CHA CHA METSI – OKAVANGO DELTA HORSE SAFARI

06h30:  The day at Cha Cha Metsi starts early with the rising of the sun. You’ll be woken up with a steaming cup of coffee or tea as you get ready for the adventure ahead. A snack and refreshments are served before embarking on a game drive or mounting up for your morning ride. 

11h30-12h30: Once back at Camp you’ll enjoy a delicious brunch with a variety of some mouth-watering options. For the energetic you are welcome to head out on a walking safari with a trained guide to experience an intimate close up look at the Delta. For those looking to relax, an afternoon nap might be just the thing!

15h30: Gather in the lounge for afternoon tea. Then either mount up or hop in the vehicle for an evening game drive to take in the breathtaking sunset

18h00 – 19h00: Enjoy some of Africa’s most incredible sunsets! On the way home, you might spot some of the nocturnal wildlife, and predators as they come out to prowl

19h30 – 22h00: Get back to camp in time to freshen up, before walking down to the boma to enjoy drinks around the campfire. Then tuck into a 3 course dinner, celebrating some local African Cuisine. When you’re ready, your guide will walk you back to your tent, fall asleep to the sound of the hippos wallowing in the river below. 

The stables are run by David Foot and his team from Ride Botswana. With over 32 years of guiding in Malawi and Botswana, his team of guides is phenomenal. Riding safaris are for intermediate plus riders or above, as you’ll be riding in areas where you’re likely to see elephants, buffalo and even big cats. The riding varies from relaxed walks through the bush to lovely long canters along the elephant paths. If the guides feel that riders are not experienced enough to ride safely in this area, you’ll be asked to do game drives, or walks instead.

Head out on game drives in custom made land open land cruisers. Generally these head out in the early morning, or late afternoon, ensuring the best wildlife viewing. Follow the sandy tracks across the islands, and drive across wooden bridges that span over the deeper water channels. The habitats vary, and there is a huge diversity of wildlife. At Cha Cha you will see elephants, zebras, buffalos, hippos, wildebeest, and impalas, along with red lechwe waterbuck on almost all of the game drives. This area is also very well known for predators, and Lion Island often lives up to its name. 

Enjoy a traditional dugout canoe safari, on the beautiful waterways with experienced local community pollers. Here you will be immersed into the water sanctuary in front of the camp. Enjoy a relaxing slow paddle through the lilies and across the channels, taking in the smaller creatures such as the colourful painted frogs, emerald and ruby dragonflies and chirping grasshoppers. Glid through the water taking in the sights of the bee eaters flying overhead, and hear the call of the fish eagles as they call from the ancient leadwood trees. On the water, you will see all sorts of wildlife, including the odd elephant in the water and hippos from afar.

The guides are trained specifically for walking safaris in the wild, keeping you safe and close at all times. Walking allows you to slow down and take in the smaller things. It also gets you close to the wildlife, with the guides showing you the secrets to tracking wildlife and following the small signs that often get overlooked. The walk meanders through open grasslands, past the rivers edge and through areas where wildlife frequent.