About Chem Chem
Chem Chem, means 'spring' in Swahili, stands between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park ...
... in its own 40km² wildlife concession – the Bungi Wildlife Management Area – with beautiful views of the Rift Valley's western escarpment. This luxury tented lodge aims to be a stylish spot for travellers to enjoy the nature around the lodge, or use as a base to visit its two nearby parks.
Chem Chem is a peaceful, laid-back and decidedly stylish lodge, with very friendly service and great food. It’s not a lodge for hardcore safari enthusiasts, who are likely to prefer somewhere inside Tarangire or Lake Manyara, or those looking for a budget offering. However, it is very well suited to those who want to relax and enjoy the lodge's natural surroundings, and take advantage of the activities on the private concession.
Our view
Chem Chem is a peaceful, laid-back and decidedly stylish lodge, with very friendly service and great food. It’s not a lodge for hardcore safari enthusiasts, who are likely to prefer somewhere inside Tarangire or Lake Manyara, or those looking for a budget offering. However, it is very well suited to those who want to relax and enjoy the lodge's natural surroundings, and take advantage of the activities on the private concession.
Tanzania expert
Accommodation
8 tented rooms
Children
Best for 12+
Open
June to March
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Chem Chem
2 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 44 pictures and 2 videos of Chem Chem to get the candid view.
View galleryChem Chem: Our full report
Chem Chem, means 'spring' in Swahili, stands between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park ...
... in its own 40km² wildlife concession – the Bungi Wildlife Management Area – with beautiful views of the Rift Valley's western escarpment. This luxury tented lodge aims to be a stylish spot for travellers to enjoy the nature around the lodge, or use as a base to visit its two nearby parks.
Chem Chem has been tastefully designed in what they call 'contemporary vintage' style. The central area consists of a spacious open-plan structure of wood, stone and thatch that looks over the plains to the escarpment beyond. It's a peaceful spot to sit and read, with half an eye out for passing game in the distance. Expect chunky tree-trunk tables, leather sofas, sumptuous armchairs, telescopes, coffee-table books, and some beautiful black-and-white wildlife photos on the walls. The main lounge area looks over a sunken campfire surrounded by cushioned benches, where guests can enjoy a pre-dinner drink. The focal point of the open-sided dining area is a beautiful long table carved from a tree trunk, flanked by several smaller tables.
Situated a few minutes walk away from the main area, a number of sunloungers, some shaded under billowing fabrics, surround the pool, where there's always someone on hand to take any drink orders. There is a gym as well with a good variety of equipment.
There is also an excellent spa at Chem Chem which is run by a full-time therapist, and provides a range of treatments including massages, body scrubs, manicures and pedicures. It is possible for these to take place in the guest tents as well.
Chem Chem's eight tented rooms (one of which is a family tent) are identical in size and design. Positioned to try and maximise privacy, all enjoy similar views over the plains. Each tent is raised on a stone base, which helps to keep it cool and has two private outside areas: a stone veranda at the front with a table, chairs and sunlouger, and a wooden decked area to the side, where you'll find a low cushioned daybed which is a great place to unwind.
Inside, each tent is very comfortable, with the same natural and earthy feel as the main area. The spacious bedroom area has either a double or twin beds, skirted by wooden bedside tables, with lights. There's a large chest at the foot of the bed, a writing desk, and – behind the bed – an area to store luggage. Steps lead down to a stone en-suite bathroom which incorporates a wardrobe as well as twin sinks, a toilet, and a stand-alone bath, with a glass door leading to an outdoor shower. Soft towels, bathrobes and Molton Brown toiletries are added luxury touches.
Most guests stay at Chem Chem with their own private driver guide, who will conduct their safari activities in the national parks. Activities within the concession, which is not subject to national parks' rules, include walking, night drives and off-road driving. Within the concession you'll find good numbers of giraffe, impala and zebra, as well as lesser kudu, cheetah, leopard, and over 200 species of birds. The occasional elephant and lion are also spotted here.
However if you're looking to do lots of safari activities focussing on the wildlife then you may be better off staying at Chem Chem's sibling - Little Chem Chem. It's a luxurious and intimate tented camp with a greater emphasis on game drives and bush walks. Although Chem Chem offers the same activities as Little Chem Chem the primary focus here is relaxation. It offers a more sedate safari experience more suited for those who have longer on safari and want to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings with very few other people.
On our last visit to Chem Chem we did not get a chance to do any activities however on a previous stay, we enjoyed a lovely afternoon bush walk out to the shores of Lake Manyara, and a night drive too. Other activities include a Maasai-guided sunrise run, and walks to learn about the use of local medicinal and herbal plants. The walking here is gentle and fun, with a chance to learn some local Maasai skills, as well as keeping an eye out for passing game. It is also possible to book Chem Chem as part of a 'game package' where all of these activities are included in the price.
