Where safari meets conservation

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved with setting up Chem Chem.

I was born and raised in Switzerland, but after over 12 years in investment banking, I felt the pull to spread my wings and seek out new horizons.

Little did I know that this journey would lead me to Tanzania, a place that would change my life forever. After resigning from my (much loved) job, I met Nicolas Negre in the Caribbean, and from there our adventure began. Nicolas — born and raised in France, and at the time a guide in southern Tanzania — and I shared a deep love for nature and a passion for creating beauty. Together, we embarked on a journey to find a place where we could build a sanctuary for safari seekers and a harmonious environment for animals to roam peacefully.

Despite facing countless challenges, we signed a lease for the Burunge Bungi Wildlife Management Area in 2007 and began our journey to create what is now Chem Chem. Starting from scratch, we worked tirelessly to restore the land and bring back the wildlife that once thrived there. It wasn’t an easy road, and we faced many obstacles. But through our dedication and determination, we began to see the fruits of our labour as the animals started to return to their home. Our journey was not just about conservation, but also about uplifting the local community. We created jobs, supported local schools, and empowered women to have a voice in conservation efforts. We also established programmes to provide entrepreneurship training and microcredit opportunities for those in need.

In 2021, our hard work was rewarded when the elephants returned to the wildlife corridor for the first time in 40 years. It was a breathtaking moment, one that reaffirmed our commitment to this beautiful land and its inhabitants. Our journey continues, and we are dedicated to creating a lasting impact on the land and the people who call it home.

Top-tier accommodation and service aside (our team are big fans!), we love how you take a completely different approach to the typical safari. It’s also been awe-inspiring to see what you’ve achieved in both safari tourism and conservation. Now at three camps, can you describe the experience at Chem Chem? What makes it so different?

Nicolas and I didn’t come from the traditional safari industry. Nor did we have any experience. Our passion and attention to detail stem from our own experiences as guests. We always felt that traditional safari camps were too rushed and inflexible. That’s why, since we opened Chem Chem in June 2011, we’ve offered private vehicles and dining at no extra charge. Coming from a non-English-speaking background, I understand that not everyone feels comfortable conversing in English and, therefore, shared vehicles and dining can often lead to a challenging experience.

Your holiday should be tailored to your desires. We love to celebrate time at Chem Chem, and our activities and experiences are adapted to our guests’ wishes. Whether you like to wake up at 4 am to catch the sunrise or enjoy a leisurely morning with coffee in bed, it’s all about what you want to do.

This is how “slow safari” started – it’s often criticised by the industry for taking the adventure out of safari, but I believe that “slow” gives us permission to exhale, step away from FOMO, and be present where we are right now. It’s about embracing the freedom to enjoy your vacation exactly as you want – after all, that’s what “HOLYdays” are all about!

What type of traveller or guest mindset do you think is best suited to the Chem Chem experience?

The Chem Chem experience is perfect for those who have a deep love for nature and the great outdoors. Whether you’re a young child or a wise grandparent, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and share in the wonders of the bush. If you lead an active and healthy lifestyle, you’ll thrive here with our invigorating runs with Maasai warriors, power walks alongside galloping zebras, nature hikes among towering giraffes, and well-equipped gym facilities. When it comes to dining, our Ponya cuisine (meaning healing in Swahili) is designed to provide guests with delicious nutrient-packed dishes that never compromise on flavour. Our health shots and sleep infusions are a big hit, leaving guests feeling rejuvenated and revitalised.

Notably, Chem Chem is home to some of Africa’s last remaining big tuskers. These magnificent elephant bulls and accompanying elephant herds move between neighbouring Tarangire National Park and Chem Chem, to Lake Burunge, and through the Kwakuchinja Wildlife Corridor to Lake Manyara National Park. This diverse wilderness consists of savannah, woodlands, and baobab forests. Exceptional wildlife sightings are the order of the day — healthy populations of giraffe, zebra, and antelope, as well as lion, hyena, and leopard.

Tanzania, of course, is not just about its incredible wildlife, but also about its diverse and fascinating tribes, and we love to give our guests a glimpse into the lives of our neighbouring Maasai and Barabaig tribes, many of whom work closely with us. At Chem Chem, we invite you to celebrate life, recharge your energy, and free your mind from the stresses of everyday life. Come and experience the magic of Chem Chem for yourself.

You set up the philanthropic arm Chem Chem Association to help protect wildlife and empower the rural communities surrounding the Burunge Wildlife Management Area. In your experience, what is the role of tourism in conservation?

Tourism is an incredible force for good, creating opportunities for underprivileged villagers to embark on a fulfilling career in the safari industry. Through our three camps, we proudly generate over 250 jobs, offering a diverse range of employment and a pathway to long-term careers.

While tourism can be volatile and susceptible to external factors, we are committed to empowering our local economy through businesses that are not reliant on tourism. For our guests, this provides a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the intersection of conservation and economic empowerment, a topic of high interest for many.

Join us, I always say, in supporting sustainable tourism and experience the transformative power of responsible travel. Every guest stay plays an important role in keeping all these jobs alive.

You’ll have seen the Wild Philanthropy impact report and the fact that we highlight your entrepreneur and youth advancement schemes. Could you say a little about these and any other projects CCA has underway or in the pipeline?

Our mission is grounded in a strong commitment to enhancing the well-being of the communities that inhabit this land. It is essential that these communities enjoy the benefits of our concerted efforts to rehabilitate the Kwakuchinja Wildlife Corridor. By fostering meaningful engagement, generating job opportunities, and inspiring young people to aim high, we are laying the foundation for enduring sustainability. Highlights include:

Economic Empowerment (Entrepreneurship)
We are excited to share the success of our community engagement initiatives! We have surpassed our initial target of training 2,800 community members, with nearly 3,000 individuals now equipped with essential savings and financial management skills to run their businesses effectively.

Future Entrepreneurs Programme
In collaboration with Hand In Hand Tanzania, we proudly introduce the 5-Year Future Entrepreneurship Project, designed to empower 900 young people in the Corridor with the skills necessary for promising careers.

Conservation Education
Our conservation education initiatives have seen remarkable growth, benefiting 677 children. This program has contributed to improved school performance and higher attendance rates, paving the way for a brighter future for our youth.

Community Microfinance Groups (CMG)
Our support for village community banks has made a notable difference, providing financial assistance and training to 416 members who are now better equipped to support their families and expand their businesses.

Together, we are fostering a stronger, more resilient community that thrives on collaboration, shared responsibility for conservation, and collective success!

Our thanks to Fabia Bausch for taking the time to share her passion for everything Chem Chem is and stands for. Do get in touch if you would like to learn more. In the meantime, do have a read of the Wild Philanthropy impact report and a browse of Chem Chem’s lodges.