Tanzania

Chem Chem Concession

A private wildlife concession between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, with walking, night drives and the wilderness almost to yourself.

Plan a safari hereSee safaris

Size200 km²
Best monthsJune to October; good all year
Getting thereAbout 2 hours' drive from Arusha, or a short flight to Lake Manyara or Kuro airstrip
Suggested stay3 nights, or 2 combined with Tarangire
  • Private concession
  • Walking safaris
  • Night drives
  • Elephants
  • Lake Burunge
  • Conservation

Our view

Chem Chem is my favourite answer to people who want the northern circuit without the crowds. It is a private concession in the Burunge Wildlife Management Area, on the wildlife corridor that links Tarangire National Park with Lake Manyara, and only Chem Chem's own guests use it.

Elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest move through the corridor between the two parks, followed by lion and leopard, and the shores of Lake Burunge draw flamingos and waterbirds. Because this is not a national park, you can walk with a guide, go out on night drives to look for the animals that only appear after dark, and stop where you like.

The two lodges set the tone. Chem Chem Lodge has eight spacious suites looking towards Lake Manyara, with a spa and a fine restaurant; Little Chem Chem is a small, intimate tented camp deeper in the bush. Both are designed to blend into the landscape, with plenty of space between rooms.

Chem Chem also funds anti-poaching and community work in the corridor, which has helped wildlife return to an area that was once heavily hunted. It combines perfectly with Tarangire next door, and with Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.

Kilimanjaro5,895 mMt Meru4,566 mOl Doinyo Lengai2,962 mNgorongoro CATarangire NPLake Manyara NPMaswa GRAmboseli NPTANZANIAKENYAUGANDALake VictoriaIndian OceanLake TanganyikaLake MalawiMoshiChem Chem Concession50 km

Areas within the park

Lake Burunge

A shallow soda lake with flamingos and waterbirds in season, and a wide open shoreline for walks and sundowners.

The Kwakuchinja corridor

The wildlife corridor between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, where elephant and other wildlife move between the two parks.

Tarangire National Park

Next door, for game drives along the Tarangire River in the dry season.

When to go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Chem Chem Concession
Jan – MarGreen season: lush, good birding
Apr – MayLong rains: quiet
Jun – OctDry season: wildlife moves through the corridor
Nov – DecShort rains begin

Where to stay

Safaris that go here

9 Nights Chem Chem, Ngorongoro and Northern Serengeti

Arusha › Burunge WMA › Lake Manyara › Tarangire › Ngorongoro › Northern Serengeti

10 days · Game drives · Walking · Night drives · Culture

2027 rates on request

A private-guided safari through three of northern Tanzania's most distinct landscapes, travelling by road through the north and flying to the far northern Serengeti

Legendary Flying Safari – 8 Days

Arusha › Burunge WMA › Central Serengeti

8 days · Game drives · Walking · Night drives · Culture

2027 rates on request

Legendary Expeditions and Chem Chem Safaris have partnered to create the ultimate northern Tanzania safari experience. This exclusive offer includes complimentary flights and transfers, ensuring seamless travel between their luxury…

Tanzania Under Canvas – 8 Days

Arusha › Burunge WMA › Tarangire › Central Serengeti › Grumeti

8 days · Game drives · Walking · Night drives · Balloon flight

2027 rates on request

Tarangire’s Iconic Landscape Discover the breathtaking beauty of Tarangire National Park, where ancient baobab trees dominate the skyline and overlook shimmering Lake Burunge. To the southwest, the Babati mountain range…

11 Night Pure Canvas Northern Tanzania

Arusha › Southern Serengeti › Burunge WMA › Maswa › Tarangire

12 days · Game drives · Walking · Night drives · Culture

2027 rates on request

Day Room – Legendary Lodge A Pure Canvas Safari This high-end safari visits Arusha, Maswa Game Reserve and Tarangire National Park. Combine some of the most exclusive camps in northern…

Combine with

Questions

Where is Chem Chem?

In the Burunge Wildlife Management Area in northern Tanzania, between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara, about two hours' drive from Arusha.

What can I do at Chem Chem?

Game drives, walking safaris, night drives and visits to Lake Burunge, as well as game drives in Tarangire National Park next door.

How many nights should I spend at Chem Chem?

Three nights lets you enjoy both the concession and Tarangire. Two nights works well as part of a longer northern safari.

Which lodges are in the Chem Chem concession?

Chem Chem Lodge, with eight suites, and the smaller Little Chem Chem tented camp.

Plan a safari to Chem Chem Concession

Tell us roughly when and how you would like to travel, and we will reply with ideas and a detailed quote within one working day.