Chem Chem Safari Lodge has retained the title of Africa’s Best Luxury Safari Lodge for the second consecutive year, strengthening Tanzania’s position in the continent’s competitive high-end tourism market.
The lodge, located in the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Babati District, Manyara Region, won the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) in 2025 and again in 2026.
Chem Chem also received the award for Tanzania’s Best Luxury Safari Lodge during a ceremony held in Zanzibar last week.
The back-to-back recognition highlights the lodge’s growing reputation for luxury hospitality while drawing attention to the potential of community-managed conservation areas to support wildlife protection, tourism and local economic development.
According to the lodge’s management, the awards are part of a long-term strategy by founders Nicholas Negri and Fabia Bausch to position Burunge WMA as one of Africa’s leading destinations for conservation and luxury tourism.
The strategy focuses on maintaining high standards of hospitality while supporting wildlife conservation and creating economic opportunities for communities living around the protected area.
Chem Chem Safari Lodge General Manager Jorg Weytjens said the latest award was a reflection of the confidence international visitors have placed in the lodge.
“We are very grateful to tourists from different parts of the world who continue to vote for us and recognise the quality of services we provide,” he said.
The achievement has also been welcomed by local authorities, who said the lodge’s success demonstrates the importance of cooperation between the Government, communities and private investors in developing the tourism sector.
Babati District Council Executive Director Anna Mbogo said the award would help raise the profile of the district and contribute to efforts to increase tourism-related revenues.
“As the Government, we congratulate Chem Chem on this achievement. It will continue to promote Babati District, increase revenue and support President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to attract more tourists to Tanzania,” she said.
Chem Chem Human Resources Manager Jennifer Giray attributed the achievement to strong leadership and the commitment of employees to maintaining high service standards.
“We are very grateful to our directors, Nicholas and Fabia, for their strong leadership and the ambitious goals they have set for us. Today, we are performing among the best in Africa,” she said.
Ms Giray said a strong culture of teamwork and a supportive working environment had also contributed to the lodge’s performance.
Tour guide Isack Joseph said the latest recognition had motivated employees to maintain and improve the standards that had earned the lodge international recognition.
He said the lodge would continue working to attract more international visitors, with the expected increase in tourist numbers benefiting both the business and the Government through increased revenues.
Chem Chem Service Manager George Andrew said the lodge’s priority remained providing quality services while ensuring visitors enjoy a safe and memorable experience.
He also praised cooperation between the lodge and Government authorities at national, district and village levels, saying the partnership had helped create a conducive environment for tourism.
Burunge WMA is made up of 10 villages, making community participation an important component of conservation and tourism activities in the area.
The repeated World Travel Awards recognition comes as Tanzania seeks to strengthen its position as a leading African tourism destination, particularly in the growing luxury travel segment.
For Chem Chem, the challenge now will be to maintain the standards that have earned it recognition for two consecutive years while ensuring that the benefits of tourism continue to reach the communities and conservation initiatives surrounding the lodge.