Chem Chem Lodge

Nelson was outstanding in all facets. Once we met Nelson and arrived at Chem Chem to meet GM, AGM Mercy Ulomi, we knew our East Africa experience was about to retransform again to the likes of Mwiba. What an outstanding experience at Chem Chem.

The Kwakuchinja Wildlife Corridor conservancy was amazing in all facets. Our bush walks with Masai Saruni and Nelson was so enlightening and educational. Sundowners with Nelson while on bush treks was incredible. Bush breakfast at a massive Baobab (with bats inside) was incredible. Our visit to Chief Chokoro and his wives @ Masai Village was likely the highlight of our trip.

Baobab Trees, Wildlife, and GREAT FRIENDS, especially our Masai friends Saruni and Chief Chokoro and his family. When Chief Chokoro asked if he could renew our wedding vows, as we had just celebrated 37 years together) with a Masai Blessing we were humbled, honored and somewhat overwhelmed. What a special moment for both Vicki and I. We’ve promised to stay in touch with the Chief through our guide Nelson. We were so blessed to have these experiences with the lovely people of East Africa. Truly Blessed.

Awesome experience (5-star rating): Thought I was going to die on my birthday. Came across 2 male lions on the ground and 2 lionesses in a tree. Back to our left, a herd of elephants showed up and they were not happy the lions were there. The elephants were trumpeting and throwing dirt in the air with their trunks. Very agitated. The lions start roaring back at them. I'm like – ok this is interesting. We are right in the middle of this in an open safari vehicle. All goes quiet for about 2 minutes. 2 bulls from the herd move up to our left but we didn't see them. All of a sudden, they came charging in under the tree where the 2 female lions were sitting. Don't even know the elephants knew they were there as they were focused on the 2 males on the ground. They charge after the lions 30' in front of us moving left to right. They're trumpeting and you could cut the visceral angst they had for those lions with a knife. Then – the herd follows behind them right under the lions in the tree and stop about 30' from us to our right. They circle up with the calves in the middle and one young bull starts advancing on us in the vehicle. I'm like – dude, we're on your side! He stops and backs up to the herd. They all stand there for a few minutes and all goes calm again – like hey – just another day in the jungle. My drivers Chris and Elle said they had never seen anything like that before. I was happy to be alive.

Did bush walks with a Masai Warrior (Raposhi). He was incredible with his knowledge in the bush. He started a campfire the old-fashioned way (rubbing a stick on a flat piece of wood with his hands) in about 3 minutes. I have it on video. Wanted to show my scouts – this can and still is being done! A complete off-the-rails experience was asking Raposhi if he had a Chief and could I meet him. He came back the next day and said the Chief (Choloko) wanted to talk with me. A HIGHLIGHT of the trip. Spent 2 and 1/2 hours with this man and 2 of his four wives in his hut 1 and 1/2 hours away from the lodge. We just talked about what his life is like and what mine is like. The similarities and the differences. How his way of life is changing due to the modern world. He has 4 wives and 25 children and is 48 years old. I'm 66 years old, can barely handle one wife and have two boys ages 28 and 30. Completely fascinating. When I decided to leave Choloko, I told Chris (my interpreter) to have me wait a minute. Choloko said something to his #1 wife and she walked away returning with a metal ring about 6” in circumference. On the ring were about 10 different wire-beaded rings the Cholokos wives had made. He told me to pick 1 for me and 1 for my wife, which I did. I then exchanged a gift with him. Choloko then told Chris that he considered me a part of his family and that I was welcome back to his home anytime. OK – that was not a planned event and was probably the best part of the trip.

Service at the lodge was impeccable, game drives were awesome, food was the best and hated to leave. I would definitely come back here.

This lodge offers a place to stretch your legs with some walking, swimming and even gym facilities, as well as private salas and in-room massages to restore and re-energise after action-packed game drives.

The perfect location to end an exhilarating safari. Take a deep breath and take the time to reflect and reminisce about your adventure in Africa. Your days are unrushed and the term ‘slow safari' perfectly describes the essence of this camp.

After our walk the guide asked us to board a game vehicle and took us to a remote area of a dried out Lake where we had the most amazing sunset (whilst enjoying our sundowners) – an incredible experience and a lovely surprise.

Owner run this camp offers a 5 star experience in a gorgeous area. Everything about Chem Chem is inspired from the creative meals on offer to the welcoming decor. Nothing is too much trouble to your hosts at this camp. Rave reviews all round.