Chem Chem Lodge
Enveloped within 20 000 hectares (55 000 acres) of raw, untainted African bush lies the Chem Chem - Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA), with secluded, elegant tent-style accommodation at three locations: Chem Chem Lodge, Little Chem Chem and Forest Chem Chem. Each is designed to evoke the spirit, luxury and intimacy of a vintage safari experience.
Nowhere does Chem Chem Lodge impose, but rather blends in with the unfenced wilderness that stretches on all sides. The permanent structure of Chem Chem’s main Lodge reflects the form of a flamingo with its wings spread wide for landing. One wing holds the full-service gourmet restaurant and an outside fire place, the other wing offers a bar, lounge, fire place and fully stocked library. The Lodge also boasts a viewing deck with awe-inspiring views over Lake Manyara. Outside, discover the gym or the pool hidden in the trees while the Chem Chem Spa offers a new meaning to utter relaxation.
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.
Luxury Tented Suites (7 rooms)
The 7 spacious, 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.
Immerse yourself in all that is on offer. Your privacy is ensured with the nearest neighbour at least 80m away. 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.
Family Tent: Main Tent and Children's Annex (1 room)
The family unit is made up of two tented bedroom suites. 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. Connected by a wooden bridge, there is one tent with the main bedroom area and the second annex tent has two single beds for children.
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.
Day trips to Little Chem & Tarangire National Park
Explore the game-rich environment of the breathtaking Tarangire National Park from the comfort of an open 4x4. Guests of Chem Chem Lodge are welcome to explore the Little Chem Chem Concession for morning or afternoon drives.
To visit Tarangire, 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.
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.
School Trips & Cultural Tours
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.
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.
Walk or run 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.
Family Safaris
Chem Chem welcomes children from 4 years old. 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.
Chem Chem 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.
Flamingos on Lake Manyara
The sight of thousands of rose-coloured flamingoes 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.
Massage Therapies
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.
Hill climb at sunrise
There is a serene beauty to a landscape at dawn. Climb the hills between the Chem Chem Lodge & Little/Forest Chem Chem with your guide to gaze across the vastness of the land we work to protect whille the sun blesses a new day in Africa.
Hot Air Ballooning
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 savor sights never seen before. Enjoy a rustic bush-breakfast after the hour-long flight.
Wedding Ceremonies
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.
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