CHEM CHEM LODGE – BURUNGE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA – BETWEEN LAKE MANYARA AND TARANGIRE

Chem Chem Lodge lies on the eastern edge of Lake Manyara and is luxurious without being lavish. You arrive and immediately feel an affinity with the space, the silence, the serenity and the Lodge blends in with the unfenced wilderness that stretches on all sides. This exclusive retreat rests on the far western border of a private wildlife concession which forms part of the Burunge Wildlife Management Area running between Lake Manyara and wildlife rich Tarangire National Park.

The grasslands are bursting with life – watering holes and expansive salt pans are a haven for wildlife and you can explore the area on foot with your dedicated local guide. The watering holes in front of the Lodge mean there is a constant ebb and flow of wildlife – no need to drive, just step outside the comfort of your tented suite and watch herds of giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and antelope, families of vervet monkeys and warthogs.

LOCATION

The lodge is located on the eastern edge of Lake Manyara in a private wildlife concession forming part of the Burunge Wildlife Management area in northern Tanznaia.

CAMP

Chem Chem has just 8 spacious Luxury Tented Suites which offer private and luxurious accommodation with natural textures and surfaces such as wood, canvas, cotton and lava rock.  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 your luxurious suite – 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 and drift away in a soft breeze on the day bed.  Each room has either King size bed or two single beds with mosquito nets and a luxury ensuite bathroom with bath, outdoor shower and dressing room with gowns and signature toiletries, in room safe, yoga mats, hairdryer and telephone and a private wooden sala outside.

There is one Family Tented Suite which has a Main Tent and Children’s Annex.  The family unit is made up of two tented bedroom suites connected by a small wooden bridge and can sleep up to three children and two adults – one tent with the main bedroom area and the second annex tent has two single beds for children.

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 fireplace, the other wing offers a bar, lounge, fireplace and fully stocked library. The Lodge also has a viewing deck with stunning views over Lake Manyara. Outside there is a gym, a spa and a swimming pool hidden in amongst the trees.

ACTIVITIES

Day trips to Little Chem & Tarangire National Park – explore the game-rich environment of the Tarangire National Park from the comfort of an open 4×4.  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.

Lakeside Sundowners – relax on the tranquil shores of Lake Manyara with a drink in hand after the day’s excitement of exploring the bush.

Bush Breakfast – wake up with the birds and set out for an invigorating morning walk. Hear the bush come alive as the sun warms the earth and settle down at the foot of a 3000-year-old baobab and enjoy a well-earned full English breakfast.

School Trips and Cultural Tours – visit one of the schools supported by the Chem Chem Association.  Expand your cultural horizons and meet Choroko – a 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 – anopportunity 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. 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.

Flamingos on Lake Manyara – the sight of thousands of rose-coloured flamingos at sunrise is a 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.

Hill climb at sunrise – there is a serene beauty to a landscape at dawn. Climb the hills between the Chem Chem Lodge and Little/Forest Chem Chem with your guide.

Hot Air Ballooning – glide over the tops of ancient baobab trees as the sun rises, watch elephant herds, antelope, zebra, lion from a different perspective and enjoy a rustic bush-breakfast after the hour-long flight.

Wedding Ceremonies – 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. Or renew your vows in a private ceremony.

CHEM CHEM IS CLOSED FROM THE 1ST APRIL TO THE 14TH MAY EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND CHILDREN AGED 4 YEARS AND OVER ARE WELCOME AT CHEM CHEM LODGE. LODGE SUITES ACCOMMODATE 1 CHILD SHARING WITH PARENTS AND THE FAMILY SUITE HAS 2 BEDROOMS AND 2 BATHROOMS AND CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO 3 CHILDREN UNDER 16 AND 2 ADULTS.  IF THE LODGE IS HIRED EXCLUSIVELY CHILDREN OF ALL AGES ARE WELCOME. ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY PARENTS OR GUARDIANS ON ALL SAFARI ACTIVITIES