South Luangwa

Tena Tena Camp

Q: How much does it cost to stay at Tena Tena Camp?

Stays at Tena Tena Camp start from around US$880 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

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Tena Tena Camp

About Tena Tena Camp

An original tented Luangwa bush camp located in the game-rich Nsefu region of the park.

An icon of Robin Pope Safaris, Tena Tena was the first camp Robin Pope himself opened and ran in the early 1990s. Over the years the camp has had a rather stylish facelift and relocated a few kilometres downstream to a shady spot on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, but really, not much else has changed. The focus is still on expert guiding, flexible activities and fantastic game viewing. These days, the camp has a devout following of loyal safari enthusiasts and quite rightly so – relaxed and authentic, Tena is the real deal.

South Luangwa , Zambia

From $880 per person/per night

Safari

6 Rooms

Open Map

Property details

The property

Moulded around a grand mahogany tree, the main area is shaded by a funky canvas roof balanced on gnarled leadwood stilts. Underneath are several seating areas and a comfy lowered sofa right next to the river, with unbeatable views of of the hippo grunting contentedly below. There’s also a little dining area to the side with the same wonderful views. Meals here are a social affair here and the day’s activities are animatedly discussed over some seriously good food.

The rooms

Draped in rich Persian cottons, hand-sewn cushions and finished with a sweeping canvas roof, the 5 tents feel rather Bedouin-esque and are the perfect place to retire to after a long, dusty day. Bathrooms are open air and come complete with all required amenities, including a few extra tree frogs if you’re lucky. During the day, request for the front of your tent to be rolled up and watch antelope darting around on the opposite bank, straight from your room.

Activities

Days at Tena Tena are all about the wildlife – and there’s lots of it! Game drives are in open-top Land Cruisers and explore the Nsefu Sector where the camp is located or the main section of the park via boat access (but we guarantee you won’t want to leave the exclusive Nsefu region once you’ve discovered it!). Walking is also a key part of any stay at Tena and the guides are knowledgeable, inspiring and very passionate.

Why we love it

The delicious views from the bedrooms and the main area. All overlook a grassy bank of the Luangwa River and the ever-present hippos.

Insiders Tip

If you’re staying in September, make sure to visit the carmine bee-eater colony and watch the sky turn red as thousands of the colourful little birds come in to roost.

Something to think about

Temperatures in the Luangwa can rocker to over 40-degrees in October and there are no fans in the rooms here.

Positive Impact

The impact of your stay

Tena Tena Camp is owned by Robin Pope Safaris, and committed to responsible tourism that benefits the environment, wildlife conservation, and local communities. They employ green technology, support anti-poaching efforts, provide healthcare and education, and promote local trade. Staff are treated fairly, trained extensively, and encouraged to advance. Their operations aim to protect ecosystems and alleviate poverty through sustainable practices. A contribution of $10 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.

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Design a Custom Trip

Plan your stay

How to book Tena Tena Camp

How do I book Tena Tena Camp?

Tena Tena Camp can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Zambia trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Zambia trips featuring Tena Tena Camp or get advice and suggestions from one of our Zambia specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Tena Tena Camp?

Stays at Tena Tena Camp start from around $880 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Zambia

South Luangwa National Park

The home of the walking-safari, chic yet rustic bush camps and incredible guides.