On the eastern edge of Lake Manyara lies a place of unending loveliness. Here is Chem Chem Lodge, ‘the sunset camp’, luxurious without being lavish. You arrive and immediately feel an affinity with the space, the silence, the serenity. You feel the echoes of a vintage safari lodge as urban stresses melt away. Nowhere does The Lodge impose, but rather blends in with the unfenced wilderness that stretches on all sides. This exclusive retreat rests on the far western border of a exclusive wildlife concession which forms part of the Burunge Wildlife Management Area that runs between Lake Manyara and wildlife-rich Tarangire National Park.
The spacious eight tent-style suites (100 m²) offer ultra-luxurious accommodation under the immense African skies. Natural textures and surfaces such as wood, canvas, cotton and lava rock convey a sense of merging with your surrounds. Fall asleep in the softest bedlinen to the distant laugh of a hyena, the click of crickets, a nightjar’s call. Awake to the sounds of the wilderness stretching and yawning.
Immerse yourself in all that is on offer. Your privacy is ensured with the nearest neighbour at least 80m away. This is your cocoon:
Soak yourself in a luxury bath or invigorate the senses with an outdoor shower.
Relax in the reading corner.
Stretch and meditate on a yoga mat on your private patio.
Drift away in a soft breeze on the day bed.
Sip coffee on the wooden sala, exclusive to each room.
Family groups are catered for with a full suite connected by a small wooden bridge to a vintage-style tented room (50 m²) with its own indoor shower. It can sleep up to three children and two adults.
The days are long, languid. Times passes gently with the constant, slow movement of animals. You look up from your book and gaze at a zebra grazing in front of you. A few pages later some graceful giraffe drift to the watering hole. Your suite invites an unhurried experience. Immersed in your surroundings all you have to do is look and listen as it unfolds in front of you.
Everything at The Lodge is designed for an intimate experience with nature:
The eight sumptuous tent-style suites, each with views across a dry salt pan, perfect for unrestricted game sightings.
The Lodge’s central space which reflects the elegant shape of a flamingo with wings spread for landing. One wing is home to the gourmet dining area and an outside fire pit. The other hosts a fully-stocked bar, lounge, fireplace and well-stocked library.
A viewing deck offers vistas that stretch forever over the East African wilderness.
A watering hole in front of the lodge ebbs and flows with wildlife day and night.
A secluded pool among the acacia and palm trees gives cool relief from the afternoon heat.
The Amani Spa is the ultimate in relaxation therapies.
A gym with a view – no better way to keep fit than while game-watching.
Family time is sacred and should be protected and respected.
At Chem Chem, we understand the importance of creating special moments to discover, explore and connect. Through safari experiences, hands-on conservation and community involvement; we provide the environment for families to spend valuable and life enriching time together.
Children aged 6 years and over are welcome at Chem Chem Lodge. Lodge Suites accommodate 1 child sharing with parents.
The Family Suite has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and can accommodate up to 3 children (under 16) and 2 adults.
If the Lodge is hired exclusively, children of all ages are welcome.
All children must be accompanied by parents/guardians on all safari activities.
Our grasslands are bursting with life. The nourishing watering holes and expansive salt pans are a haven for wildlife at Chem Chem Lodge. The home of the Slow Safari, explore the area on foot with your dedicated local guide. The watering holes in front of the Lodge mean there is a constant ebb and flow of wildlife on your doorstep. No need to drive, just step outside the comfort of your tented suite and discover herds of giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and antelope as well as families of vervet monkeys and warthogs. Abundant in birdlife, spend time with flocks of flamingos during the rains and enjoy the sounds of birdsong throughout the year.
Accommodation
Chem Chem Lodge - Bath with a view
The en-suite bathrooms feature a double vanity with Molton Brown toiletries, an indoor bath and outdoor shower.
Accommodation
Chem Chem Lodge - Double vanity
The en-suite bathrooms feature a double vanity with Molton Brown toiletries, an indoor bath and outdoor shower.
