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Lemala Safaris: honey badger crossing golden hills
Thatched main lodge building at Kambi ya Tembo approached along a dirt path through acacia scrub

Ridge collection · Arusha and Kilimanjaro

Kambi ya Tembo

Elephant country beneath Kilimanjaro, at a tented camp on private land

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Collection
Ridge · Mid-range to upper mid-range
Destination
Arusha and Kilimanjaro
Area
West Kilimanjaro
Style
Tented camp
Best months
Jan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

About Kambi ya Tembo

Kambi ya Tembo means elephant camp in Swahili, and the name fits. Set on private land in West Kilimanjaro, the camp is known for the resident elephant herds that move through the area, with the great mountain rising behind. It is a quieter, more personal corner of northern Tanzania than the main parks.

The camp's character shows in its photographs. A thatched main building is reached along a dirt path through acacia scrub, and the open-sided dining and lounge area has a sand floor and safari-style furniture. On the viewpoint deck, canvas director's chairs face the West Kilimanjaro plains, an easy spot for coffee and a long look.

At night the sky fills with stars over the silhouette of Kilimanjaro. It is a simple, atmospheric way to spend a night or two, and it pairs naturally with a Kilimanjaro climb, a cultural visit or the start of a northern safari. As ever with wildlife, sightings cannot be promised, but the setting is superb.

  • Resident elephant herds in the surrounding private land
  • Views of Kilimanjaro across the West Kilimanjaro plains
  • Open-sided thatched dining and lounge area with sand floor
  • Viewpoint deck with canvas director's chairs
  • Star-filled night skies over the mountain silhouette
  • Tented camp feel in a quiet corner of northern Tanzania

Setting

The camp occupies private land at the foot of Kilimanjaro, in the dry, open country of West Kilimanjaro. Acacia scrub and wide plains surround the buildings, with the mountain dominating the horizon when the cloud allows. Elephants are the signature animal here, along with other plains species that typically share the area. The air is dry and the nights can be cool.

Rooms and tents

Guests stay in tents, in classic safari style, with the camp's thatched main building as the social heart. Expect canvas, simple furnishings and a close connection to the outdoors, rather than hotel-style finishes. Power and hot water arrangements vary between tented camps, so ask us to confirm the details for your dates and preferred tent type.

Dining

Meals are taken in the open-sided thatched dining area, with its sand floor and safari-style furniture giving a relaxed, bush atmosphere. Expect hearty camp cooking suited to a remote setting, and evenings under the stars. Ask us to share dietary requirements ahead of time so the team can plan, and to confirm what meals and drinks are included.

Things to do from here

  • Guided walks on the private land around the camp
  • Watching elephants from the viewpoint deck
  • Game drives on the West Kilimanjaro plains
  • Stargazing with Kilimanjaro silhouetted at night
  • Cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities, arranged by Lemala

When to stay

West Kilimanjaro is drier than the forested slopes, and the clearest mountain views usually come in the dry months from June to October and again in January to March. The long rains typically fall from March to May, with short rains in November and December. Cooler mornings and evenings are common at the foot of the mountain, so bring layers.

Good to know

  • Elephants move freely through the area, so follow your guide's advice when walking around camp, especially at night.
  • Limited power and connectivity are typical at tented camps. Ask us what to expect before you travel.
  • Mountain views depend on cloud, and Kilimanjaro is often clearest early and late in the day.
  • Transfers are arranged by Lemala, who also confirm activities and child policies.

Gallery

Inside Kambi ya Tembo

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