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Walking free in a peace park
Tembe Elephant Park
Elephant at Tembe Elephant Park, KwaZulu-Natal
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
Wild corridors are gradually being opened so that elephants can migrate along their old routes again.
Tembe Elephant Park began as a small, unpromising reserve in 1983 and has since become something of an inspiration. It has also become a crucial lynchpin in the planned great Lebombo Transfrontier Park between South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland.
The 1980s were difficult years for many people because of the civil war raging in Mozambique, which borders South Africa. The park was declared as a bulwark protecting the last free-ranging herds of elephants that used to migrate back and forth between the 2 countries from the bullets and explosions.
But the park could only be opened in 1991 because the elephants were so traumatised by the warfare that the safety of tourists could not be guaranteed. The brave ecotourists that visited the park in the early 1990s returned with eye-widening stories of elephants charging them in thick bush. But there were no injuries, and gradually the elephants calmed down.
They now number more around 200 and remain awe-inspiring – among them are the largest elephants in southern Africa.
The habitat at Tembe, the far northernmost corner of KwaZulu-Natal, is subtropical and tropical. It protects rare sand forests, thick woodland, wetlands and verdant pans. The rest of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) are also here, along with 340 species of birds.
Some birds are at the very southernmost point of their range. Here you can see Rudd’s apalis, plain-backed sunbird, African broadbill, the Steppe eagle and swamp nightjar.
The park is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, but the Tembe people who live in the area benefit from tourism because the comfortable tented lodge here is half-owned and run by them. Their dancers will come, on request, to sing and act out folklore from their history, making their culture come alive for you. Any money collected for such events goes towards buying school uniforms for the children in the local community.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Tembe Elephant Park
Tel: +27 (0) 31 267 0144
Email: info@tembe.co.za
How to get here
From Durban, take the N2 north towards Mkuze, about 350km away - or 3 hours' drive (Mkuze is good place to fill up). From there, continue north on the N2, and take the Jozini road after about 15km, and drive another 20km to Jozini. Cross the dam wall and drive for another 72km - the park is well signposted. Leave your car here. You'll be picked up by someone in a 4x4.
What will it cost
This is considered one of the cheapest full-service luxury lodges in South Africa. Depending on season, expect to pay approx R1 000 per night per person, including 4 meals and game drives.
The longer you stay, the less you pay.
Length of stay
Stay at least 2 nights - and fit in a 3rd if you can.
Where to stay
Tembe has luxury tented accommodation.