Tembe Elephant Park, Wildlife reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Tembe Elephant Park is a protected area between KwaZulu-Natal and the Mozambique border containing sand forests, grasslands, and wetlands across roughly 30,000 hectares. The reserve offers distinct ecosystems where wildlife can roam across diverse habitats and natural corridors.
The reserve was created in the 1980s through a partnership between wildlife authorities and the Tembe people to protect elephant populations and their migration routes. This cooperation helped establish a cross-border corridor connecting habitats on both sides of the frontier.
The Tembe community plays a central role in running the park, connecting their ancestral ties to the land with modern conservation work. Visitors experience this partnership directly through daily interactions at the lodges and throughout the reserve.
Visitors can explore the reserve on guided safaris or self-drive routes, with lodging options from comfortable tent camps to basic camping facilities. Wildlife viewing is often best during drier months when animals gather near water sources throughout the park.
The park is home to some of the continent's largest elephants, whose size is shaped by rich vegetation and extensive migration routes. This exceptional population draws researchers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking to observe these remarkable animals in their natural habitat.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
