Tembe Elephant Park
Key Facts
Countries
South Africa
Area
300 km²
Management Model
Protected Area Co-management
Tembe Elephant Park lies within one of the world’s 36 Global Biodiversity Hotspots and forms the southern anchor of the ecological corridor linking South Africa and Mozambique. As part of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area, it connects sand forest, wetlands and coastal ecosystems.
In 2024, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the Tembe Traditional Authority, the Tembe Community Trust and Peace Parks signed a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding to explore a long-term co-management model for the park. The agreement lays the foundation for a collaborative approach that places government, traditional leadership and communities at the centre of the park’s long-term stewardship.
As planning progresses, Tembe has the potential to become a model for community-led conservation while strengthening ecological connectivity across the wider Lubombo landscape.
Focus Areas
Our focus areas below reflect some of the long-term work underway in Tembe Elephant Park.
Long-term Co-management
Developing an integrated co-management model that strengthens governance and management.
Ecological Connectivity
Strengthening Tembe’s role within the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area and improving cross-border wildlife movement.
Community Stewardship
Building strong partnerships with the Tembe community and recognising local custodianship of the landscape.
Biodiversity Conservation
Protecting ecological systems, cultural heritage and the exceptional biodiversity of the park. Â
Nature-based Tourism
Supporting sustainable tourism that delivers lasting benefits to the Tembe people.
Stories from Tembe
Conservation at this scale cannot be done alone.
Long-term conservation depends on partners prepared to invest in the future of these landscapes through funding, expertise, technology and long-term commitment.