Chem Chem Lodge
Chem Chem Lodge Is An Upmarket Lodge Located In A Privately Managed Concession On The Edge Of Lake Manyara.
Chem Chem Lodge is a privately owned and managed property providing luxurious accommodation with a strong conservation ethos at its heart. Located in the 20,000 hectare Burunge Wildlife Management Area, Chem Chem was born out of a desire to restore the wilderness area that links Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks – something which has been achieved with gradual success. Whilst the wildlife on this side of the concession is increasingly healthy, Chem Chem Lodge is not for those who want to focus on game drives and wildlife viewing. The owners like to market Chem Chem Lodge as the home of the ‘slow safari’ and here you’ll find beautifully stylish accommodation, excellent food and hospitality, and a range of activities that allow you to connect with the wilderness and engage with the local Maasai. The views of Lake Manyara are stunning and sundowners on the lake shore are a highlight!
Rooms
The lodge offers luxurious accommodation for around 18 guests in eight oversized canvas and stone suites (including one family unit) which are built on to concrete plinths. The bedroom area includes twin or double beds with mosquito net, a writing desk, armchair and standing fans, air conditioning, hairdryer, fridge, coffee machine and yoga mat. Two small steps take you down to a dressing area with wardrobes and through to a bathroom with twin basins, a toilet, and indoor and outdoor showers with views over the bush. To the fore of the room is a private verandah with two comfortable chairs, and to the side is a small shaded deck with table and chairs for private dining. The family unit comprises two en suite tents of the same size linked by an open walkway, so this is more suitable for older children as you can’t walk between the tents at night time (it is possible for one child to sleep in the main bedroom with parents).
Central Areas
The central areas comprise a bar, lounge, library and dining room, all of which are open sided with views towards a small waterhole. There are two beautiful sunken seating areas with fireplace where guests gather for pre-dinner drinks. Dinner is taken individually, and in a different location every night. There is a swimming pool, gym and small spa offering a range of treatments.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming Pool – Yes
Habitat and Wildlife
Chem Chem Lodge is located in the Lake Manyara side of the 20,000 hectare Burunge Wildlife Management Area, a privately managed concession on the edge of Lake Manyara. Sister properties Little Chem Chem and Forest Chem Chem are situated in the Tarangire side of the concession which borders Tarangire National Park.
The Burunge Wildlife Management Area is part of the Kwakuchinja Corridor, a vital area for wildlife linking Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks. When Chem Chem first established itself, the land had suffered many years of poaching, over-grazing, deforestation and illegal settlements. Chem Chem began a journey of restoring the area through conservation and community empowerment and wildlife is slowing returning to the area, including healthy populations of elephant and giraffe.
Activities
For guests staying on an inclusive package, activities include morning and afternoon game drives in the Tarangire side of the concession, while a full day game drive into Tarangire National Park is also possible (extra park fees apply). Game drives are in open vehicles with a private guide and vehicle for each booking. However, the focus at Chem Chem Lodge is the ‘slow safari’ and interactive walks with a Maasai guide on the Chem Chem concession are offered, along with lake side sundowners and bush breakfasts. In terms of walking options, guests can choose from a nature walk (a traditional guided walk to learn about the smaller aspects of the bush), a restorative ‘silent walk’ (for those who want to practice some mindfulness and connect with the sounds of nature), or a power walk (a more invigorating walk with your Maasai guide, usually around 6-10kms). Cultural visits to the local village and/or school with the local Maasai are also included. A full day game drive into Lake Manyara can also be arranged at an extra cost (closed vehicle). In tune with the more relaxed pace of life your daily schedule will be very flexible and designed to suit your wishes (although some game viewing activities do have set timings).
Seasons
Chem Chem is open from mid-May through to the end of March each year. General game viewing is at its best between July and October, while the short rains between November and March create a lush green landscape, and this is when flamingos generally concentrate in higher numbers on Lake Manyara.
Children aged four years and over are welcome and standard suites accommodate one child sharing with parents, whilst the family suite accommodates up to three children and two adults (the family suite does not have bedrooms that internally connect). We feel that Chem Chem is better suited to those travelling with older children who would enjoy the range of walking and cultural activities available.
Chem Chem Association is a non-profit organisation which serves as the vehicle for wildlife protection and restoration and rural community upliftment in this crucial ecosystem. Conservation initiatives include the support of a joint anti-poaching team and the setting up of mobile anti-poaching camps that move through the protected wildlife area on foot and by vehicle to patrol and protect wildlife.
In 2023, the Chem Chem Association embarked on an ambitious African conservation project to establish the Joint Monitoring and Protection Centre (JMPC) in collaboration with the Tanzanian government. The first of its kind in Tanzania, the JMPC oversees all conservation activities within the Kwakuchinja Wildlife Corridor (Corridor), providing essential protection and monitoring capacity through its digital infrastructure. Its impact extends far beyond the Corridor’s boundaries, as the JMPC is set to serve as a hub for integrating and centralising all conservation data in Tanzania.
Chem Chem’s community empowerment projects aim to uplift communities through alternative income-generating pathways, education, and social initiatives — ultimately improving people’s lives and incentivising the conservation of wildlife. Within the local area the association supports several educational initiatives including upgrading local public school infrastructure, providing educational materials, donating a school bus and providing inspiring and engaging environmental education to students across 10 villages.
In partnership with Hand in Hand International and Hand in Hand Tanzania, the association provides entrepreneurial and financial training to community members across local villages, providing them with the tools they need to start and grow small businesses. The impact of this initiative includes the launch of 2,077 small businesses and the creation of over 3,000 jobs, which in turn increases income for the local communities by 30%.
Guests staying in any of Chem Chem’s lodges contribute to local community development and conservation initiatives through the nightly conservation and community fees. Guests can also choose to get directly involved by visiting the local school, take a guided village tour and learn more about the local culture and supportive work being done.
