Reviews of Tena Tena
Wildlife sightings and reviews
157 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Tena Tena and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Tena Tena review"
The guide that I had, John (who I was lucky enough to be with on my own for most of the 3 days), was superb, and I learnt a huge amount about animals, birds, insects and plants, as well as life in Zambia.
The camp was not the most luxurious (no pool and unfortunately the river was very low so the view from the tents was quite arid) but the wildlife and the staff more than compensated for that. I also enjoyed my conversations with Bertram, the camp host, about the situation in Zambia.
The tents are well spaced out and although not very big, there was enough space to move around.
For me, Tena Tena provided the best wildlife experience on my trip." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"Tena Tena review"
Camp central area is good with a relaxed feel, raised bar area & meeting points for drinks, pre-drive coffee & dinner at night - rooms here are spread out away from the bar area so if you prefer a shorter walk in/out ask for one of the closer rooms.
The camp has a fully grown bull elephant - George - who regularly visits at night!!" See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Tena Tena review"
The manager, Bertram, was on leave for my first visit, so I met him for the first time and was lucky enough to have him as a guide. I found him an excellent guide and host, with a great sense of humour. On our drives he showed excellent knowledge and instinct about animal behaviour, and patience to wait for the right moment, and he positioned the vehicle brilliantly for photography.
When he heard dogs had been seen up in Nsefu camp territory, he suggested an early departure in the afternoon to ensure the best sighting. This turned out to be a highlight of the trip and it was absolutely the right call to go to see them (even though I was going to Nsefu the next day), because after that sighting they disappeared from the area.
I love the rooms at Tena, especially the outdoor bathrooms, although the showers seem impossible to adjust and swing between cold and scalding. But a minor flaw in an otherwise superb stay!" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Tena Tena review"
"Tena Tena review"
"Tena Tena review"
Lots of Leopard and Lion sightings every day." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia
"Tena Tena review"
Our guide Bertie remebered us and was excellent on birds and animals.
There is a very fine carmine beeater colony nearby and baby wood owls in tree in the camp.
Delightful small frogs in bathroom.
Food and staff all excellent." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Tena Tena review"
Food and service were both excellent, and we really enjoyed the company of the other guests at this camp. Bertram is an excellent and convivial host. We had 2 guides, Nyambey for most of our drives and a lovely morning walk, and John for one drive. Both were good but John in particular was an excellent guide who was really passionate about his work. Highlight for me at this camp was seeing the huge carmine bee eater colony. We went to it multiple times including on our morning walk.
Only caveat is that the driving area for this camp seemed pretty small and we covered the same ground and saw the same animals on multiple days. It is probably most suited for a shorter stay." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 2n in Namibia
"Tena Tena review"
Guides are very knowledgable and friendly with great sense of humour and happy to accommodate (as much as possible, within everyone’s needs) your wishes to see particular animals.
Our second visit and would very happily return tomorrow." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"Tena Tena review"
Accommodation disappointing. Room small and cramped and only two shelves for storage. Plug sockets behind the bed were so loose we had to hold the sole plate in place when removing a plug as the fitment was coming away from the wall. The bathroom was accessed by zip up tent fastening from the bedroom, and it was invaded by flies and insects whenever lights were on. Darkness is almost 6pm to 6 am. The bathroom was so open to the elements fly spray was ineffective. Swarms of bees surrounded the light adjacent to the toilet. Bertram was apologetic and arranged spraying of a nest (?), this helped for a day but then the bees returned.
The shower did not work properly. The hot water cut in and out at random, there was no consistency of temperature, and at times it was dangerously hot. Other guests had the same problem. There was no storage in the bathroom at all, so to safeguard toiletries from the baboons, these had to be carried to and from the bedroom every time. As this involved zipping and unzipping the door, which had to be kept closed because of the flies, it was highly inconvenient.
Overall great wildlife sightings, excellent guides and good food were seriously let down by the standard of the accommodation, and for that reason we would not recommend Tena Tena.
Addendum: Robin Pope have responded positively to our feedback and with dealing with the issues. They are to be commended for their response and we are impressed with their attitude. We would recommend Robin Pope. Also, praise for Expert Africa for taking comments seriously." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
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