Recently recognised as one of the “Best Resorts in the World” in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, Chem Chem Lodge is a refined sanctuary enveloped within 20,000ha of Tanzanian wilderness. Set amid an oasis of palm and acacia trees, the lodge gazes out over a busy watering hole, wildlife-filled plains, and Lake Manyara in the distance.
Designed to coexist seamlessly with its wild surroundings, the lodge marries understated luxury with modern comforts while incorporating rich colours, textures, and textiles inspired by nature. Here, a sense of space and seclusion takes precedence, with each of the 8 tented suites — including 1 family configuration — separated by at least 80m.
Guided by our pioneering ‘Slow Safari’ ethos, the Chem Chem experience invites you to connect with nature at your own pace — free from constraints and schedules. With your every comfort catered to, you can spend your days enjoying the array of wellbeing-centric activities and facilities on offer, indulging in gourmet dining, and toasting the spectacular sunsets from the shores of Lake Manyara.
With a private guide and vehicle included in every booking, there’s ample opportunity to explore the abundant wildlife and birdlife within our exclusive-use protected wildlife area.
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.
This is your cocoon:
- King size bed or two single beds with mosquito nets
- Luxury bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower
- Dressing room
- Reading corner
- Dressing gown
- Signature toiletries
- In room safe
- Yoga mats
- Hairdryer
- Telephone
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.
- Two tents: main tent and children's annex
- King-size bed and two single beds, with mosquito nets
- Luxury bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower per tent
- Dressing rooms
- Reading corners
- Dressing gown s
- Signature toiletries
- In room safes
- Yoga mats
- Hairdryer
- Telephone
24-hour Security, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Gym, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Spa
Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Sala, Shower, Verandah
Credit Card, Foreign Exchange
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
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.
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.
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 enjoy an authentic experience sharing stories and learning about the Maasai - you'll meet Chief Choroko and some of his wives: Sindani, Seeki, Nebulu and Nemburis. Guests are also invited to visit the Barabaig village and gain a truly authentic glimpse their world, a vivid and transformative experience for any visitor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.