Read 5 traveller reviews of Tena Tena

Tena Tena is one of two camps run by Robin Pope Safaris in the remote Nsefu Sector, on the north side of South Luangwa National Park; it's a few hours' drive further north of their base at Nkwali.

Tena Tena has five very large tents. In each a 'dressing room' separates the tent from the en-suite shower and toilet, which are open to the stars. One side of these comfortable tents can be rolled up during the day to watch a busy waterhole. The honeymoon suite here is slightly more costly – but has a king-size double bed and a separate sitting area. The camp has a dining area, an open bar and a small library of books.

The first of Robin's current camps in the Nsefu Sector, Tena Tena is tented and perhaps that helps it to retains a feel of being very close to nature, and being hidden in the bush, which is very appealing. It's a very relaxed safari camp.

Tena Tena offers a choice of walking safaris, 4WD game safaris and night drives. Typically there are two activities per day, each lasting around 3-4 hours and led by an expert guide, and for each you'll have a choice of what you do. All walking safaris are accompanied by an armed game ranger, as well as a fully-qualified RPS guide.

The more adventurous who stay at Tena Tena can also choose (when booking their trip) to venture out onto an RPS Bush-camp - or perhaps the Palmgrove bush-camp - as part of their safari.

Tena Tena combines very well with its sister-camps, Nsefu (which is also I the Nsefu Sector of the national park) and Nkwali, as well as sometimes being part of the itinerary for RPS Walking Mobiles. It's also a very natural complement to trips to Kawaza Village - which was originally set p with the help of Robin Pope Safaris.

For families and small groups, Robin Pope Safaris also run Luangwa Safari House and Robin's House - two different 'houses', with four and two bedrooms respectively. Each comes with its own expert guide and private safari vehicle, and chef; both are great for families or small groups traveling together. Both are very close to Nkwali.

A 90-minute flight south-west of South Luangwa, in the Lower Zambezi National Park, Robin Pope Safaris is also involved with running the Chongwe River House, which works for families or small groups on the same basis.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

Season: late-May to 31 October

Ideal length of stay: In the dry season, it ca work very well to start a safari in the South Luangwa at Nsefu's sister-camp, Nkwali for 2-4 nights, and then head north to Nsefu and/or Tena Tena, and perhaps some of the bush-camping trips. During the green season, Tena Tena is totally cut off by road, and so is closed.

Geographics

Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Independent / Owner Run

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Yes - soft drinks, house wine and local spirits are included in the rates. Note that fine wines, champagne and imported spirits and liqueurs, are charged as extras.

Special interests

Honeymoons: Tena Tena is a classic, romantic safari camp - and also has a specially luxurious honeymoon suite. Meanwhile, for something to remember on your trip, combine a stay here with a romantic sojourn wit no other guests at all - under the stars at a RPS Bush-camp. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Honeymoons

Birdwatching: Tena Tena stands deep the bush, yet beside the Luangwa River; it's a lovely location – with great views of the river. The camp's guides are excellent, and know their birds, even the more unusual species, so Tena Tena is an excellent camp for bird-watchers. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Birdwatching

Walking: Tena Tena overlooks the river on the edge of the Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa, some of which is very open and flat – helping to make it a lovely area for big-game walking safaris. You'll find old lagoons, excellent game and lots of open space. Serious walkers might also opt to leave camp for a few nights to sleep under the stars at an RPS Bush-camp in this same Nsefu Sector of the park. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Walking

Wildlife: Tena Tena has excellent guides, most fully-qualified to lead walking safaris as well as 4WD safaris – and the park rules allow night drives and some off-read driving. Hence although Tena seems like a tiny camp, it offers a really superb wildlife safari experience in one of the best areas of the South Luangwa. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Wildlife

Children

Generally recommended for children: No

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: In emergency, Tena has access to good communications facilities.

TV & radio: Tena Tena has no TVs or radios – this is the bush!

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included.

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