Luxury Zambia Safari Lodge | Tena Tena

The place

After our transit to the airport, we travel through some colourful villages before entering the northern part of South Luangwa National Park. Our guide, Kanga, tells that the park is home to elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds. As we pull over to the side of the road to watch as another type of leopard slowly crosses the road, he shares his encyclopaedic knowledge of the this tortoise, the fourth largest in the world. Following the meandering course of the Luangwa River, we arrive at Tena Tena, where we find a cluster of six tents with a separate dining and lounge tent set beneath a grove of mahogany trees. It has great views over the river. We’re both quite taken with the use of natural wood in the bar and dining area, which is open-sided under a large canvas canopy supported by rough-hewn tree-trunk ‘poles’. The bar and bookstand are made from tree trunks too, while repurposed mekoro form the drinks display. As we enjoy a refreshing drink, we look out into the African bush, feeling quite adventurous to be staying in the heart of all this untamed wilderness.

After our transit to the airport, we travel through some colourful villages before entering the northern part of South Luangwa National Park. Our guide, Kanga, tells that the park is home to elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds. As we pull over to the side of the road to watch as another type of leopard slowly crosses the road, he shares his encyclopaedic knowledge of the this tortoise, the fourth largest in the world.

Following the meandering course of the Luangwa River, we arrive at Tena Tena, where we find a cluster of six tents with a separate dining and lounge tent set beneath a grove of mahogany trees. It has great views over the river.

We’re both quite taken with the use of natural wood in the bar and dining area, which is open-sided under a large canvas canopy supported by rough-hewn tree-trunk ‘poles’. The bar and bookstand are made from tree trunks too, while repurposed mekoro form the drinks display.

As we enjoy a refreshing drink, we look out into the African bush, feeling quite adventurous to be staying in the heart of all this untamed wilderness.

The room

We follow another sandy pathway to our tent, with is set apart from the rest underneath some mahogany trees. Utilising tree trunks to support the canvas roof, it’s open to the wild, although the canvas flaps can easily be zipped up. As we approach our tented suite, we pass two outdoor chairs with colourful cushions that are placed to take in the best views of the Luangwa River (and any visiting wildlife). Decorated in neutral safari tones, our tent features a vast bed with a polished headboard. Two solar-powered reading lamps take centre stage, and we can lie here and observe the great outdoors in complete comfort. It’s nearly time for lunch, so we freshen up in the open-air bathroom, which continues the rustic theme. There are reed mats and wooden finishings, though there are plenty of mod cons too: double basins, toiletries, gowns and a hot-water shower. As I’m showering, listening to the soft sound of falling water, I keep an eye out for game, marvelling at how this rustic safari camp blends simplicity with just the right amount of luxury. The call of a fish eagle interrupts my thoughts and I look out to the river, where an elephant is nibbling the seed pods that have fallen from the ebony trees. I’m living my African dream.

We follow another sandy pathway to our tent, with is set apart from the rest underneath some mahogany trees. Utilising tree trunks to support the canvas roof, it’s open to the wild, although the canvas flaps can easily be zipped up. As we approach our tented suite, we pass two outdoor chairs with colourful cushions that are placed to take in the best views of the Luangwa River (and any visiting wildlife). Decorated in neutral safari tones, our tent features a vast bed with a polished headboard. Two solar-powered reading lamps take centre stage, and we can lie here and observe the great outdoors in complete comfort.

It’s nearly time for lunch, so we freshen up in the open-air bathroom, which continues the rustic theme. There are reed mats and wooden finishings, though there are plenty of mod cons too: double basins, toiletries, gowns and a hot-water shower.

As I’m showering, listening to the soft sound of falling water, I keep an eye out for game, marvelling at how this rustic safari camp blends simplicity with just the right amount of luxury. The call of a fish eagle interrupts my thoughts and I look out to the river, where an elephant is nibbling the seed pods that have fallen from the ebony trees. I’m living my African dream.

What sets it apart

The only camp in the Nsefu sector of the South Luangwa National Park, Tena Tena offers complete seclusion and exclusivity, which, paired with exceptional guiding and an infectious passion for the Luangwa valley, ensures memorable wildlife encounters. Although the camp itself is quite simple, it’s also stylish, and there’s certainly no compromise on comfort and quality. With walking safaris, day and night drives, and evening anecdotes around the fire and dinner table, we felt like we really got to know this remote corner of Africa. It’s a very special place.

The only camp in the Nsefu sector of the South Luangwa National Park, Tena Tena offers complete seclusion and exclusivity, which, paired with exceptional guiding and an infectious passion for the Luangwa valley, ensures memorable wildlife encounters.

Although the camp itself is quite simple, it’s also stylish, and there’s certainly no compromise on comfort and quality. With walking safaris, day and night drives, and evening anecdotes around the fire and dinner table, we felt like we really got to know this remote corner of Africa. It’s a very special place.

At a glance

Small and intimate lodge with six tented suites overlooking the Luangwa River in the South Luangwa National Park.
Located in the park’s remote and private Nsefu section, two- and three-tier Landcruisers with window seats for everyone and flexible schedules.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, cultural visits (additional cost), wildlife education centre visits (additional cost) and tribal textiles tour (additional cost).
Children 12 years and older are welcome.

Small and intimate lodge with six tented suites overlooking the Luangwa River in the South Luangwa National Park.
Located in the park’s remote and private Nsefu section, two- and three-tier Landcruisers with window seats for everyone and flexible schedules.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, cultural visits (additional cost), wildlife education centre visits (additional cost) and tribal textiles tour (additional cost).
Children 12 years and older are welcome.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.