This superb lodge has a wealth of facilities and experiences at hand, and would make the perfect relaxing start to a safari. Like its sister property, Little Chem, Chem Chem is an owner-run project driven by passion.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Chem Chem is bordered by the Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks in a private 40km2 wildlife concession known as the Bungi Wildlife Management Area. This beautiful area is wooded with acacia and palm trees and overlooks the Rift Valley’s lush grasslands. This relatively remote location is well-positioned within the migration corridor, where there are year-round sightings of game.
Rooms
Chem Chem has a total of eight tent-style suites which are spaced along wooden walkways and raised on stone platforms to keep them cool. Rooms come with either a double bed or twin beds, and with 100m2 of floor space per tent, feel very spacious. The décor pairs contemporary design with vintage touches, with tasteful wildlife artwork and natural-toned furnishings as well as ample storage and comfortable seating.
In the en-suite, there is a flush toilet, freestanding bath with shower attachment, twin washbasins with fitted mirror, and an outdoor shower. A private veranda with seating and a day-bed offers great private views over the plains.
Communal Areas
Chem Chem has a timber, stone and thatch communal lodge with two side wings, one holding a lounge-bar with a superb vista across the surrounding plains. The other wing houses a pleasant dining area, where delicious buffet breakfasts, lunches, and three-course dinners are served in communal or private al fresco settings. Next to the dining area is a fire-pit perfect for sundowners. Aside from an onsite gym, the Amani Spa offers massage therapy, while a shaded swimming pool provides a perfect spot for cooling off in the midday sun.
Activities
Guests can discover the resident wildlife reserves by taking guided game-drives or walking safaris in the lodge’s private reserve, as well as in the Lake Manyara and Tarangire parks (each easily accessed by a 45-minute drive). Resident game-viewing here doesn’t quite match its sister properties’, but Chem Chem nevertheless has some of the best and most experienced guides in Tanzania, as well as owners who are passionate about conservation, environmental sustainability and the welfare of the local community.
The region offers great cultural experiences centring around local Maasai villages. Kid-friendly activities include tracking, spear-throwing, football and bow-and-arrow-making.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the wet season arrives in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, while vegetation becomes lush and thick, making game-viewing more difficult. However the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insects draws in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Manyara National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (954– 2,055m/3,130–6,742ft) moderates daytime temperatures within the main driving circuit of the park to a very pleasant average maximum of between 24°C/75°F to 27°C/81°F. Mornings can be a little chilly however, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. During the main dry season (June – October), wildlife is more densely concentrated and vegetation is sparser, making it the ideal period for game-viewing. During the rest of the year, wildlife is more difficult to spot, however the excellent birding opportunities and general beauty of the park more than make up for this.
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the wet season arrives in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, while vegetation becomes lush and thick, making game-viewing more difficult. However the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insects draws in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Manyara National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (954– 2,055m/3,130–6,742ft) moderates daytime temperatures within the main driving circuit of the park to a very pleasant average maximum of between 24°C/75°F to 27°C/81°F. Mornings can be a little chilly however, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. During the main dry season (June – October), wildlife is more densely concentrated and vegetation is sparser, making it the ideal period for game-viewing. During the rest of the year, wildlife is more difficult to spot, however the excellent birding opportunities and general beauty of the park more than make up for this.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rain spells vary, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year, making game drives potentially quite difficult. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Wildlife is at its most spread out by this stage, and the vegetation will be thick and high throughout the park – nonetheless, like the Ngorongoro Crater, we would still recommend visiting Lake Manyara during this period, if only to take in the sheer beauty of the park!
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Manyara National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (954– 2,055m/3,130–6,742ft) moderates daytime temperatures within the main driving circuit of the park to a very pleasant average maximum of between 24°C/75°F to 27°C/81°F. Mornings can be a little chilly however, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. During the main dry season (June – October), wildlife is more densely concentrated and vegetation is sparser, making it the ideal period for game-viewing. During the rest of the year, wildlife is more difficult to spot, however the excellent birding opportunities and general beauty of the park more than make up for this.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rain spells vary, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year, making game drives potentially quite difficult. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Wildlife is at its most spread out by this stage, and the vegetation will be thick and high throughout the park – nonetheless, like the Ngorongoro Crater, we would still recommend visiting Lake Manyara during this period, if only to take in the sheer beauty of the park!
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Manyara National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (954– 2,055m/3,130–6,742ft) moderates daytime temperatures within the main driving circuit of the park to a very pleasant average maximum of between 24°C/75°F to 27°C/81°F. Mornings can be a little chilly however, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. During the main dry season (June – October), wildlife is more densely concentrated and vegetation is sparser, making it the ideal period for game-viewing. During the rest of the year, wildlife is more difficult to spot, however the excellent birding opportunities and general beauty of the park more than make up for this.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rain spells vary, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year, making game drives potentially quite difficult. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Wildlife is at its most spread out by this stage, and the vegetation will be thick and high throughout the park – nonetheless, like the Ngorongoro Crater, we would still recommend visiting Lake Manyara during this period, if only to take in the sheer beauty of the park!
