Chem Chem Lodge
Vilima Vitatu Between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park Tanzania
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#4 of 16 lodges in Tarangire National Park
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Chem Chem is, in essence, a love story of open spaces, big skies and a shared dream. Enveloped within 20 000 hectares (55 000 acres) of raw, untainted African bush lies the Chem Chem - Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA), with secluded, elegant tent-style accommodation at three locations: Chem Chem Lodge, Little Chem Chem and Forest Chem Chem. Each is designed to evoke the spirit, luxury and intimacy of a vintage safari experience. Situated within a luscious palm-island on the western edge of the WMA is 5-star accommodation consisting of an opulent main house and eight secluded tent-style suites. Each suite, (100m2), has been created from a combination of canvas, lava-stones and wood, and are set a minimum of 80 metres apart to ensure complete privacy and feature indoor/outdoor showers, reading corners, dressing rooms, private patios and expansive views. 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 fire place, the other wing offers a bar, lounge, fire place and fully stocked library. The Lodge also boasts a viewing deck with awe-inspiring views over Lake Manyara. Outside, discover the gym or the pool hidden in the trees while the Chem Chem Spa offers a new meaning to utter relaxation.
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Property amenities
Wifi
Pool
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
Spa
Concierge
Gift shop
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Complimentary welcome drink
Snack bar
Mosquito net
Butler service
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Bathrobes
Desk
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Private balcony
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Complimentary toiletries
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Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
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HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Swahili
Location
Vilima Vitatu Between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park Tanzania
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We booked Chem Chem via Planet Africa Safaris and what an amazing choice this was! The staff was so welcoming and caring - a special thank you to Holiness for everything! but also to the rest of the team; the setting of the lodge with the waterhole right in front and the rooms decorated with so much attention to detail; and the game, of course! compared to others, you can watch from much closer because this is a private concession and we had the chance to have Henry as our driver and he was really really amazing, so knowledgeable, so careful as well in coming close to the animals but not disturbing them and taking the time to simply watch - „slow safari „ he called it. Thank you Henry ! I loved it , I felt this place had some type of special magic.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
We had a wonderful time at Chem Chem . The main areas of the Lodge and our tent/cabin was beautifully rustic and very comfortable. The watering hole outside is the focal point because the animals come to drink water all day long!! You can watch a variety of animals from any dining or seating area. My cabin was on the path to this watering hole so I also got to see the parade of animals going to and from the watering hole … from my bed!! The food was delicious !! Alfred was very attentive to our every need. I mentioned to him that I was allergic to dairy products and he provided special menus just for me!! Alex and Mercy were available to us at all times. I asked them to arrange for a Birthday desert surprise for my Husband ,Scott. The staff, including the Chef, came out with a Beautiful Cake and sang Happy Birthday to him. Jamal and Gabriel took care of our room and laundry very well. Our outstanding Guides, Whitman, Elie (Eliequam ?), and the Masai Guide, Soluqui (?), took us to see the animals … the highlight of my trip !! They are very knowledgeable and answered our questions in great detail. I especially enjoyed seeing a bachelor herd of maybe 30 Male elephants all together at the watering hole and I also enjoyed our Breakfast in Bush at the Baobab Tree!! Asanti Sana!! …
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
Loved this place. Alex, Mercy and the team provide exceptional service. The lodge is clean and modern, and the food is great. Our nightly waiter, Peter, was so terrific and quickly learned our family’s food preferences. The menu was delicious & creative as well - curries, grilled veggies, meat dishes Our guide Nenga, was both knowledgeable about the park and wildlife, intrepid and so flexible to take our family out based upon our schedules. We were able to easily see lions, giraffes, elephants, you name it. Our Maasai guide, Saruni, was so kind to both our kids. We had a lovely visit to the Maasai village too. Housekeeping was excellent - they do laundry for you so you can pack really light. The wash came back in a day. The team cares about doing a great job and it shows. Highly recommend. Gym and pool are clean and lovely. Would suggest staying 3-4 days. If you stay the 4th day, head to Tarangire for a change of pace.…
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from ChemChem Safari, General Manager at Chem Chem Lodge
Responded 03 Sept 2023