Geographics
- Location
- Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay two nights here as a base to explore Tarangire and Lake Manyara or more to take advantage of the activities on the concession too.
- Directions
- Chem Chem is about 130km from Arusha: about 2 hours' drive. It is located between Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks. It’s about 40 minutes’ drive to Tarangire’s main gate; 90 minutes’ drive to Lake Manyara’s north gate two hours’ drive to Lake Manyara’s south gate.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Dining times at Chem Chem are very flexible, so guests can have lunch and dinner to fit in with their activities. The lodge takes a lot of pride in its food and regularly invites well-known and experienced chefs to work with and train their staff. In fact, the food was one of the highlights of our stay: fresh, light and healthy, imaginatively produced, and with portions of a perfect size.
Breakfast was the simplest meal, with a small buffet selection of cereal, fruit, meat and cheese, home made pastries, smoothies and the option of freshly cooked eggs and bacon.
Lunch was a light three-course meal – with a Tanzanian salad to start, followed by a choice of two quiches (either vegetable or Lorraine) and a mango sorbet to finish.
Dinner is served at individual tables in a variety of locations around the lodge, so is quite a private experience. The three-course menu incorporates two choices of both starters and mains. We could choose between iced cucumber soup or tomato carpaccio with avocado to start, followed by a chicken with leek and cream dish, or a vegetable curry, rounded off by spiced apple samosa with vanilla cream.
It was all delicious. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes – there are phones in the rooms so light snacks and drinks can be ordered to the room.
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included at Chem Chem apart from premium wines, champagne and spirits.
Special interests
- Luxury
- Providing a wealth of comfort and style, Chem Chem strikes a balance between a wilderness escape and a luxurious African sanctuary. Enjoy private picnics in the middle of the bush and delicious candle-lit dinners serving gourmet fusion cuisine.
- See ideas for Luxury in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The camp welcomes mature children over the age of 4.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Age 4 and over.
- Special activities & services
- The staff are happy to teach children how to track animals, make fire, bows and arrows and throw spears.
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- The variety of activities on offer within the concession – such as walks, night drives and the ability to learn a little about the Maasai culture, as well as the proximity to Tarangire and Manyara, mean that this is a good option for families with children who are likely to get restless sat in a vehicle all day.
- Notes
- Chem Chem is in the middle of the bush and wild animals do stroll through the camp so children need to be kept under supervision at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Chem Chem
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Chem Chem have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is power 24 hours a day and it is possible to charge batteries in the rooms from 06:00-08:00 and 18:30-22:00.
- Communications
- WiFi is available in the central areas at Chem Chem, and there is good cellphone reception here.
- TV & radio
- No
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- There is running hot and cold water for washing with and bottled water is provided for drinking.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Chem Chem has a basic first-aid kit on site and the staff are trained in first-. For more serious matters the hospital in Arusha is about 1½ hours' drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- A team of askaris patrols the grounds of Chem Chem 24/7.
- Fire safety
- Chem Chem has a fire evacuation procedure, and there are fire extinguishers in each room.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service - Included
- Money
- There are safes in each of the rooms.
The lodge doesn't have the facilities to change large amounts of money. - Accepted payment on location
- Visa and MasterCard are accepted without a surcharge. You can also pay in British pounds, US dollars, euros and Tanzanian shillings.
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Chem Chem's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Chem Chem.
Excursions from Chem Chem
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Chem Chem. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Lake Manyara Safari
Half-day or full-day
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park makes a great safari destination. Here, along with elephant herds and plains game, you’ll find jungle-like forests that are home to blue monkeys, a soda lake tinged pink by flamingos and some of Tanzania’s best birding.
More about Lake Manyara Safari
Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
Usually one hour
Experience the forest of Lake Manyara National Park from a whole new perspective – high up in the trees. The first suspended walkway in Tanzania, it stretches underneath the canopy for 370m between the mahogany and fig trees, giving intrepid visitors a unique view of the surrounding flora and fauna.
More about Manyara Treetop WalkOther lodges in Tarangire National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
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Little Oliver's
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Swala Camp
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Tarangire Treetops
Tarangire Treetops is a lovely, high-quality lodge on the outskirts of Tarangire National Park, offering game drives, night drives and safari walks.
Olkeri Camp
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Nimali Tarangire
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Forest Chem Chem
Located in the Chem Chem Concession and close to Tarangire National Park, Forest Chem Chem is a high-quality tented camp which is booked on an exclusive basis.
Little Chem Chem
Little Chem Chem is a stylish option near Tarangire National Park, offering real relaxation combined with a variety of safari activities.
