Chem Chem

Lake Manyara, Tanzania

Endless activities

Chem Chem Lodge is situated within a privileged Wildlife Management Area between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara known as the Burunge Wildlife Management Area.

It can be found nestled on the picturesque western side of the wildlife concession and consists of a handful of secluded tent-style suites and a grand main Lodge house, all evoking the spirit of a vintage safari lodge. The permanent structure of the Lodge’s main house 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, a pool is hidden in the trees to cool off in and escape from the afternoon heat and the Chem Chem Amani Spa offers a variety of treatments for utter relaxation.

Each of the eight tent-style suites has been created from a combination of canvas, lava-stones and wood and exquisitely decorated and furnished in vintage safari style. Every tent boasts a luxury bathroom with a bath and outdoor shower, a reading corner, dressing room, yoga mats and private patios complete with a luxurious day-bed. Set a minimum of 80 metres apart they ensure complete privacy and their own spectacular, private lake view.

The activities and experiences on offer here are endless and include walking with the Maasai (or running if you are feeling fit!), sundowners on Lake Manyara, animal tracking, photographic safaris with a professional to teach you how to get your perfect capture, helicopter rides, visits to the schools supported by Chem Chem’s Live Wildlife foundation, game viewing in Tarangire National Park and more. At certain times of the year the flamingos arrive in their thousands at Lake Manyara. You can choose to put on some rubber boots and wade through the mud towards these great birds, or drive to the flamingo-packed shores and watch as the sun rises over the thousands of blush-coloured birds, freshly brewed coffee in hand.

The concept of Slow Safari was born at Chem Chem Safari Lodge. The key is to experience a safari beyond the confines of a vehicle, where on foot you can see, feel, touch and smell the African bush for yourself.

You will love

  • Stylish, earthy interiors
  • Walking (or running!) with the Maasai
  • Game drives day & night
  • Chem Chem Amani Spa

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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