Read 38 traveller reviews of Tena Tena

Run by Robin Pope Safaris (RPS), Tena Tena is in the remote Nsefu Sector, on the north side of South Luangwa National Park. It's located on the edge of the Luangwa River, in an area rich with game. It focuses on excellent guiding, flexible activities, with personal service and attention, all in very comfortable surroundings.

Tena Tena is a few hours' drive further north of their main camp at Nkwali which is in the Mfuwe area, and reasonably close to Nsefu, its sister bushcamp, and the only other permanent camp in the Nsefu Sector. All of these combine really well with each other and the more adventurous may even like to look at combining a permanent camp with RPS Walking Mobiles.

The camp is tented, and it is perhaps this that helps Tena Tena to retain a 'close to nature' feel, with both the rooms and the main area tucked discretely beneath trees. Looking out over the Luangwa River on one side and a quiet lagoon on the other, this camp is rustic and simple with no electricity or frills, yet its furnishings are comfortable, stylish and of high quality.

The main area looks across the river and offers a comfortable place to relax with lovely wooden furniture and ample soft cushions. A high thatched roof provides shade and makuti mats are dotted across the floor. Nearby, a dining table is set on a wooden deck, overlooking the waterhole, with a shady canopy provided in the afternoon, and dinner served under the stars.

Tena Tena has five really spacious tents, set wide apart from each other in a shady private location. The bedrooms are decorated in neutral safari tones which are stylish but very subtle. Guests will find Maglite torches, mosquito repellent and drinking water by the beds. Kikois are also provided – on very hot days it is great to wet these and relax in the shade with them wrapped around you!

In each tent, a 'dressing room', with plenty of space for hanging and storing your clothes, separates the main 'bedroom' tent from an open-air bathroom, with a flush loo, sink and hot-and-cold shower. Toiletries are also provided.

One side of these comfortable tents can be rolled up so that you can watch a busy waterhole from the comfort of your bed during the day. Or you may wish to lounge in one of the chairs set on your private veranda.

Tena Tena also has a honeymoon suite which is slightly more costly – but has a king-size double bed and a separate sitting area.

Tena Tena's safari activities include 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; guiding standards are high here.

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 travelling together. Both are very close to Nkwali.

Those looking to experience something of local culture can also combine Tena Tena with trips to Kawaza Village - which was originally set up with the help of Robin Pope Safaris.

In conclusion, Tena Tena manages to strike a clever balance between being simple and rustic, but without compromising at all on comfort, quality and style. For those looking for a touch of wilderness and superb guiding all housed in a good-quality traditional tented camp – Tena Tena is an excellent choice.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 5 tents

Season: late-May to 31 October

Ideal length of stay: In the dry season, from 1 June to end-October, it can 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, from November to about mid-May, Tena Tena is totally cut off by road, and so is closed.

Geographics

Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Directions: Tena Tena is an hour's drive from Mfuwe.

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Property Chain – Robin Pope

Staff: Camp/Lodge Manager: Simon Guide: Bertrum, Nyambe, Julius and Simon. Chef: Cheseka and Francis

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: When we were last here in June 2010 we thought the food was fantastic. Breakfast was usually served around the campfire and included hot porridge, cereals and bread toasted over the coals. There was also fruit, tea and coffee on offer. Brunch was served at around 11:30 or 12:00 depending on when everyone has arrived back in camp after their mornings activity. You can expect light salads, couscous and a selection of meat dishes. We loved the beef kofta, beef Thai salad with courgette and grilled lemon chicken. Each night, dinner started with a few relaxed drinks around the campfire, before moving to the dining area which was beautifully set under the stars. When we were here the starter of blue cheese and pear salad was particularly memorable, as were the handmade fishcakes served with lemon mayonnaise as a main course. You can also expect an indulgent dessert, rounded off with coffee.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: The staff can make a plan for room service but there are no phones.

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: 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 – with an especially private honeymoon suite. Enjoy romantic diners in your own extended lounge area! Meanwhile, for something to remember on your trip, combine a stay here with a romantic sojourn with no other guests at all – under the stars at a RPS Bushcamp. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for honeymoons in Zambia

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

Walking safaris: Tena Tena overlooks the river on the edge of the Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa, some of which is very open and flat, making it a lovely area for big-game walking safaris. You'll find old lagoons, excellent game and varied vegetation. Serious walkers might 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 safaris in Zambia

Wildlife safaris: Tena Tena has excellent guides, most fully qualified to lead walking safaris as well as 4WD safaris. In addition, park rules allow both night drives and some off-road 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 safaris in Zambia

Children

Attitude towards children: Tena Tena has a minimum age restriction of 12 years. This is a remote bushcamp and we feel that it is only really suited to older, sensible children.

Age restrictions: 12 years

Generally recommended for children: No

Notes: Tena Tena is a remote bushcamp with quite an adult atmosphere. Families with children may prefer Luangwa Safari House or Robin's House which both offer more privacy for family groups.

Central communications

Communications: There is intermittent cell-phone reception at Tena Tena but this is not at all reliable. There is no internet facility.

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

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: There is a doctor based at Flatdogs, about 2 hours' drive during the day. First-aid kits are provided in camp vehicles and all guides are trained in first aid.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: There are two night watchmen at Tena Tena, and safes are provided in all the rooms

Fire safety: There are fire buckets in rooms and extinguishers in the main areas.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Laundry is included. It is hand washed by male staff and then line dried, so ladies are requested not to include their delicate items. Washing powder is provided in the rooms for guests to do these themselves.

Money: There are no currency exchange facilities at Tena Tena.

Accepted payment: Tena Tena does not accept debit or credit cards, but payments may be made in cash with US dollars, British pounds, Zambian kwacha and euros.

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