Accommodation
Chem Chem Lodge - Giraffe passing by
Chem Chem Lodge's luxury tented suites are positioned far apart for maximum privacy and seclusion, with wildlife passing slowly by.
Accommodation
Chem Chem Lodge - Luxury tented suite
A spacious tented suite with endless views and secluded privacy among the palm and acacia trees.
Accommodation
Chem Chem Lodge - Luxury tented suite
Each 100 m² tent-style suite offers ultra-luxurious accommodation under the immense African skies. Natural textures and surfaces such as wood, canvas,
cotton and lava rock convey a sense of merging with your surrounds.
Accommodation
Chem Chem Lodge - Outside shower
Private, yet open. Enjoy the freedom that comes with having an outdoor shower.
Accommodation
Chem Chem Lodge - Romantic light
Lamps provide a soft glow while evening sets in.
Accommodation
Chem Chem Lodge - The children's annex
The Chem Chem Lodge Family Suite has an adjoining annex tent with twin beds for children.
Accommodation
Chem Chem Lodge - View from your suite
Each 100 m² tent-style suite offers ultra-luxurious accommodation under the immense African skies. Natural textures and surfaces such as wood, canvas,
cotton and lava rock convey a sense of merging with your surrounds.
Accommodation
Chem Chem Lodge - View into the Family Unit Annex
The Chem Chem Lodge Family Unit has an adjoining annex tent with twin beds for children.
Accommodation
Chem Chem Lodge - Vintage desk
The elegant furnishings at Chem Chem Lodge are in tune with the tangible, sensual experience one has while on a Chem Chem Safari.
Accommodation
Chem Chem Lodge - wildebeest grazing
Guests have a privileged view of wildebeest grazing right in front of their private tented suite.
Family
All weather fun
A young boy enjoys the green season at Chem Chem Lodge.
Family
Bush school
There's no end to the number of things you can learn while on safari.
Family
Bush skills
Traditional methods of making fire - an incredible sense of accomplishment to do it successfully for the first time!
Family
Interesting finds
Something as simple as a flamingo feather is fun to explore when you're a kid.
Family
LAUGHTER WITH FAMILY
Enjoy a few drinks and laughs with family and friends over a magnificent African sunset. There is no better place to share this experience with loved ones.
Family
Safari teacher
In keeping with age-old traditions, safari guides are able to pass down their knowledge to the younger generation, keeping the love of Africa alive
all over the world.
Family
Soccer with the community
The playing field is levelled and everyone enjoys a game of soccer (football) together.
Facility
Chem Chem Lodge - Elegant furnishings
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Chem Chem Lodge - Entrance
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Chem Chem Lodge - Entrance inside
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Chem Chem Lodge - Fire pit
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Chem Chem Lodge - Fitness center
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Chem Chem Lodge - Gym equipment
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Chem Chem Lodge - Library
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Chem Chem Lodge - Lounge
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Chem Chem Lodge - Main area
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Chem Chem Lodge - Poolside relaxation
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Chem Chem Lodge - Poolside service
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Chem Chem Lodge - Poolside visitor
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Chem Chem Lodge - Private dining
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Chem Chem Lodge - Raised walkways
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Chem Chem Lodge - Soft evening light
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Chem Chem Lodge - Spa
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Chem Chem Lodge - Splash
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Chem Chem Lodge - View from the lounge
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Chem Chem Lodge - View from the pool
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Chem Chem Lodge - View of the lodge
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Chem Chem Lodge - Welcome
Experience
Cultural Tours
Expand your cultural horizons and meet Choroko, Maasai chief, and some of his wives; Sindani, Seeki, Nebulu and Nemburis. Enjoy an authentic experience
sharing stories and learning about the Maasai culture.
Experience
Day Trips to Lake Manyara National Park
After an early breakfast, you will journey to Lake Manyara National Park through far-flung villages, and on arrival, explore the park and enjoy a picnic
lunch. The excursion takes eight hours.