Dear RoamingMenehune Thank you for your wonderful review of your days at Chem Chem. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed our menu, facilities and appreciated the team! They will be delighted to see this feedback. We are glad that you felt so well taken care of, as that is what we strive for with all of our guests at Chem Chem. We hope to welcome you back again one day. Warm regards The Chem Chem Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at Chem Chem Lodge during our honeymoon and were blown away--the people, the food, the accommodations, and the wildlife were incredible. Although we were up early and busy on safari, it was probably one of the most relaxing vacations we've ever taken because, once you're there, you don't have to really make any decisions, which was like a spa trip for our brains. We totally slowed down in a way we typically don't on trips where we want to pack as much in; instead, we connected with nature, took our time with the animals, and learned a lot about the land and culture. Our guide, Baraka, was incredibly knowledgeable and kind. We truly enjoyed getting to know him and taking advantage of his expertise. Throughout the stay, George and his team made sure we felt cared for and special--from how they orchestrate your stay so that you feel like the only people there to the special sundowner touches that made each day feel magical, we felt like both family and celebrities. Asante sana, Chem Chem team! We hope to see again :) …
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from ChemChem Safari, General Manager at Chem Chem Lodge
Responded 03 Sept 2023
Dear 681kristig Thank you for you for taking the time to write about your honeymoon with us. We are so glad to hear that you were able to embrace our Slow Safari ethos and truly connect with nature on this special trip! It sounds like you had a truly memorable time with us, and we strive for such feedback always. We look forward to welcoming you back to Chem Chem one day. Warm Salaams The Chem Chem team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had the most incredible time at Chem Chem Lodge! It was the first of three camps we stayed at on our safari honeymoon and ended up being our favorite. We loved the understated luxury with amazing food and drinks, incredible views and wildlife, and the best people. Our guide, Chris, was incredibly knowledgable and showed us the best time. We learned so much from him and loved getting to know him and our butler, Alfred, who also took amazing care of us. Our cups were never empty and our bellies always full! We felt like we were the only guests despite the camp being full. From complimentary massages to 1,000 rose petals at lakeside sundowners, the team made us feel so special. All the behind-the-scenes work the staff was doing to make our trip flawless did not go unnoticed and we greatly appreciated it! Highly recommend Chem Chem Lodge for the most magical and luxurious safari experience!…
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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Service
Room Tip: Ask for Chris (guide) and Alfred (butler)
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from ChemChem Safari, General Manager at Chem Chem Lodge
Responded 03 Sept 2023
Dear O9884YVcarolined Thank you for your wonderful review of Chem Chem. We are delighted to hear that your honeymoon on safari with us was a success! Thank you for choosing us to celebrate and mark this special occasion in your life. We hope to welcome you back one day to Chem Chem. Warm Regards The Chem Chem Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I was initially a little skeptical about staying in a concession vs. a lodge in a park (e.g. nearby Tarangire), but Chem Chem is a really special place and "slow safari" is a welcomed philosophy after five days of non-stop action and movement. The food here is exceptional Special thanks to our guide Majuto -- extremely knowledgeable and talented with a real passion for wildlife --- and butler Hollyness, who was thoughtful and extremely kind.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from ChemChem Safari, General Manager at Chem Chem Lodge
Responded 03 Sept 2023
Dear E7092YBJamesh Thank you for your kind words on your stay at Chem Chem. We are happy to hear that you were able to experience our Slow Safari ethos; something that we wish for all of our guests! Warn Salaams The Chem Chem Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ndphillips wrote a review Jun 2023
Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom24 contributions10 helpful votes
+1
Chem Chem Lodge is, quite simply, the most incredible place that we have ever stayed - and we have been very privileged to have stayed in some incredible places over the last 25 years. What makes it incredible is not just its location (which is extraordinary), or its quality and style (which is one of understated but sublime luxury) - but its quite extraordinary staff and service. We have never, ever before encountered such wonderful service - delivered with a genuine smile, with an unerring desire to ensure that no stone is left unturned in order to guarantee that a guest is happy). During our (admittedly brief) stay, there were several standout individuals who deserve special mention: Baraka (our safari guide) was possessed of extraordinary gifts - bottomless expert knowledge of the terrain, the animals, the flora, and the culture; unqualified willingness to help, advise and accommodate; and an incredible ability to put everyone at their ease. Within two days, he felt like an old friend who could be trusted at every measure. Alfred (our butler) was better than anything that Batman could conjure - he was unendingly helpful, calm, courteous, flexible, and brimming with a desire to assist; every request was met with immediate and efficient service, and all with a wonderful, friendly attitude that made us feel at home within seconds of arriving. Nelson (Alfred’s trainee) is plainly treading in Alfred’s footsteps and will make a wonderful “front of house” asset to the Lodge. Shemimu and Anna (spa therapists) were a delight - so