The Tembelani safari experience

Travel & logistics

Your journey with Tembelani begins long before you set foot in Africa. Every detail of your safari is meticulously coordinated to ensure smooth transitions and maximum time in the bush.

• Internal flights — We arrange all flights between safari regions using trusted commercial airlines, regional jets, and scheduled charter aircraft. Flying eliminates time-consuming overland travel; most flights last between 15 minutes and 2 hours.
• Cross-border transfers — Transfers between South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) are seamlessly handled. For example, after a short road transfer from Victoria Falls, you'll board a charter flight into your Botswana camp.
• Return travel — Your itinerary concludes with a flight back to Johannesburg's O. R. Tambo International Airport, timed to connect with your international departure.

Tembelani does not book international flights but can recommend trusted agents. All internal travel is managed and included in your safari quote.

Accommodation — handpicked comfort in the wild

Every lodge and camp selected by Tembelani is chosen for quality, comfort, and its proximity to outstanding wildlife.

• South Africa – Greater Kruger region — Expect luxury safari lodges with easy access to Big Five game viewing. Many lodges share unfenced boundaries with national parks, allowing animals to move freely across vast wilderness areas.
• Botswana – remote wilderness camps — Accommodation is typically en-suite, African-style tents elevated on wooden decks. Many offer indoor/outdoor showers, immersive bush views, and refined hospitality that doesn't sacrifice comfort.
• Victoria Falls – elegant add-on options — Guests may overnight at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel or select from riverside lodges that blend colonial charm with modern comfort.

Safari activities

Each safari is built around exceptional game-viewing, but Tembelani also offers a range of enriching and exciting experiences.

The Tembelani advantage

At the heart of every Tembelani safari is a level of personal attention rarely seen in larger operators.

• Hosted or remote-guided options — Norman often accompanies guests personally, ensuring every moment runs seamlessly. For unaccompanied guests, the Tembelani team remains on-call to manage logistics in real time.
• Small, intimate groups — Designed for individuals, couples, families, or groups of up to 12. Each trip avoids the crowds and delivers a more relaxed, exclusive experience.
• Exclusive use options — Want a private vehicle? We can arrange it. Note that any unused seats are charged for to maintain exclusivity.
• Clear, all-inclusive quotes — Your package typically includes all meals, drinks, game drives, and flights. Any optional costs — such as curio shopping or off-itinerary meals — are outlined upfront.

Victoria Falls extension

This iconic destination can be added as a one- or two-night extension to your safari.

Top experiences include:

• A private guided walking tour of the Falls — preferred over group cruises for its intimacy and access to the best viewpoints.
• Optional sundowner cruises, local curio markets, and dinners at African-themed restaurants featuring live drumming.
• White-water rafting (seasonal), fishing excursions, or visits to nearby game parks (not as game-rich as Botswana but still worthwhile).