History behind the elephants at Tembe Elephant National Park,

efforts to save and protect African elephant herds in KwaZulu-Natal.

Although established in 1983, this nationally and internationally significant game reserve was only officially opened to the public on 9 September 1991. The park was proclaimed to protect the last remaining herds of free-ranging elephant herds in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. These elephants once moved seasonally between Mozambique and Maputaland, where they were frequently poached for their tusks, meat and ivory. In recent years they have sought refuge in the dense sand forest to escape continuous harassment across the border.

baby elephants: efforts to save and protect the African elephants in KwaZulu-Natal

Tembe Elephant National Park Home - about Tembe Elephant Park and Safari Lodge

Direct Booking with the camp organizers

Accommodation atTembe Elephant National Park
Accommodation is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

General Enquiries for questions not yet covered in this website

Travel Agents enquiries

Rates - standard tariffs for Tembe Elephant National Park Rates -
Standard tariffs 2002 - 2004

Special Rates for off-season and honeymoon couples
Special Rates -
for off-season and honeymoon couples

How to get to Tembe Elephant National Park - transfers, car hire and road map
How to get there
Transfers, car hire and road map

Conference Facilities -
modern, fully equipped for up to 20 delegates

Malaria precautions - not applicable, insect repellent recommended

Many of the elephants bear the old wounds and scars of attempts by poachers to either trap or shoot them. The opening of the reserve to the public was delayed in order to allow these animals to settle down and become used to their new-found protection.

KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Service
http://www.rhino.org.za

Maputaland Tourism
http://www.maputaland.co.za

Corporate Member :
Wildlife and Environment Society of SA
http://www.wildlifesociety.org.za/

A significant event in the planning and development of this reserve by the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Services was that an agreement was reached with the local Tembe tribal authority whereby people living in parts of the Sihangwane area, now incorporated within the boundaries of the park, would move out and establish new homesteads and fields nearby.

In exchange, they would be permitted regular entry to prescribed areas in the reserve to harvest reeds and other materials for hut building and other purposes. This utilisation of natural resources extends to the locals receiving a percentage of the revenue earned through tourism and the game park has also provided employment for some of them.

	Subscribe to Tembe News Stand in line to win fabulous prizes of free accommodation by joining "The Friends of the Tembe Elephants Club"! You will also get a regular email newsletter about latest specials at the lodge, exciting new bird and game sightings, and what’s happening in general at the Tembe Elephant National Park! Your email address