Tena Tena
South Luangwa National Park
Accommodation
Tena Tena Camp was moved by 1 km in 2012 after the river ate away at the banks leaving the camp caught dangerously between the river and the lagoon behind it. The camp is located a little further north with its rooms once again built facing the river - which is now some distance away.
Four medium-size, canopied rooms with light coloured stone floors and open-air bathrooms and showers are located on one side of the main building; the larger honeymoon tent is located a good distance away on the other side.
The main building is a large, open-sided tent tucked under shade-giving trees and contains a bar, lounge and dining table. Colourful cushions are distributed at varying levels on the ground facing the river. Breakfast is usually served around the fire pit situated on the meadow to the front of the camp.
Location
Tena Tena Camp is situated in the northern part of South Luangwa National Park and sits in the less frequently visited Nsefu Sector. Vehicle transfer time is 1.5 hours from Mfuwe Airport. The Nsefu Sector is shared with
Nsefu Camp and
Tafika Camp only.
Wildlife
The camp offers excellent chances of spotting leopard, lion, hyena, buffalo, elephant, hippo, crocodile, giraffe, kudu, zebra, impala, and even wild dogs. There are few places in Africa where more crocodile and hippo can be seen than in the Luangwa River.
Large colonies of bee-eaters can be photographed on the banks of the Luangwa River throughout September and October.
Activities
The camp offers game drives in an open 4x4 vehicle, walks with armed rangers and a village visit (Kawaza Village) - guests may even spend a night at the village if they wish.
Several-day walks are organised between Tena Tena Camp and Nsefu Camp, usually with two overnight stays. Guests are accompanied by an armed ranger and guide, and the tents are erected each night by a support team. Lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant may be encountered on these walks. Guests also learn about plants, tracks, dung and the animals' social relationships. Limited to a maximum of 4 guests. Read more about the Nsefu Trail.
Good to know
Thornicroft's giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra are unique to South Luangwa National Park.