When to go to Tarangire National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Chem Chem in Tarangire National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Tarangire National Park in January
January marks the start of the short dry season. The Tarangire River becomes a crucial water source, attracting diverse wildlife. Elephants, buffaloes, and zebras congregate around the river and swamps. The iconic baobab trees stand out against the landscape, providing food and shelter for animals. Birdwatching is excellent as resident birds display breeding plumage and migrant species are present.
The Silale and Gurusi swamps teem with hippos and crocodiles. While the southern areas of the park may still be wet, the northern regions offer great game viewing. The Matete Woodlands provide opportunities to spot leopards and rare fringe-eared oryx antelopes. January can offer great value for visitors, with quieter park conditions and variable weather.
- Variable weather, dry or rainy periods
- Good for birding, many migrant species present
- Elephant herds gather near Tarangire River
- Lush landscapes ideal for photography
- Quieter after early January rush
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Tarangire National Park in February
February in Tarangire National Park is one of the hottest months, with temperatures reaching around 33°C/91°F. The short dry season continues, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing. The Tarangire River and surrounding swamps become focal points for animal activity. Large herds of elephants, numbering over 3,000, are a major attraction.
The north offers impressive vegetation and birdlife, including large flocks of red-billed quelea birds and various raptors. Birdwatchers will enjoy the park's 550+ species, with northern hemisphere migrants joining resident birds. February is lovely for ballooning, offering unique aerial views of the park's diverse landscapes and wildlife during the cooler morning hours.
- Hot and dry weather prevails
- Large elephant herds visible near water sources
- Excellent time for game drives and safaris
- Baobab trees stand out in dry landscape
- Park less crowded, better wildlife viewing
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Tarangire National Park in March
As March arrives in Tarangire, the long rains begin, transforming the landscape. This is an important time for the park's famous baobab trees, which store water in their trunks. While game viewing becomes more challenging due to dispersing wildlife, it's an excellent time for photography as the scenery turns lush and green.
The Tarangire ecosystem, including granitic ridges and river valleys, offers stunning views of the Great Rift Valley. Birdwatching remains rewarding, especially in the swampy floodplains and woodlands. March remains challenging for guided walking safaris, as the vegetation is high and thick.
- Hot with increasing humidity before rains
- Wildlife viewing varies as rains approach
- Quiet park with lower visitor numbers
- Migratory birds still present in good numbers
- Balloon safaris offer stunning aerial views
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Tarangire National Park in April
April is the wettest month in Tarangire, with an average of 250mm of rain. The park's landscape is at its lushest, with flowering plants attracting insects and smaller animals. While big game viewing is more challenging due to dense vegetation, it's an excellent time for photographers to capture the vibrant scenery. The Tarangire River and swamps swell, creating picturesque scenes.
Birdwatching remains exceptional, with over 550 species present in the park. Visitor numbers are low, providing a more intimate safari experience.
- Heavy rains with impressive thunderstorms
- Some camps closed due to weather conditions
- Lowest rates and very few other tourists
- Lush green landscape, but wildlife dispersed
- Birdwatching excellent for resident species
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Tarangire National Park in May
As May progresses in Tarangire, the long rains begin to taper off. The park's diverse habitats, from woodlands to savannahs, are lush and green. While wildlife viewing can still be challenging due to high grass, patient observers may spot leopards in the Matete Woodlands. The swamps, including Silale and Gurusi, are full of water, attracting numerous bird species.
May is an excellent time for photography, with dramatic skies and verdant landscapes. The Tarangire ecosystem is at its most vibrant, showcasing the park's stunning biodiversity. Visitor numbers remain low, offering peaceful game drives. Cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities provide insights into local traditions and lifestyles.
- Rains continue, creating dramatic skies
- Quiet time to visit, avoiding crowds
- Park lush and green with high grass
- Wildlife more dispersed, fewer sightings
- Affordable rates for budget-conscious visitors
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in May
Tarangire National Park in June
June marks the beginning of the dry season in Tarangire. As the landscape starts to dry, wildlife begins to congregate around permanent water sources. The famous Tarangire River becomes a hub of animal activity, attracting diverse species. Elephant herds become more visible as they move towards reliable water supplies.
June is an excellent time for birdwatching, with over 550 species present in the park. The Lemiyon Triangle in the north offers impressive vegetation and birdlife. As the grass starts to shorten, game viewing improves, especially along the Birungi Circuit. June is lovely for balloon safaris, providing breathtaking views of the awakening landscape and wildlife below.
