Chem Chem Lodge

Chem Chem Concession, Tanzania

Overview

Deep in the Tanzanian wilderness, surrounded by 50,000-acres of palm-fringed plains, Chem Chem Lodge is one of East Africa’s most enchanting safari retreats. Situated on a private concession between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park, this peaceful oasis embodies the essence of slow safari.

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Key Features

  • Beautifully designed with eight tented suites, an open-air lounge, and spacious, contemporary interiors, the lodge offers privacy and serenity for a relaxing stay, featuring sweeping views of the surrounding plains and Lake Manyara.
  • Experience a slow safari in a 4x4 safari vehicle, on foot, or in the air via hot air balloon or helicopter with exceptional guides. Discover flamingos in Lake Manyara, over 400 species of birds, and a plethora of rare wildlife.
  • Enjoy exceptional dining, with exquisite lantern-lit dinners curated by a Michelin star chef, dining in ever-changing locations, from the base of a 3,000-year-old baobab tree to the lodge’s open-plan dining room.
  • Connect with the local Maasai community through immersive cultural experiences, learning about the lodge’s award-winning conservation efforts, from wildlife protection to women’s empowerment.

Location

Overlooking the magnificent Lake Manyara and an active watering hole, Chem Chem Lodge is a haven of wildlife, perfectly positioned for spectacular game viewing. The private Chem Chem concession is situated along the Kwakuchinja wildlife corridor, an ancient migration route that was once nearly destroyed due to poaching and habitat loss, however, it is now thriving with wildlife and lush vegetation. Rich with history, this land is an ancestral territory for the Maasai, one of Africa’s oldest tribes. Deeply rooted in a spiritual and ecological relationship with the land, the Maasai are heavily involved in its preservation in partnership with Chem Chem, and regularly invite guests of the lodge to visit their nearby communities. This beautifully diverse landscape is one of Africa’s most enchanting, culturally rich regions.

Design

Nestled into a treeline of coconut palms, the lodge has been thoughtfully designed around the watering hole, with open sides and exposed wooden beams, featuring panoramic views of Lake Manyara. Linked by raised wooden walkways and built from wood, canvas, and thatch, the lodge fuses natural materials and textures with earthy tones. Eight tented suites, tucked in amongst patches of acacia woodland for privacy, are stylish and spacious with king-sized beds, soft Arushan linens, elevated stone verandas, and al fresco showers. In the central lodge there is a lounge, library, dining area, and sunken fire pit, furnished with slouchy leather couches, vintage lamps, stone accent walls, and coffee tables carved from tree trunks. There is also a large pool, a well-equipped gym, and a restorative spa with space for wild yoga.

Activities

The safari experience at Chem Chem Lodge begins before you even leave your suite. Giraffes graze around the tents, zebras wander past the pool, and in the wet season the lake is tinged pink with thousands of flamingos. Explore the concession via 4x4 safari vehicle, on foot with expert guides, learning about indigenous flora and traditional plant medicines. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon, or soar over the majestic Ngorongoro Crater in a helicopter, exploring this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site from above. Visit Maasai communities for blessing ceremonies or guided nature walks, picnic beneath ancient baobab trees, or dine by lantern-light in the bush, tucking in to a selection of dishes annually curated by a Michelin star chef. Return to the lodge for sundowners around the fire pit, or unwind in the tranquil spa with massages, body scrubs, and essential oils.

Sustainability

With a slow safari ethos, the lodge connects every aspect of your stay to a deep appreciation for the landscape, local communities, and the broader Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem. Built from natural materials, powered by solar energy, and fitted with a gray-water recycling system, it has conservation measures in place to minimise its environmental footprint. Since 2009, the Chem Chem Association has been working to restore the Kwakuchinja wildlife corridor, and, following years of anti-poaching and habitat restoration efforts, elephants have finally returned to the area for the first time in four decades. Guests staying at the lodge are also invited to visit the neighbouring Maasai communities to learn about how the Association promotes land stewardship, supports education and healthcare, and empowers women.

Why we love it

After years of dedicated conservation action, Chem Chem has become a champion of undoing ecological damage and protecting one of the most biodiverse areas in East Africa. With its remote location, understated luxury, and close ties to local communities, Chem Chem Lodge offers a deeply enriching, restorative stay.

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