you to consider as you plan your African adventure with us.
Depending on which time of year you visit, you may need waterproofs, a warm jacket or sunscreen. The dry months are from April till October and the wet months November till March. Temperatures range throughout the year from between 11-40 C.
May – Lower rates | Beautiful scenery | Good game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
The start of the season. Join the guides getting to find their favorite Tena characters and familiarize themselves with the newcomers to the area.
June – Lower rates | Good game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
The slightly eerie hyena calls fill the night sky as they wander across the plains looking to see what can be found.
The bush is drying up and the dust forms behind the tyres of the game viewer.
July – Great game viewing | Favorable weather
Watch as the buffalo herds start to come into the area and increase in numbers. And as the lagoons dry out. This is a chance to catch the occasional fishing party with large numbers of water birds enjoying a fishy feast.
Sudden flurries of wind kick up the dust and the clear cool mornings see the baboons hugging their feet and catching the sun rays to warm up.
August – Great game viewing | Favorable weather
By now the wildlife has settled with the guests in camp. So keep an eye open when walking to your room at night so as not to miss the resident hyenas or leopard.
Chilly nights are around the campfire with the magnificent starry skies above. And the gentle grunts of the hippo as they get ready to come out and graze.
September – Phenomenal Game Viewing
As the river dries out, head to the river crossing south of camp. To watch the large herds of bull elephants crossing the river and congregating in the shade of the trees.
Warm days but with the nights and mornings still cool, grab a cup of coffee and slice of toast from the campfire in the morning and watch the day slowly come to life.
October – Phenomenal Game Viewing
Great balls of quelea are now seen flying through the sky and coming down to dwindling water sources to drink.
Copy the wildlife by spending time relaxing in the shade enjoying the relief from the daytime heat of this time of the year.
How to get to Tena Tena Camp
South African Airways, Kenya Airways and Emirates fly into Lusaka, Zambia. From there you will need to connect to Mfuwe. This is 1 hour 30 minutes flight with Proflight from Lusaka, Zambia. From Lilongwe, Malawi it is a 1 hour flight.
From Mfuwe Airport it is a 1 hour 15 minute road transfer to camp through some colorful village life. Then game viewing opportunity through the park.
Tena Tena Camp Accommodation Rates
Tena Tena Camp Rates
Per person per night
Peak: July – September
$1100
Shoulder: 22nd May – June and October
$880
Please note these accommodation rates are valid until further notice (issued October 2024).
Rates are inclusive of: All meals, Game viewing activities (2 per day – game drives or walking safaris), Laundry, Bar, Mfuwe Airport transfers, Inter-RPS camp transfers, Meet & greet at Lusaka & Mfuwe.
Rates Exclude: Visas, flights, Tourism Levy, Luangwa Conservation & Community Fund* & park costs
*This levy is to help ensure long term survival of the areas/parks we work in.
Tena Tena Camp Accommodation Special Offers
Long Stay Special Offer
10% discount off accommodation rate when staying 7+ nights at Robin Pope Safari properties. Or 20% discount when staying 10+ nights at Robin Pope Safari properties.
The Robin Pope Safaris camps in South Luangwa, Zambia are: Nkwali Camp, Nsefu Camp, Tena Tena, Luangwa River Camp, Luangwa Bush Camp, Luangwa Safari House or Robin’s House. Please note we are still adding the other camps.
No Single Supplement is charged at Tena Tena Camp if there are up to 3 singles traveling. 4 or more singles are charged a 30% surcharge
Last Minute Safari
If you book Robin Pope Safaris camps within 30 days of travel, receive these excellent discounted rates (per person per night): South Luangwa camps (excludes Houses, Bush Camping & Mobile Walking): $595 (Peak), $475 (Shoulder) & $425 (Emerald) Malawi camps: $350 (Peak), $300 (Shoulder) & $275 (Emerald) John’s Camp: $600 (Peak) & $525 (Emerald & Shoulder)
Teenager Safari
Complimentary stay for a second child under 16 years.
