PLAINS CAMP

| BY HÉLENE RAMACKERS

Situated in the private Sapi Reserve in the eastern corner of Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools National Park, Tembo Plains Camp is a conservation success story.

Starting my journey at Cape Town International Airport, the direct flight to Harare International Airport takes only 3 hours and 10 minutes on Airlink’s exquisite Embraer 190. Waiting on the tarmac, the stunning new sunbird livery comes into view, setting Airlink apart in both looks and exceptional service from other airlines. With generous legroom, no middle seat, and a choice of aisle or window seat, passengers are in for a treat with delicious on-board snacks and a choice of beverages.

A stay at any Great Plains property always coincides with great excitement as they really encompass the crème de la crème of lodges in Africa. Their foray into the Zimbabwean market came with careful consideration; to turn a former hunting concession into a conservation success story.

When Great Plains Conservation owner and CEO Dereck Joubert first laid eyes on the concession in 2016, he realized it is the prime spot for a luxury safari property. Hunting in the area was halted, but it was an arduous process to get the wildlife to become relaxed since they were subjected to individuals wanting to shoot them.

Since Great Plains Conservation has started managing the concession, the area is teeming with life and allows for amazing wildlife sightings.

As a Réserve-member and part of the enviable Relais & Châteaux portfolio,

Tembo Plains Camp was conceptualized with a nod to the history of the region, but not forgetting the luxury aspect Great Plains guests have become accustomed to. When Dereck and Beverly designed Tembo Plains, their love for canvas and exploring was incorporated into the interiors and the exteriors, thus a unique combination of tented magnificence and stone walls are fused to create a haven of tranquility. The semi-circular walls inside each tented suite isolate the bath and shower from the bedroom and indoor lounge areas, bringing an architectural reference to the Zimbabwe Ruins, which also continues along the back of each guest bedroom in a pack-stone wall design. “I didn’t want a completely ‘built room’”, Dereck tells me. “Hence the front of each suite offering uninterrupted views of the Zambezi River, flowing just meters away from the canvas ‘tented’ portion, while accentuating the luxury Zimbabwe safari experience.”

Arriving at Tembo Plains Camp, the entire team is standing outside of the communal lounge and dining area, welcoming me with singing and dancing. Camp manager Lloyd assists me off the safari vehicle, driven by professional guide Eliot and with pro guide Mbeks in the passenger seat. To my right, Lorna is waiting to cleanse my hands in what must have been vogue in the safari era of yesteryear – a lovely handwashing ritual done over a copper basin, using fragrant soap, and rinsing any lather off with tepid water in a brass jug.

Filled with anticipation to see my accommodation for the next 3 nights, camp manager Lindie accompanies me to Tented suite number 4, which is situated along a winding path where tree squirrels chase each other in a playful manner. I am immediately awestruck by the entrance to my suite – the impressive Zanzibarian wooden doors are in my favorite shade of turquoise, and instantly set the scene for what lies beyond this access point. With only four suites, as well as the incredibly special two-bedroom Zanji suite, guests are ensured of privacy and exclusivity when staying at Tembo Plains Camp. My large suite, consisting of a lounge, a bedroom, bathroom, outside shower, and deck with private plunge pool, is beautifully furnished in shades of browns, creams, and whites.

Taking a stroll back to the dining area to enjoy lunch while sitting at the far end of the polished teak table, chef Zamani introduces himself and chats about the meals he will be constructing during my stay at Tembo Plains Camp. With the Great Plains approach to fresh and healthy meals, each plate of food is a taste sensation and prepared with passion. Pamela fills up my glass with water and suggests that if I want to, I am welcome to join chef Zamani in the open-plan interactive kitchen, a great learning experience for those who want to refine their culinary skills. I decline and instead, take a look around the lounge area, where a selection of striking Beverly Joubert fine art photography in huge frames adorn the walls. After a delicious lunch, I pop in at the on-site boutique, where I purchase another item to add to my growing D&B Explorer Collection – the gorgeous Dannenberg print top. Looking chic on safari has never been this easy!

Activities are plentiful at Tembo Plains Camp and are tailormade to suit guests’ preferences. Whether you enjoy game drives through the vast Sapi reserve or prefer to take a boat cruise down the expanse of the Zambezi River, there is something for everyone. Opting for both choices on different days, a game drive is always a great prospect, especially when two professional guides are at hand to share information about wildlife, and fauna and flora. Seeing elephants up-close on land and swimming across the Zambezi, I am struck

How To Get There

Airlink is a privately-owned, independent premier regional airline offering the widest route network and connectivity to more than 45 destinations in 15 countries in Southern Africa. Experience More - https://www.flyairlink.com/profile/ airlink-profile

With more than 60 regional jetliners in the fleet, Airlink has been ranked as South Africa’s most punctual airline, based on its 97% average on-time performance year to date. This is a clear indication of their determination and commitment to remain synonymous with customer centricity, punctuality, service excellence and reliability.

Travelers can also enjoy the benefit of their intra-continental style business class service on select routes operating the magnificent Embraer E-190 / E-170 regional jets. Discover More - https://www.flyairlink.com/profile/ airlink-profile#businessclass

Airlink operates direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Harare, Zimbabwe. https://www.flyairlink.com/ destinations/flights-to-harare by the magnitude of these gentle giants. Encountering a small breeding herd where one of the babies cannot quite make it onto the bank of the river and the adults come to its rescue, resonates with the name of the lodge –Tembo means elephant in the local Swahili language. Drawing on the essence of these pachyderms for the camp’s atmosphere, Dereck validates that Tembo Plains Camp reflects more than just a place, but also speaks to the long and unique relationship humans have with elephants.

Book direct on www.flyairlink.com, the FlyAirlink app or your favorite Travel agent.