Tena Tena
Tena Tena is an exclusive tented lodge nestled into the eastern bank of the Luangwa River in the Nsefu sector of the South Luangwa National Park.
Tena Tena is one of the few tented properties in South Luangwa and offers a genuine bush experience whilst also providing high levels of comfort. The tents are spacious, airy and very comfortably furnished, though the bathrooms have a slightly more adventurous feel being outdoors and open air. Food, service and guiding are all very good, and with only six tents the camp maintains a very exclusive and intimate feel. The area around Tena Tena has always been great for game viewing, and is one of the strongest areas of the park from a big game perspective. Walking is also superb in this area. Tena Tena is an excellent option for a ‘smart’ tented experience, or if you simply wish to explore one of the best areas of South Luangwa from a small, exclusive camp environment.
Rooms
Tena Tena is built on the east bank of the Luangwa River in the exclusive Nsefu sector of the National Park, and caters for up to 12 guests in six tents all with views towards the river. Each tent, built onto a concrete plinth, has either twin or double beds facing forwards, and is full of light due to the large gauze windows on all sides. A separate zip door leads to the open air bathroom which is built around trees and includes a twin vanity unit, a plumbed shower and flush toilet. To the front of each tent is a private sitting area facing the river.
Central Areas
Sandy paths wind through the bush to reach the open plan tented central areas which are set on split levels under a canopy of trees which provide plenty of shade. They comprise a bar, dining area and three sitting areas which lead down to the river bank.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for charging – Yes
Swimming pool – No
Habitat & Wildlife
The Luangwa Valley forms the southern end of the Great Rift Valley and the floor is about 1,000ft lower than the surrounding plateau. Through the centre flows the Luangwa River which is fed by dozens of sand rivers during the rainy season, causing it to become a raging torrent. It frequently alters its course from season to season, causing many ox-bow lakes to form.
These lakes are very important to the ecology of the valley and account for the high carrying capacity of the park. The north Luangwa National Park covers an area of 4,500 sq. km, but is usually closed to the public. The southern park covers an area of 9,000 sq. km and is the park most frequently visited by tourists. Both parks are situated mainly to the west of the river, though the southern does extend across the river in two places (Nsefu and Luamfwa). On the eastern bank, a third national park, the Luambe, also exists, but it is small, covering an area of only 250 sq. km.
The Luangwa Valley has long been known as one of Africa’s premier wildlife regions. Elephant, although slightly smaller than their southern African savannah counterparts, are plentiful, as are buffalo (in huge herds), kudu, waterbuck, puku, impala, bushbuck, warthog, and reedbuck. Giraffe, the Thornicrofts (endemic to the region), are commonly seen in the southern sector of the park, and the Cookson’s wildebeest in the northern sector of the park. However, the park is perhaps best known for its predator populations, in particular lion and leopard, the latter of which are seen three days out of four. The birdlife of the Luangwa is equally exceptional, with over half of the total Zambia species (around 700) being recorded here. Commonly sighted species include: crowned crane; carmine- and white-fronted bee-eaters; Lilian lovebird; purple-crested turaco; white-winged widow; paradise whydah; white-browed sparrow weaver; spoonbill; white-crowned and three-banded plover; striped, brown hooded, giant, pied and woodland kingfisher; knob-billed and white-faced duck; Egyptian and spurwing goose; yellow-billed, saddlebill and openbill storks.
South Luangwa is known as Zambia’s best big game area with elephant, hippo, crocs, buffalo, lion, leopard and various general game species found in good numbers. Wild dogs are seen more often these days, and the area close to Tena Tena is especially good for general game viewing and birding. Rhino and cheetah are not present.
Activities
The main activities at Tena Tena are game drives (day and night) and guided walks, though they also have access to two photographic hides – the hippo hide and the carmine bee-eater hide (which is usually operational from early September onwards).
Seasons
Tena Tena is open from mid-May to October, though game viewing conditions will be best from July onwards.
Tena Tena accepts children of 12 years and above and whilst they can add an extra bed to a tent they struggle to accommodate a family of four or five in one tent. This property is therefore best suited to families with children who are old enough to have their own tent. For slightly more adventurous and active families with older teenage kids, Tena Tena offers a fantastic all round bush adventure.
Robin Pope Safaris, operators of Tena Tena, supports Project Luangwa which is a local charity formed by the safari operators of South Luangwa as a part of their commitment to responsible tourism. The aim is to ensure that tourism in the area benefits the nearby communities, helping them improve their economic prospects and education programmes whilst avoiding a negative impact on their natural environment.
They also offer financial support to Conservation South Luangwa through a mandatory Luangwa Conservation & Community Fee that each guest is charged per night and is shared between monitoring wildlife and Project Luangwa.
They work closely with The Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) which works to conserve large carnivores and their environments by means of education, conservation and research.
Together with several other operations, Robin Pope Safaris assist in the administration and employment of local forestry scouts to look after the natural resources within the Game Management Area.
The Luangwa Safari Association Medical Fund was founded by Robin Pope Safaris and contributes to the upkeep of Kakumbi Health Centre providing healthcare for over 20 000 people. They assist the centre through guest donations by providing supplies and medicines. Support is also given to the Chikowa local HIV project who support those living with the disease.
Support is also given to Kawaza Village which offers a cultural village experience and provides employment for village members, financial support to the elderly and orphans and study supplies for the primary school.
Where ever possible supplies for camp are purchased locally to assist the local economy and producers. Local craftsman are employed to construct or refurbish existing buildings and guests are offered the chance to purchase goods created by local artisans.
Tena Tena are members of Pack for a Purpose where guests may use the empty space in their suitcases for donations of much needed school, sport and medical supplies for their supported projects.
