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Cha Cha Metsi with Ride Botswana

Overview

This spectacular Okavango Delta camp opened in April 2023 and offers camp-based horse safaris, overseen by our well-established partners David and Robyn Foot of Ride Botswana. The Foots are already running our Delta trail and Kalahari rides and are now delighted to offer this permanent delta camp w…

Highlights

  • Explore the permanent waterways of the Okavango Delta
  • Relax in a luxurious and newly built camp
  • Spot buffalo, giraffe and elephant from horseback
  • Ride through grasslands, palm islands and waterways
  • Non-riders welcome with walking and mokoro safaris

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 8 riders per group (12 in camp)
  • Average of 3 - 5 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 95kg / 210 lbs / 15 stone

Description

This spectacular Okavango Delta camp opened in April 2023 and offers camp-based horse safaris, overseen by our well-established partners David and Robyn Foot of Ride Botswana. The Foots are already running our Delta trail and Kalahari rides and are now delighted to offer this permanent delta camp which is owned and run by their friends Clyde and Marieke Niven. Clyde is the grandson of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, author of 'Jock of the Bushveld'. The Foots and the Nivens are well-matched in their philosophy of "touch the earth lightly", all having a commitment to local communities and the environment.

The newly constructed camp overlooks the permanent waters of the stunning Gama Tau Lagoon – the gathering place of the lions – and part of the Santantadibe River. This permanent water is a draw for the wildlife and means you'll always experience the magic of the Delta and are not as reliant on the arrival of the annual floods as in some other camps. The Santantadibe River is a permanently flowing waterway so the camp is surrounded by classic Okavango scenery – lagoons, floodplains and tree lined islands – making for wonderful riding and walking through stunning scenery and an incredible diversity of wildlife and birdlife.

Non-riders are also welcome and can participate in mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) or walking safaris. A 4x4 vehicle is also on hand for viewing big cats or travelling further from camp to search for game.

The camp is situated in the same area as the existing mobile safaris, but 35kms to the east. This location means they can continue working with the same local communities as those they already support. The nearby historic Ditshiping Village, is one of only two Bayei villages remaining in the Okavango Delta and is one of the six villages from where they select and sponsor students annually for a 12 month training course at either the South African College for Tourism or the SA Trackers Academy.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Trail saddles or English Wintec GP saddles. Primarily snaffle bridles.

Horses

Mostly crossbreeds including Shire x TB, Boerperd cross and Appaloosa sport horses. Some purebred Appaloosas also.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Cha Cha Metsi Safari is a based ride

Ages

12+ years for riding

Health

General good health recommended.

Weight

95kg / 210 lbs / 15 stone

Food & Accommodation

Food

The meals served in camp are to a high standard with different dietary requirements catered for - you can expect plenty of fresh produce, lots of flavour and plenty of variety. All meals and drinks (inc. local alcohol) are included during your stay.

Accommodation

Cha Cha Metsi is a semi-permanent camp in the Okavango Delta, with six beautifully appointed tents. The large A framed tents are situated on wooden platforms with ensuite bathrooms and comfortable furniture. There is also a centrally located communal seating and dining area.

Your hostess, Marieke, has personally decorated the camp using antique furniture from the family home. This has resulted in a very welcoming setting and plenty of charm.

Itineraries

Cha Cha Metsi Safari Tented / Luxury accommodation.

Other Activities

As well as the wonderful riding, guests can join walking safaris or explore the Santantadibe River on mokoro's - traditional dugout canoes.

It's also possible to partake in some fishing (catch and release) and a 4WD safari vehicle is available for venturing further afield.

Travel

Transfer is available from Maun. You can fly to Maun on Air Botswana from any of the following airports:

Johannesburg (South Africa)
Gaborone (Botswana)
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Windhoek (Namibia)

You can also fly to Maun with South African Airlink from Johannesburg.

On arrival in Maun you have the option of a short helicopter transfer (20 mins) or longer road trip (2 hours) into camp.

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

On arrival at Maun airport you will be transferred by helicopter or road to camp. If arriving by helicopter then there should be time to ride this afternoon, but if arriving by road it will likely be too late.

Enjoy your first sundowner as the sun sets over the watery wilderness.

Days 2 to 7

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Each day you'll start with an early wake-up call before heading out on the horses at dawn. The game is most active during these early hours and you'll head out in different directions in search of giraffe, buffalo, elephant and the numerous antelope that call the delta home.

Return to camp for lunch and a siesta in the shade, perhaps watching wildlife pass by your tent from your verandah.

In the afternoon you'll head out again as the wildlife wakes up and starts to head out onto the floodplains in search of food.

During your stay you may wish to swap your horse for a mokoro (dugout canoe) or take a walking safari one morning/afternoon to discover the petite and colourful reed frogs or learn more about tracks and the secrets of the bush.

Each evening you'll enjoy a delicious meal before retiring to the comfort of your luxury tent.

Day 8 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

If departing by helicopter there'll be time for a final short ride before brunch, but if departing by road you will head off after breakfast.

Experience Experienced

You should be a competent rider, who is capable in all paces across varied terrain. This is an area with potential dangerous game such as elephant and buffalo, so you must be safe and secure in the saddle.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 8
Accommodation for up to 12.
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025  (Flexible arrivals/departures with minimum 3 night stay)

Pricing

2025
Low Season (10 Jan - 31 March and 1 Nov - 9 Dec), per person sharing		 £580 $730 €695 per night
2025
Mid Season (April - June), per person sharing		 £750 $945 €905 per night
2025
High Season (July - Oct and 10 Dec - 9 Jan), per person sharing		 £855 $1080 €1035 per night
Included Accommodation in twin/double tents, all meals, drinks (inc. local alcohol), riding and other safari activities.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, Maun airport transfers, tourism levy (c. US$ 30 per person) on arrival in Botswana, tips and other personal expenses.

Extras

2025 - Airport Transfer (Helicopter) £265 $335 €320
Paid to Far and Ride
Helicopter transfer from Maun to camp (20 mins), price is per person each way (min 2 pax).
2025 - Airport Transfer (Road) £99 $125 €120
Paid to Far and Ride
Road transfer from Maun to camp (2 hours), price is per person each way (min 2 pax).
2025 - Single Supplement £147 $185 €177 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Low Season (10 Jan - 31 March and 1 Nov - 9 December). Waived if willing to share
2025 - Single Supplement £179 $225 €215 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Mid Season (April - June). Waived if willing to share
2025 - Single Supplement £215 $275 €260 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
High Season (July - October and 10 Dec - 9 Jan). Payable by anyone in a single room.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.