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Manyara National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (954– 2,055m/3,130–6,742ft) moderates daytime temperatures within the main driving circuit of the park to a very pleasant average maximum of between 24°C/75°F to 27°C/81°F. Mornings can be a little chilly however, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. During the main dry season (June – October), wildlife is more densely concentrated and vegetation is sparser, making it the ideal period for game-viewing. During the rest of the year, wildlife is more difficult to spot, however the excellent birding opportunities and general beauty of the park more than make up for this.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period, the land dries up and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. This combined with thinning vegetation makes the dry season the perfect time to Lake Manyara.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Manyara National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (954– 2,055m/3,130–6,742ft) moderates daytime temperatures within the main driving circuit of the park to a very pleasant average maximum of between 24°C/75°F to 27°C/81°F. Mornings can be a little chilly however, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. During the main dry season (June – October), wildlife is more densely concentrated and vegetation is sparser, making it the ideal period for game-viewing. During the rest of the year, wildlife is more difficult to spot, however the excellent birding opportunities and general beauty of the park more than make up for this.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period, the land dries up and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. This combined with thinning vegetation makes the dry season the perfect time to Lake Manyara.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Manyara National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (954– 2,055m/3,130–6,742ft) moderates daytime temperatures within the main driving circuit of the park to a very pleasant average maximum of between 24°C/75°F to 27°C/81°F. Mornings can be a little chilly however, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. During the main dry season (June – October), wildlife is more densely concentrated and vegetation is sparser, making it the ideal period for game-viewing. During the rest of the year, wildlife is more difficult to spot, however the excellent birding opportunities and general beauty of the park more than make up for this.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period, the land dries up and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. This combined with thinning vegetation makes the dry season the perfect time to Lake Manyara.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Manyara National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (954– 2,055m/3,130–6,742ft) moderates daytime temperatures within the main driving circuit of the park to a very pleasant average maximum of between 24°C/75°F to 27°C/81°F. Mornings can be a little chilly however, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. During the main dry season (June – October), wildlife is more densely concentrated and vegetation is sparser, making it the ideal period for game-viewing. During the rest of the year, wildlife is more difficult to spot, however the excellent birding opportunities and general beauty of the park more than make up for this.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period, the land dries up and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. This combined with thinning vegetation makes the dry season the perfect time to Lake Manyara.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Manyara National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (954– 2,055m/3,130–6,742ft) moderates daytime temperatures within the main driving circuit of the park to a very pleasant average maximum of between 24°C/75°F to 27°C/81°F. Mornings can be a little chilly however, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. During the main dry season (June – October), wildlife is more densely concentrated and vegetation is sparser, making it the ideal period for game-viewing. During the rest of the year, wildlife is more difficult to spot, however the excellent birding opportunities and general beauty of the park more than make up for this.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period, the land dries up and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. This combined with thinning vegetation makes the dry season the perfect time to Lake Manyara.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Manyara National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (954– 2,055m/3,130–6,742ft) moderates daytime temperatures within the main driving circuit of the park to a very pleasant average maximum of between 24°C/75°F to 27°C/81°F. Mornings can be a little chilly however, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. During the main dry season (June – October), wildlife is more densely concentrated and vegetation is sparser, making it the ideal period for game-viewing. During the rest of the year, wildlife is more difficult to spot, however the excellent birding opportunities and general beauty of the park more than make up for this.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms.
Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. Lake Manyara is less seasonal than many other parks in Tanzania, so while the wildlife might have dispersed a little once the rains arrive, we would still highly recommend visiting the park during this time.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Manyara National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (954– 2,055m/3,130–6,742ft) moderates daytime temperatures within the main driving circuit of the park to a very pleasant average maximum of between 24°C/75°F to 27°C/81°F. Mornings can be a little chilly however, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. During the main dry season (June – October), wildlife is more densely concentrated and vegetation is sparser, making it the ideal period for game-viewing. During the rest of the year, wildlife is more difficult to spot, however the excellent birding opportunities and general beauty of the park more than make up for this.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms.
Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. Lake Manyara is less seasonal than many other parks in Tanzania, so while the wildlife might have dispersed a little once the rains arrive, we would still highly recommend visiting the park during this time.
Its proximity to the equator means that Lake Manyara National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (954– 2,055m/3,130–6,742ft) moderates daytime temperatures within the main driving circuit of the park to a very pleasant average maximum of between 24°C/75°F to 27°C/81°F. Mornings can be a little chilly however, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. During the main dry season (June – October), wildlife is more densely concentrated and vegetation is sparser, making it the ideal period for game-viewing. During the rest of the year, wildlife is more difficult to spot, however the excellent birding opportunities and general beauty of the park more than make up for this.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
