Tembe Elephant Park Lodge

Lovely set up in the park. Tents were very clean and spacious. Nice facilities

We went there for game drives to see animals as the park has the big 5. it was near impossible to spot anything as the park is so densely forested that we hardly spotted anything. Very disappointing for spending so much money on an African safari trip and to then not spot animals… understand it’s a matter of luck and can’t be predicted but the chances were way too low in this park.

Breakfast was standard but good.

On the game drive we were put together with a couple with a three year old child and we did not have the option that we did not want to go on the game drives with mentioned couple and child. It spoiled the whole experience because they were very noisy and inconsiderate answering cell phones and doing business while on the game drives. This should not be allowed on game drives because it puts everybody in danger and we don't believe a screaming child should be on game drive where elephants approaches a vehicle. After speaking to staff (management was not available at the time) we were informed that the couple had the option of leaving the child with a child carer, which they did not opt for. They gave the option to the wrong people. The other oversees couple were just as upset about the situation. We would not recommend anybody as Tembes policies regarding cellphone and young children is not up to standard. What should have been the highlight of our stay, turned into an experience that we will not recommend to anybody.

For elephant lovers, this is the place!The staff was lovely and really made such an effort to offer vegetarian meal options. We loved the opportunity to go and spend time at the hide during the day, such peaceful setting to watch nature unfold.

We had 5 days of chicken and no choices at lunch time which is at 2pm that gives us no time to relax or have coffee as game drive was at 3pm . No labels or menu re food offerings and staff couldn’t advise upfront either ! No decaf coffee one morning either . Toilet didn’t flush for 2nights . Had to ask for towels 2 days in a row. Not what we expected and we have had a lot of game experiences around South Africa and was disappointed with the dinner and lunches .

Food choices and presentation Game drives to early after lunch or lunch served too late