Welcome
to our safari stories. Working closely with our partners in Africa, we will start to bring you wonderful stories and words of wisdom about all things wilderness and wildlife.
The first story comes from Mike, a sensational philanthropist guide of Maasai origin working at the spectacular Chem Chem Tanzania safari lodge which is located on the cusp of Tarangire National Park in a wildlife corridor scenically beautiful and rich in wildlife.
Mike Elson is a ‘culture vulture’ with an amazing, warm east-African way with families. He can keep you and the kids entertained for hours simply telling stories about local Tanzanian culture and his experiences in the wild.
What are you waiting for? Read the first of our safari stories thanks to our friends at Chem Chem Tanzania.
Chem Chem Tanzania
Jambo! And welcome to the beginning of safari season at Chem Chem.
Chem Chem enjoys a rich cultural life, where guests can join in and learn about our stories, history, language and more. Here is a quick language lesson. Did you know that Tarangire means ‘river of warthogs’ in Mbugwe?
The Mbugwe tribe believe that they are one of the first tribes that migrated from Asia to Africa. It took about 47 years for them to get here, and once here, they split into 3 groups: one stayed, and the other two groups moved south to Kondoa and Singida.
The Manyara region is the only place on the African continent where four great ethnic groups meet. These four groups are: the Bantu, who are the majority and are from West Africa; Cushitic (Afroasisatic), like Iraqw and Mbugwe; the Nilotic, like the Maasai; and the San.
A special cultural activity is the sunrise hill climb. Guests are welcome to join us on a hike early in the morning to catch the sunrise with coffee and 360 degree views, led by someone from the nearby community.
Come and join us to experience it for yourself…
Yours in safari,
Mike (Chem Chem Guide)