Situated in Northern Zululand, and adjoining the Mozambique border, Tembe National Elephant Park is most widely known for having over 200 of the world's largest Elephants, which are also the last remaining indigenous herd in KwaZulu-Natal. Tembe is also home to a rich diversity of other wildlife - including the "Big 5" (Lion, Leopard, Black and White Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant), Hippo and various antelope species, from the majestic Giraffe which stand at 5 metres tall, down to one of the smallest antelope in Africa - the Suni, at only 35 centimetres high! Tembe's beautiful sand forest stretching through most of the Reserve hosts over 340 bird species, making it a delight for bird lovers.
The area now known as Tembe Elephant Park is real wild country. The land was historically owned by the Tembe tribe, the ancestral custodians of the area. Nkosi (Chief) Mzimba Tembe donated the land for the formation of this Game Reserve, and it is now 50% co-owned and managed by the Tembe tribe, while its precious bio-diversity is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife; the KwaZulu-Natal conservation service.
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