Tena Tena

There are six luxury safari tents at Tena Tena, all which are private and exclusive, and offer perfect views over the sparkling Luangwa River. The tents are large and spacious, with a large king size bed placed in the centre of the room, covered in cosy bedding and crisp bed covers. The tent has khaki green walls and soft cream curtains which line the room, and create a space which feels calm and bright.

Natural light fills the room through floor to ceiling gauze windows which line 3 of the 4 walls of the tent, including opposite the bed, allowing guests to marvel at the sensational views from the comfort and warmth of the bed. A unique outdoor ensuite bathroom sits to the side of the tent, and is screened by large curving walls, which creates a private space which feels inspired by nature. Guests can unwind after a long day on their private verandah, gaze over the golden sunset sky and rolling grasslands.

A warm and welcoming dining/lounge/bar area is where guests can enjoy their meals. Sheltered from any bad weather but with open sides, this area includes comfortable sofas and a unique bar carved from a tree trunk. Meals are fresh and delicious, and can be catered for most dietary requirements. Meals can be enjoyed under the wide open sky by the Luangwa River, where guests can enjoy tasty food whilst immersing themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the Zambian bush. Unwind after dinner with a refreshing drink from the bar, seated on the curved outdoor sofa, and spend time taking in your captivating surroundings.

Adventure through the impressive South Luangwa National Park in the comfort of a 4×4 safari vehicle and keep your eye out for prides of lions, herds of elephants, or galloping antelopes. This is the perfect activity to see a multitude of interesting and native animals undisturbed and in their natural habitats. Choose to go out in the daytime or nighttime, either time of day offering unparalleled wildlife viewing.

With a friendly and knowledgeable guide, wander through the bush on foot and immerse yourself in the heart of nature. Whilst you may cover less ground than on a game drive you will be able to watch the smaller workings of the bush, and have animal tracks and micro-ecosystems pointed out and explained to you by your guide.

For guests who wish to find more about the local area in which they’re staying they can visit the local community. Visit the local Kawaza Village and spend time with the locals, learning about their way of life and visiting their schools including the Wildlife Education Centre, which educates local children and guests alike on the importance of conservation. Guests can make their way to the tribal textile workshop and see handcrafts at work, as well as being able to purchase a unique and authentic souvenir.

In August the seasonal hide opens and guests can make their way, prepped with a pair of binoculars, to the hide. This is ideally situated with a wonderful view over the Luangwa River and the resident hippo pod. Guests can also look out over the extending plains and see a variety of different animals all going about their daily business.

As well as making sure that ‘wildlife and their habitats are not disturbed’ by their operations, Robin Pope Safaris supports a variety of initiatives which all have the conservation and protection of nature at their core. For example, all the guides at Robin Pope Safari camps are trained ‘to the highest possible standards’ and have received professional qualifications. Robin Pope Safaris supports important anti-poaching activities of Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) to help protect the area and keep it clear of illegal poachers.

Another anti-poaching initiative they support is the ‘Zambezi Elephant Fund’ which works in partnership with local authorities and alliance partners ‘to maintain a strong anti-poaching presence.’ To help protect and preserve the wild dog population in Zambia, as well as the lion population and leopard populations, there are carnivore research programmes which are supported and conducted by Robin Pope Safaris.

To help aid them in their conservation efforts, Robin Pope Safaris understands the vital importance of education in their efforts. They aim to change ‘hearts and minds’ of the local communities, to create a more peaceful co-existence of humans and wildlife. To help aid conservation efforts Robin Pope Safaris ‘supports the conservation efforts of the Zambian, 3Malawian and Zimbabwean governments’ by paying levies which go towards conservation programmes such as ‘promoting the protection of fish species along Lake Malawi National Park and by assisting their operations with vehicles and resources when needed.’

Working in remote and rural areas, Robin Pope Safaris offers employment and opportunities for local people who otherwise may not have any employment. Not only do they provide employment for the local communities they also make many other positive impacts. The ‘Luangwa Safari Association Medical Fund’ was founded by Robin Pope Safaris which helps to provide healthcare for more than 20,000 people and ‘contributes to the upkeep of the government’s rural Kakumbi Health Centre.’ To help break the cycle of poverty, Robin Pope Safaris puts a large emphasis on providing and augmenting education of the local children.

To help support the local community, Robin Pope Safaris purchases ‘as many locally available supplies as possible to stimulate local trade.’ They also support local businesses by contracting local craftsmen to help build and refurbish their buildings and selling handcrafted goods in their gift shops. By supporting the local Kawaza village, the first ‘authentic cultural tourism enterprise’ has been set up. Robin Pope Safaris is the main supplier of their guests and trade with this village is positively encouraged as much as possible.

As well as employing members of local communities they ‘ensure high standard treatment, fair wages, and good working conditions as well as access to education and training.’ Promotions through the ranks are available, with training and support throughout the whole process. Staff are also encouraged to ‘further their education’ and employees are sponsored for the opportunity to ‘develop themselves to senior management levels.’

Robin Pope Safaris understands the importance of working in an environmentally friendly way in order to protect the environment, local wildlife and people in the areas which they operate. They take ‘proactive steps’ to ensure that this happens, including using green technologies in their camps, such as ‘solar energy systems, natural air-cooling and non-fired bricks’, they also promote the conservation of water and the recycling, re-use or responsible disposal of water.