Tembe Elephant Park protects one of the last herds of Africa's giant tuskers in a remote sand-forest wilderness on the Mozambique border, in the far north of the Route22 route. It's a raw, uncrowded Big Five reserve famous for enormous bull elephants and a genuine sense of wild Maputaland.
Africa's big tuskers
Tembe is best known for its elephants — including some of the biggest tuskers left on the continent, animals carrying huge ivory rarely seen elsewhere. The reserve is also Big Five, with lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo moving through rare sand-forest and wetland habitats.
Game drives & access
Access is by 4x4, and most visitors explore on guided game drives run from the park, which reach areas ordinary vehicles can't. This keeps Tembe wild and quiet compared with busier reserves.
Accommodation at Tembe
Accommodation centres on the park's tented lodge, offering full-board safari stays deep in the bush. Because places are limited and access is guided, booking ahead is essential — see the Route22 directory for options along the northern route.
Planning a visit to Tembe Elephant Park?
Find lodges, camps, tours and activities near Tembe Elephant Park in the Route22 directory — or list your own business on the route.