On the Tembo Explorer Safari, “going big” isn’t just a catchy phrase — it’s the spirit of this 15-day journey through Tanzania and Kenya. Named for tembo, the Swahili word for elephant, this safari was designed to immerse travelers in the scale and wonder of East Africa.
From elephant herds and the Big Five to sweeping savannas and rare conservation encounters — including the last northern white rhinos on Earth — each day reveals something extraordinary about the landscapes and wildlife that define this region.
But what truly sets the Tembo Explorer apart is its structure: the journey begins and ends in private nature conservancies, offering a level of seclusion and intimacy you simply won’t find on a standard park circuit.
Here are three reasons why the Tembo Explorer belongs at the top of your bucket list.
BIG Wildlife:
Majestic Elephants & the Big Five
Elephants are the inspiration for this itinerary. From the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and Ol Pejeta Conservancy, you’ll see these giants at every stage of life — from curious calves getting bottle-fed to massive tuskers striding across the horizon.
And let’s not forget Simba! The Serengeti is home to one of the densest lion populations in Africa. Haven’t spotted the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater? No problem — there are plenty of other destinations on this safari where you can complete your sightings. (Keep reading for a one-in-a-lifetime rhino experience.)
BIG Conservation Moments:
Rare Access, Rare Species
Your safari begins in the Eastern Serengeti, where you can explore on foot with your guide, step outside your tent to watch wildlife gather at the camp’s waterhole, and learn about local Maasai traditions and how tourism is supporting education, health care and women’s empowerment in the surrounding communities. Responsible tourism has had a major impact on both wildlife protection and community success — you can truly feel the impact.
At Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a 90,000-acre model of conservation success, you’ll come face-to-face with Najin and Fatu — the last two Northern White Rhinos on Earth. A mother and daughter under 24-hour armed protection since 2009, they are the final link of a species. Standing just yards away is a humbling, unforgettable reminder of why these lands — and the conservation work here — are vital. You’ll hear their story firsthand and witness the cutting-edge science striving to save their subspecies.
The journey concludes in the remote wilderness of the Namunyak Community Conservancy, home to the groundbreaking Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. As one of the few travelers able to visit Reteti — the first community-owned elephant sanctuary in Africa — you’ll witness conservation in action.
Here, you’ll see orphaned baby elephants up close, learn about their rescue and rehabilitation, and meet the Samburu keepers who care for them. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with some of Africa’s most vulnerable — and endearing — wildlife.
These aren’t just safari highlights — they’re meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
BIG Immersion:
Camps in the Heart of the Action
Your accommodations are designed to bring you close to the wild without giving up comfort.
In Tanzania, you’ll stay in Thomson-exclusive Nyumba tents—spacious, beautifully appointed tents that feel like boutique hotel rooms set in the heart of the savanna. Expect comfortable beds with crisp linens, en suite bathrooms, and all the western comforts, along with a deck right outside your tent where wildlife often passes by. Your safari begins the moment you wake up, with no long travel needed to experience the wild.
In Kenya, you’ll stay in eco-friendly camps set in spectacular, wildlife-rich landscapes. Rhino Camp offers exclusive access to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, with stylish en-suite tents, private verandas, and warm, attentive service. At Reteti House, you’ll enjoy spacious standalone rooms built from natural materials, each with a private veranda, along with a central lounge and infinity pool overlooking the rugged hills and open savanna.
Accommodations at Reteti House
Throughout the Tembo Explorer Safari, each camp is thoughtfully placed so you can experience the sights and sounds of Africa from sunrise to sunset.
Why the Tembo Explorer is the Ultimate African Safari
The Tembo Explorer isn’t just a safari—it’s a collection of BIG experiences: colossal wildlife, vast landscapes, rare conservation encounters, and immersive moments that few ever witness.
By blending adventure, education, and exclusivity, this itinerary offers a deeper connection to East Africa—and memories that will last a lifetime.