Experiences

Chem Chem is all about the experience. You can choose to be as busy or as quiet as you like. There is something for those still stretches and for those adrenaline-filled moments. You can walk in the wild, or relax in the lounge areas and watch the movement of the animals. You can interact with the local communities or have alone time. Dine with others or at a private venue. The choices are yours. We make them happen.

Cultural Tours Expand your cultural horizons and meet Choroko, Maasai chief, and some of his wives; Sindani, Seeki, Nebulu and Nemburis. Enjoy an authentic experience sharing stories and learning about the Maasai culture.

Day Trips to Lake Manyara National Park After an early breakfast, you will journey to Lake Manyara National Park through far-flung villages, and on arrival, explore the park and enjoy a picnic lunch. The excursion takes eight hours.

Animal Tracking One of our well-trained field guides will lead you in a quest to recognise and track animal spoor. You will literally follow in their footsteps – often taking you within 15 meters of these majestic animals. Hear them, see them, smell them.

Bush Breakfast Wake up with the birds and set out for an invigorating morning walk. Hear the bush come alive as the sun warms up the earth and its furred and feathered creatures. Afterwards, settle down at the foot of a 3000-year-old baobab and enjoy a well-earned full English breakfast.

Chem Chem Lodge Private Dining Dine in a different location each night. From where to have dinner to whom you share it with, the choice is yours. The evening can be as private as you like or more convivial with other guests. Feel the whisper of the evening breeze as you eat beneath the stars. If you imagine, it we can do it.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Over time, trust and respect are built. At Chem Chem, step into the wild and be welcomed.

COOK OVER AN OPEN FLAME Gather around the fire with friends and family. Catch up on the day's sightings and experiences, whilst cooking over an open flame under the guidance of our trusted chefs.

Day Trips to Tarangire National Park Explore the game-rich environment of the breath-taking Tarangire National Park from the comfort of an open 4x4. Choose either a full- or half-day excursion which includes a picnic breakfast or lunch at a private site. Expect vast elephant herds and huge baobabs.

Family Safari Chem Chem welcomes children from 6 years old at the Lodge and Forest Chem Chem and 8 years old at Little Chem Chem. They will create unforgettable memories by learning bush skills from Maasai warriors: how to make a fire, use a bow and arrow, throw a spear. A visit to local schools and villages will expose them to different cultures. Children can build a recyclable soccer ball, follow wildlife tracks and decorate safari-themed cupcakes.

Flamingos on Lake Manyara The sight of thousands of rose-coloured flamingos at sunrise is a matchless, magnificent sight. Their presence cannot be guaranteed, but if they arrive, this is a must-do. Wade slowly towards them in rubber boots or watch from the shore in a safari vehicle with a coffee and snacks.

Game Drives in Chem Chem - Burunge Wildlife Management Area Discover this incredible wilderness with one of our expert field guides, from the seat of a 4x4 Land Rover. The vehicles seat between five to eight passengers. No crowds guaranteed: 16 000 ha and just 10 guests! Keep your eyes open for elephant, leopard, lion, cheetah, giraffe, zebra…

Helicopter Flips Feel the thrill of skimming above this vast East African wilderness with its incredible landscape. A selection of flights can be booked: view flamingos from the air; discover the awesome Ngorongoro Crater from above; access Chem Chem by chopper or depart on one to your next destination.

Hill Climb There is a serene beauty to a landscape at dawn. Climb the hills between the two sides of the concession with your guide to gaze out across the vastness of the land we work to protect while the sun blesses a new day in Africa.

Hot Air Ballooning Up before dawn for this one… Glide over the tops of ancient baobab trees as the sun rises, glinting off elephant herds, antelope, zebra, lion. Watch in silence as the world wakes up below you and savour sights never seen before. Enjoy a rustic bush-breakfast after the hour-long flight.

Lakeside Sundowners Relax on the tranquil shores of Lake Manyara with a drink in hand after the day’s excitement of exploring the bush. Gather your thoughts as you watch the sun set, the first stars appear and the birds come home to roost.

Little Chem Chem Private Dining From where to have dinner to whom you share it with, the choice is yours. The evening can be as private as you like or more convivial with other guests. Feel the whisper of the evening breeze as you eat beneath the stars.

Maasai Choir Music is one of the powerful ways the Maasai share their stories. Listen to a choir weave the tapestry of their lives through song.

Massage Therapy Let your senses slip into sheer relaxation mode with our small but sumptuous range of indulgent body massages. Drift away into a slumber as you are gently pampered in serene surrounds. And you can get yourself back into top-to-toe shape with a manicure or pedicure.

Night Game Drives Experience the thrill of discovering nocturnal animals in their natural habitat at Little Chem Chem and Forest Chem Chem. See, from the safety of an open 4x4 vehicle with blankets for warmth, how the spotlight catches them. Learn from our experienced guides as you immerse yourself in a world that moves under the moonlight.

Photographic Safaris Spend a day with a professional wildlife photographer showing you how to make the most of your camera to capture that unforgettable moment in the wild. It may be of a cheetah on a termite mound or a grey-headed kingfisher eyeing its prey. Nothing is too great or small.

Running with the Maasai The elegance of a Maasai warrior running across the plains is legendary. Join one of them for an unforgettable outdoor fitness experience.

Safari Weddings It doesn’t get more romantic than this: an unforgettable wedding ceremony on the shores of Lake Manyara at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment. Chem Chem Lodge offers privacy and beauty for that most intimate celebration. Married already? Renew your vows in a private ceremony that will enhance the moment.

School Trips Visit one of the schools supported by the Chem Chem Association. Join in an impromptu soccer game with the children, share African songs and dance with them. You can even teach a math, geography or English lesson. Learn from them as they learn from you.

Sundowners on the edge of Lake Burunge There is little to beat an African sunset and enjoy the display with sundowners on the edge of Lake Burunge.

Walk with the Maasai Discover the wilderness through the eyes of those who have lived it and breathed it for centuries: the Maasai. A warrior will walk with you and a field guide – a rare opportunity to learn how this local population has survived by living in harmony with wild animals for hundreds of years.