An elegant and intimate lodge located in a private concession between Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, Chem Chem Lodge offers spectacular views over a waterhole and plains with Lake Manyara in the distance. Combining European style with African influences, this owner-run lodge brings together earthy yet modern elements.

Perfectly situated at the heart of the northern Tanzania safari experience, Chem Chem is a great choice for an itinerary that also takes in Tanzania’s flagship destinations: the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Take the time to relax here after all those early-morning starts on safari and enjoy a soothing massage or treatment at the spa. The pace at Chem Chem Lodge echoes the Swahili saying, ‘Pole, pole‘, which means ‘slowly, slowly’. There is no rush here.

But no rush does not mean there is nothing to do – there is also plenty on offer at Chem Chem: go on a ‘slow safari’ or a guided walking tour of the private concession, observe thousands of flamingos and other water birds on the lake in season, or take a private guided 4×4 safari to Lake Manyara National Park. For an entirely different perspective, take a hot-air balloon safari and float over the mesmerising landscape of the Great Rift Valley. Children will enjoy learning traditional Maasai spear-throwing techniques, decorating safari-themed biscuits and playing soccer at a local community school (do consider packing soccer balls and stationery for the pupils).

Earthy, sophisticated and totally private, the eight canvas, wood and stone rooms are splendidly simple with brass fans, linen sheets and vintage writing desks adding the perfect finishing touches. Not just a bed in a tent, you also get a dressing room, reading corner and private patio with chaise long for the ultimate ‘Out of Africa’ moment. And the delights don’t stop when it comes to the bathrooms, with indoor and outdoor showers and egg-shaped baths to sink into at the end of the day. Other amenities include air-con, coffee stations and a minibar.

There are eight tented suites at Chem Chem, one of which is a family suite comprising two tents connected by a wooden bridge (the overall maximum capacity is two adults and three children). While no two tents are the same, all include a double bed, seating area, writing desk, ensuite bathroom, private balcony and slumber sala. The staggered roofing, open sides and polished concrete flooring of each combine to a create a look at once vintage and chic, and everything here – antique seating, reclaimed wood furnishings, simple rugs, stressed throws – is carefully considered. The design is employed to give the impression that there is no real line separating indoors from out, giving a feel that is pleasantly enclosed yet at the same time airy and expansive.

The kitchen, freshly trained annually by a visiting Michelin star chef, knows exactly what it’s about, and the cuisine – French, European, classic – is as beautifully presented as it is delicious. The service is exemplary, too, and don’t forget to sample the well-stocked and adventurous wine cellar.

Activities at Chem Chem are, quite simply, unforgettable. How about exploring the private concession on foot, venturing into Tarangire or Lake Manyara in open 4 x 4s, walking with the Maasai or discovering the conservation work Nicolas & Fabia are actively involved in? Then, when you think it’s all over, how about a helicopter or balloon flight over the rolling savannah and a private champagne dinner for two… This is romance, adventure and a classic African safari all rolled into one wonderfully original ball.

• Scenic Helicopter Excursions: Feel the thrill as the vast African wilderness opens up before you on a scenic helicopter excursion. Explore otherwise unreachable destinations and see the region’s greatest sights from above — from the Ngorongoro Crater to the flocks of flamingos in the lakes. For more information, please enquire with our reservations team..
• Kids on Safari: From fun games to bush skills, we offer plenty of activities to entertain little ones on safari. The activities depend on the property and include guided walks, interactive cooking, marshmallow-toasting, animal tracking, beading lessons with the Maasai and safari-themed baking.
• Hot air Balloon Rides: Rise with the dawn and glide over the tops of acacias and ancient baobabs as the sun climbs the sky. Witness the region’s abundant wildlife wandering the landscape below before ending the experience with a rustic bush breakfast. For more information, please enquire with our reservations team.
• Lake Manyara Flamingoes: At times, flamingos flock to the shores of Lake Manyara, blanketing the waters in a sea of pink. When they are at the lake, guests can pull on a pair of rubber boots and wade into the waters to see them up close. This experience is included in your stay.
• Private Game Drives: Your private guide and vehicle are primed to whisk you off on game drives into the heart of Chem Chem’s exclusive-use protected wildlife area at a moment’s notice. Explore the wilderness at your own pace, enjoying the abundant wildlife that roams the area. This experience is included in your stay.
• Maasai Blessing Ceremony: Our Maasai blessing ceremony unites guests in a traditional Maasai ‘celebration of togetherness’. This moving ceremony typically involves guests dressing in traditional clothing and is led by Maasai elders who perform ancestral prayers and songs. For more information, please enquire with our reservations team.
• Power Walk: Re-energise yourself with a brisk 6-10km walk through Chem Chem’s exclusive-use protected wildlife area, accompanied by a Maasai warrior. This experience is included in your stay.
• Bush Dinner: Swap the lodge setting for an intimate lantern-lit dinner in the bush. Here, you’ll swap stories around the campfire before tucking into a special multi-course feast cooked. This experience is for a maximum of 8 people. For more information, please enquire with our reservations team.
• Ngorongoro Crater visit: Take a trip to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its diverse habitats and lakes. The park sits within the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera and is home to a plethora of wildlife. Only available to guests staying 4+ nights. Please enquire with our reservations team.
• Nature walk with the Maasai: Gain unparalleled insight into the wilderness from those who know it best — the Maasai. As you walk, tap into your Maasai guide’s wealth of knowledge to learn more about the landscape and its flora and fauna. This experience is included in your stay.
• Bush Breakfast: Gather for a bush breakfast immersed in the wilderness. Enjoy a steaming hot drink and take your seat at the table, where a hot breakfast cooked on-site by our team of chefs awaits. This experience is included in your stay.
• Maasai Celebration: Our Maasai blessing ceremony unites guests in a traditional Maasai ‘celebration of togetherness’. This moving ceremony typically involves guests dressing in traditional clothing and is led by Maasai elders who perform ancestral prayers and songs. For more information, please enquire with our reservations team.
• Sundowners on the shores of Lake Manyara: Take a moment to reminisce about your time in Tanzanian as you sit and watch the sun paint the sky shades of pinks and oranges as it sinks behind the escarpment. This experience is included in your stay.
• Roar & Restore Spa: Unwind in the serenity of the African wilderness and surrender yourself to the deft hands of our expert therapists and slip into a state of sheer relaxation as you indulge in our range of restorative spa treatments.