Description
Opened in June 2011, Chem Chem Safari Lodge is perfectly situated in its own private concession, in an optimum position to explore both the Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. The views from the lodge are sweeping and spectacular; it overlooks the rift valley’s western escarpment and is in the “migration corridor” between the two parks – a fantastic location for some lovely game viewing.
The lodge offers full day game drives into the Tarangire National Park and into Lake Manyara National Park; birdwatching and walks are also a highlight. While some guests will arrive with their own private guide, the guiding at the lodge is of a very high standard – on one of our walks here in June 2012, we tracked giraffe on foot and were able to get incredibly close to these curious and gentle animals.
Accommodation at the lodge is comfortable and stylish – just eight tented rooms, set apart for privacy and each with beautiful views out over the plains in front of the camp. The tents have large private decks on which to relax between activities, and a bathroom with an enormous “egg-shaped” bath. There is also a family room which is perfect for families or for groups of friends travelling together.
For those lazy afternoons between game drives, Chem Chem also has a small bush spa offering massages, pedicures and manicures and other treatments – or just choose to relax by their pool on the comfortable sunloungers.
We were hugely impressed with Chem Chem when we visited – the service was excellent, efficient and friendly and the food was delicious – it’s within easy reach of two great parks and is the perfect place to start your Tanzanian sojourn.
Accommodation
With just eight luxurious tents carefully designed to complement the lush surroundings, each suite-style tented villa offers an elegant bedroom, reading room, full bathroom, outdoor shower and wooden deck area, perfect for evenings by firelight. Furnished in a contemporary vintage style, the interiors are classically chic, featuring dark woods, earthy colours and natural fibres. One of the tented rooms also has a second bedroom next to it separated by a short walkway - perfect for families.
Facilities
The discreet service is personalised and geared to your requirements, whether it be a romantic dinner for two in the bush or a relaxing massage under the shade of a baobab tree. Other facilities within the camp include a dining room serving gourmet fusion cuisine, lounge, library, sundeck, swimming pool and an excellent spa.
Activities
Chem Chem offers an unforgettable experience, exploring its private concession in an open 4×4 Safari Jeeps, on foot or on horseback accompanied by a highly sophisticated safari guide. Beautiful private picnics, sunset dinners and barbecues can be arranged on the shores of Lake Manyara or under a baobab tree.
When to travel
Tanzania is a large country, with a varied climate. Generally, the long rains run from March to May - the temperature is warm and the humidity is high. June to October is the long dry season, and the short rains are in November and December, much lighter than the long rains. January and February are again dry (the short dry season) so this is another good time to visit.
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Average time to visit
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Location and directions
Northern Tanzania
Chem Chem Tarangire lies between the immense savannas of Tarangire National Park and the bird-rich waters of Lake Manyara in its own 4000-hectare private land concession and lies in the “migration corridor” between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. This fantastic location is perfect for unforgettable walking safaris and bird watching excursions.
How to get there
8-hour 40-minute British Airways international flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi. From Nairobi it's then a 1-hour international flight to Arusha Airport. Chem Chem is a 2-hour 30-minute transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport or a 1-hour 30-minute transfer from Arusha.