helpful, friendly and professional, delivering the best massages that we have ever experienced. Suleiman (the head housekeeper) - whose smile and friendliness were matched only by the cleanliness of our room and the speed of his response to any request regarding the room. Raposhi and Sokoine (the Maasai guides) - who were charming, helpful, full of information, and politely patient with our local ignorance. George, Mercy and the management team - who saw to our overall experience and helped to accommodate our flight time changes without even drawing breath. Beyond the wonderful staff (who are the soul and beating heart of the Lodge), the location, style, food and amenities are out of this world - it is hard to believe that somewhere so stunning could be crafted by human hands. In short, Chem Chem is somewhere where, if your budget can stretch to it, is well worth any sacrifice. It is a wonderful curative for a stressful life - a stunning haven of tranquility, natural beauty, verve, and the very best of boundless human spirit. An inspiration that is worthy of inclusion in any list of places to stay in Tanzania (or anywhere).…
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from ChemChem Safari, General Manager at Chem Chem Lodge
Responded 03 Sept 2023
Dear ndphillips Thank you very much for this wonderful review of your time with us at Chem Chem. We are overjoyed to hear that Chem Chem Lodge was such a special experience for you. The team will be very happy to see this, as this is the type of lifestyle we try and curate for our guests time at Chem Chem. We are blessed to have a fantastic team who love taking care of guests from all over the world, as well as being custodians of our unique wilderness area that we protect. Thank you again for sharing this with us, we look forward to welcoming you back to Chem Chem one day. Warm Salaams The Chem Chem team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The camp is definitely high end and accommodations are very well done as is the dining experience. Food was high end and well prepared as well, and thankfully portions were "right-sized". I was quite disappointed that despite letting them know well ahead of time, my pescatarian options were limited (no fish served at all). And while we love their ethos and mission, we didn't feel they lived up to it. We really wanted to do more walking activities and were told we couldn't do them, even though it's how they advertise (and I understand being in the bush is all about flexibility). They also didn't allow us to sit and watch as much as we wanted to, nor did they have guidance/conversations about what we could do - they kept telling us "you tell us what you want to do" - but we don't know the area. All other camps had much better communication about things like that and listened and worked with us to accommodate what we wanted to do. The people were also very nice, but it did't feel genuine like at some of the other camps - that said, our server, Emanuel was great and we very much appreciated him. Overall we were somewhat disappointed with our visit here, especially as we had a number of other camps to compare to. This is one we would not visit again, but if you do visit - be sure to ask them to take you to the Tiringire National Park - well worth the visit there.…
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Go to Tiringire National Park
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
+1
You can not put in words how amazing this place is. From the arrival we were treated as a part of chem chem family. Team working there couldn’t do more. Each meal was carefully planned starting from ambiance to actual meal. Great time during safari. Definitely recommend.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from ChemChem Safari, General Manager at Chem Chem Lodge
Responded 06 May 2023
Dear Monica19752 Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience with us at Chem Chem. We are humbled and flattered that our team had such an impact on your stay. We will make sure to pass this on to the team, as this will truly make their day. Warm Salaams The Chem Chem Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent four wonderful days in Chem Chem. The safaris with the Land Cruiser or by walking were well organized and fascinating. The guides did their best to let us see the wildlife, spotting a leopard 300 m. far away on a tree. Great souvenir with the the drinks at sea shore with the sundown. We have excellent food and wines in a different room every day. Thanks to the whole team, from reception to cooking, all guides and Massai. I learn a lot, enjoy the stay and discoter a great place which I strongly recommend.
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Date of stay: October 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from ChemChem Safari, General Manager at Chem Chem Lodge
Responded 06 May 2023
Dear Domique-alain Thank you for your kind words. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your stay, and pleased you were able to have a wonderful Leopard sighting! Sundowners are our favourite time of the day, so we are glad it was a memorable experience for you. Warm Regards The Chem Chem Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
TanzaniaArusha RegionTarangire National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chem Chem Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Chem Chem Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Chem Chem Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Chem Chem Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and locker rooms available in the fitness centre during their stay.
Does Chem Chem Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Chem Chem Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Chem Chem Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Swahili.