Experience
Bush Breakfast
Wake up with the birds and set out for an invigorating morning walk. Hear the bush come alive as the sun warms up the earth and its furred and feathered
creatures. Afterwards, settle down at the foot of a 3000-year-old baobab and enjoy a well-earned full English breakfast.
Experience
Chem Chem Lodge Private Dining
Dine in a different location each night. From where to have dinner to whom you share it with, the choice is yours. The evening can be as private as you
like or more convivial with other guests. Feel the whisper of the evening breeze as you eat beneath the stars. If you imagine, it we can do it.
Experience
Day Trips to Tarangire National Park
Explore the game-rich environment of the breath-taking Tarangire National Park from the comfort of an open 4x4. Choose either a full- or half-day excursion
which includes a picnic breakfast or lunch at a private site. Expect vast elephant herds and huge baobabs.
Experience
Family Safari
Chem Chem welcomes children from 6 years old at the Lodge and Forest Chem Chem and 8 years old at Little Chem Chem. They will create unforgettable memories
by learning bush skills from Maasai warriors: how to make a fire, use a bow and arrow, throw a spear. A visit to local schools and villages will expose
them to different cultures. Children can build a recyclable soccer ball, follow wildlife tracks and decorate safari-themed cupcakes.
Experience
Flamingos on Lake Manyara
The sight of thousands of rose-coloured flamingos at sunrise is a matchless, magnificent sight. Their presence cannot be guaranteed, but if they arrive,
this is a must-do. Wade slowly towards them in rubber boots or watch from the shore in a safari vehicle with a coffee and snacks.
Experience
Helicopter Flips
Feel the thrill of skimming above this vast East African wilderness with its incredible landscape. A selection of flights can be booked: view flamingos
from the air; discover the awesome Ngorongoro Crater from above; access Chem Chem by chopper or depart on one to your next destination.
Experience
Hot Air Ballooning
Up before dawn for this one… Glide over the tops of ancient baobab trees as the sun rises, glinting off elephant herds, antelope, zebra, lion. Watch
in silence as the world wakes up below you and savour sights never seen before. Enjoy a rustic bush-breakfast after the hour-long flight.
Experience
Lakeside Sundowners
Relax on the tranquil shores of Lake Manyara with a drink in hand after the day’s excitement of exploring the bush. Gather your thoughts as you watch the
sun set, the first stars appear and the birds come home to roost.
Experience
Maasai Choir
Music is one of the powerful ways the Maasai share their stories. Listen to a choir weave the tapestry of their lives through song.
Experience
Massage Therapy
Let your senses slip into sheer relaxation mode with our small but sumptuous range of indulgent body massages. Drift away into a slumber as you are gently
pampered in serene surrounds. And you can get yourself back into top-to-toe shape with a manicure or pedicure.
Experience
Running with the Maasai
The elegance of a Maasai warrior running across the plains is legendary. Join one of them for an unforgettable outdoor fitness experience.
Experience
Safari Weddings
It doesn’t get more romantic than this: an unforgettable wedding ceremony on the shores of Lake Manyara at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment. Chem
Chem Lodge offers privacy and beauty for that most intimate celebration. Married already? Renew your vows in a private ceremony that will enhance the
moment.
Experience
School Trips
Visit one of the schools supported by the Chem Chem Association. Join in an impromptu soccer game with the children, share African songs and dance with
them. You can even teach a math, geography or English lesson. Learn from them as they learn from you.
Experience
Walk with the Maasai
Discover the wilderness through the eyes of those who have lived it and breathed it for centuries: the Maasai. A warrior will walk with you and a field
guide – a rare opportunity to learn how this local population has survived by living in harmony with wild animals for hundreds of years.
Wildlife
A journey
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Calmly grazing
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Carefully drinking
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Flamingo flight
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Giraffe siesta
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Giraffes on the plains
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Kudu pair
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Majestic creatures
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Ostrich father
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Passing by
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Pelicans
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Slow safari
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Stripes in line
Wildlife
Taking a drink
Wildlife
Vervet monkeys
Wildlife
Warthog moments
