Tembe Elephant Reserve is situated in the KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on the border with Mozambique. The reserve was established in 1983 to conserve the last free-roaming Elephant population in this area. Traditionally, the Elephants migrated northward into Mozambique, but due to pressure put on the population by poachers, the Elephants resorted to spending most of their time in the dense sand forest areas that have now become part of the Tembe Elephant Reserve. Now conserved, the population has begun to expand and tourists can now visit this area and enjoy this unique environment. The camera is located at Mahlesela Pan on the nearby hide. It is one of the central watering holes on the reserve and is well used by the animals that inhabit this area. Tembe Elephant Reserve is home to a wide variety of animals, including the Big Five (Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Leopard). Foremost are the Elephants, said to be the largest Elephants in Africa, weighing in at 6 tons (13 000 pounds). The population of around 150 individuals also boasts an impressive number of "Big Tuskers" that are regularly seen on the camera. There are lots of other species, including Nyala, Kudu, Impala, and Warthogs that are regularly seen on the camera.
When to view: From a game viewing perspective, animals are around throughout the year with peak viewing over the winter months from around May to October. There are the usual suspects during the day. You can catch the sunrise or sunset “rush” before waiting for the night time sightings, when some of the rare animals make an appearance. Tembe has Elephants at the water hole all year round and from March-October one can see as many as 50 to 60 Elephants a day coming down to drink. In the summer months September-February it is not unusual to see as many as 25 Elephants visiting the waterhole a day.
Contact : +262 692 74 02 90 eric@wildtours.fr
Head office: 27 Ch. R. Mondon - 97432 - St Pierre - France