- Weather transitions from wet to dry
- Wildlife starts concentrating near water
- Park still green with some high grasses
- Visitor numbers increasing gradually
- Good value with shoulder season prices
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Tarangire National Park in July
July is a prime month for wildlife viewing in Tarangire. As the dry season progresses, large herds of elephants, buffaloes and zebras gather around the Tarangire River and swamps. The park's famous baobab trees stand out against the increasingly arid landscape. Game drives along the Birungi Circuit offer excellent opportunities to spot lesser kudu and massive elands.
Birdwatching remains rewarding, especially around the park's swamps and woodlands. The Matete Woodlands provide good chances to see leopards and rare fringe-eared oryx antelopes. July is perfect for photography, with clear skies and animals congregating at water sources. Guided nature walks provide intimate encounters with the park's flora and fauna. Sundowner game drives offer magical experiences as the African sun sets over the savannah.
- Dry season begins, excellent wildlife viewing
- Large elephant herds visible near river
- Popular time with higher visitor numbers
- Peak prices due to optimal conditions
- Guided walks offer intimate wildlife experiences
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Tarangire National Park in August
August in Tarangire offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. The dry season is in full swing, concentrating animals around the Tarangire River and remaining water sources. Large elephant herds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, are a common sight. The park's swamps, including Silale and Gurusi, attract diverse wildlife.
Birdwatching is excellent, with many species gathering around water bodies. The iconic baobab trees provide a striking backdrop for photography. August is ideal for balloon safaris, offering panoramic views of the park's diverse landscapes and wildlife. Guided nature walks provide intimate encounters with the park's flora and fauna. Cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities offer insights into traditional lifestyles.
- Dry conditions, animals gather at water sources
- Excellent general wildlife viewing
- Busy season with higher visitor numbers
- Swamps attract diverse wildlife species
- Night drives reveal nocturnal animals
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Tarangire National Park in September
September is an excellent month to visit Tarangire. As the dry season peaks, wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources, particularly the Tarangire River. Large herds of elephants, wildebeests, and zebras offer spectacular viewing opportunities. The Matete Woodlands and Birungi Circuit provide chances to spot predators like leopards. Birdwatching remains rewarding, with over 550 species in the park.
The landscape, dotted with iconic baobab trees, offers stunning photographic opportunities. September is ideal for guided walking safaris, allowing visitors to explore the park's ecosystem up close. Balloon safaris provide breathtaking aerial views of the parched landscape and congregating wildlife.
- Fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities
- Parks becoming very dry, animals congregate
- Slightly quieter than peak August period
- Baobab trees in full leaf, great for photos
- Higher chances of seeing large predators
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Tarangire National Park in October
October in Tarangire marks the end of the dry season, offering some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities. The Tarangire River and surrounding swamps become crucial for survival, attracting large concentrations of animals. Elephant herds are particularly impressive during this time. The park's famous baobab trees stand out against the parched landscape. Birdwatching is excellent, with many species congregating around remaining water sources.
October is ideal for photography, with clear skies and abundant wildlife. Balloon safaris provide stunning aerial views of the park's varied landscapes and wildlife. As the month progresses, there's a chance of early rains, bringing new life to the park.
- Mostly dry with comfortable temperatures
- Excellent game viewing around water sources
- Lower visitor numbers than earlier months
- Balloon safaris offer breathtaking views
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Tarangire National Park in November
November in Tarangire sees the start of the short rains, transforming the landscape. The famous baobab trees begin to flower, creating a lush backdrop. Wildlife starts to disperse as water becomes more widely available, but game viewing remains good. The Tarangire River and swamps continue to attract diverse species. November is excellent for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive, joining the park's 550+ resident species.
As the vegetation greens, photography opportunities abound. Guided nature walks provide insights into the park's changing ecosystem. Cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities offer unique experiences. November can offer great value with shoulder season rates and fewer visitors.
- Variable weather, chance of rain increasing
- Parks quieter, prices more affordable
- Wildlife disperses as rains begin
- Migratory birds start arriving in the park
- Green season begins, landscape transforms
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Tarangire National Park in December
December in Tarangire brings a mix of wet and dry conditions. The short rains continue, rejuvenating the landscape. The famous baobab trees are in full leaf, providing shade and food for wildlife. While animals are more dispersed than in the dry season, game viewing remains rewarding. The Tarangire River and swamps continue to attract diverse species.
December is excellent for birdwatching, with migratory birds present alongside resident species. Balloon safaris provide stunning views of the greening landscape. Cultural visits to nearby communities offer insights into local holiday traditions. Despite being a popular time for visitors, especially during the festive season, December can still offer peaceful safari experiences in less-visited areas of the park.
- Variable weather, mix of dry and rainy days
- Good game viewing in Tarangire River area
- Quiet early month, busy during holidays
- Prices vary from low to peak holiday rates
- Lush landscapes after early rains
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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