Little Chem Chem

This stylishly understated lodge offers a vintage tented experience in which guests can search for big game and become involved in the local community.

• The intimate size of the camp
• The unique concepts of “slow safari” and “walking safari” encouraged by the expert staff
• The interactions with local communities through the Chem Chem Foundation, such as meeting a Maasai chief

Just like Chem Chem Lodge, its nearby sister property, Little Chem Chem showcases the raw beauty of the bush on a private concession that offers modern amenities and Out Of Africa glamour. Adjacent to Tarangire National Park, Little Chem Chem is comprised of five large, vintage-style glamping tents and one family tent, perfectly positioned to take in the sunrise and the property’s watering hole, where elephants, zebra, hyena and tree-climbing lions gather throughout the day for a drink. Little Chem Chem’s tents are built directly into the ground rather than on raised platforms, so guests feel completely immersed in the surrounding bush and can fall asleep to the nightly sounds of wildlife—birds calling, wildebeest snorting, lions roaring—sometimes right next to your tent.

Unlike other safari lodges where game drives are scheduled, Chem Chem’s philosophy is to encourage “slow safari” by taking in the overwhelming landscape and wildlife at your own pace. The game viewing here is incredible, and guests can spot elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards. Expert guides can even take interested guests on a walking safari to learn how to track elephants, detect how much time has passed since lion tracks were left and fish for scorpions.

Little Chem Chem’s understated and playful atmosphere is fostered by owners Fabia Bausch and Nicolas Negre, who are parents to a pet mongoose named “Mongoo.” The pair maintains a library of Chem Chem yearbooks on display in the common tent as well as a delightful chef’s garden, where young safari-goers are invited to learn about the flora and fauna of the area.

Groups of twelve or fewer looking to take over a safari lodge, or couples and families seeking a true tented safari experience without sacrificing modern luxuries. Travelers should note that the tents at Little Chem Chem are set on the ground, whereas the tents at Chem Chem Lodge are raised on platforms.