Cha Cha Metsi Explorer -7 Night Horse Riding Safari

Dear Nxai Traveller

CHA CHA METSI EXPLORER

7-Night / 8-Day Horse Riding Safari

2 Nights Cha Cha Metsi Camp | 3 Nights Remote Island Mobile Camp | 2 Nights Cha Cha Metsi Camp

RIDE THE DELTA. SLEEP UNDER CANVAS. EXPLORE THE WILDERNESS.

A classic Okavango riding expedition combining intimate camp life, three nights of wilderness camping on a remote island and exceptional horseback exploration through the Delta's waterways, floodplains and islands.

The original Cha Cha Metsi Explorer is built around three nights of adventure under canvas on a remote island, dovetailed with two nights either side in the serenity of Cha Cha Metsi Camp.

The Okavango Delta is a horse rider's paradise. As the floodwaters spread southwards, wildlife and birdlife follow, creating the opportunity to ride alongside the incredible variety of wildlife found in Africa.

THE JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days

Location: Okavango Delta

Accommodation: 4 Nights Cha Cha Metsi Camp + 3 Nights Remote Mobile Camp

Style: Horse Riding Safari / Wilderness Expedition

Transfers: Helicopter or road from Maun

Signature Experience: Multi-day horseback exploration with remote island camping

THE ROUTE

Maun → Cha Cha Metsi → Remote Okavango Island → Cha Cha Metsi → Maun

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

• Horseback riding through the Okavango Delta

• Riding ancient elephant trails

• Exploring floodplains, lagoons and tree-lined islands

• Wildlife and birdlife encounters from horseback

• Three nights under canvas on a remote island

• Splashing canters through suitable floodplains

• Walking and tracking

• Mokoro excursion

• Catch-and-release fishing

• Game-viewing vehicle available when required

• Intimate camp life at Cha Cha Metsi

THE CHA CHA METSI STORY

Cha Cha Metsi Camp is owned and run by Clyde and Marijke Niven. Clyde is the grandson of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, author of the classic Jock of the Bushveld. Both have years of experience in the safari industry. More importantly, their philosophy of "Touch the Earth Lightly" fits perfectly with the safari's approach: small, intimate and personal camps, with a green footprint and a commitment to involve and benefit local communities.

Cha Cha Metsi Camp sleeps only 12 guests in six en-suite tents and has been personally decorated by Marijke with a collection of the family's antique furniture. On arrival, guests are welcomed warmly into what feels like their own home.

Cha Cha Metsi — for families & explorers alike to relive a safari that transports you back in time.

DAY 1

ARRIVAL AT CHA CHA METSI

A short helicopter ride or a slightly longer road trip from Maun brings you to Cha Cha Metsi Camp.

The camp overlooks the permanent waters of the stunning Gama Tau Lagoon — the gathering place of the lions — and forms part of the Santantadibe River.

This permanently flowing waterway means the camp is surrounded by classic Okavango scenery: lagoons, floodplains and tree-lined islands. The setting provides wonderful riding through stunning scenery and an incredible diversity of wildlife.

After settling into camp, enjoy afternoon tea before heading out on your first gentle ride in the beautiful afternoon light.

Overnight: Cha Cha Metsi Camp

DAY 2

RIDING THE OKAVANGO

Start with an early wake-up call and a light breakfast around the campfire as dawn breaks.

Mount up and spend the morning on horseback following ancient elephant trails, searching for the large variety of wildlife, enjoying the prolific birdlife and cantering through the open plains.

Herds of buffalo may be nearby, giraffe may saunter by and red lechwe splash through the water alongside you, whilst kudu peer out from the thickets.

Return to camp for lunch and a siesta under the shade of the giant leadwood trees.

In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle evening ride, appreciating the peacefulness of the Okavango, listening to the sounds of the bush and the snorting and splashing of your horses.

Overnight: Cha Cha Metsi Camp

DAY 3

INTO THE WILDERNESS

Today the adventure multiplies as you head deeper into the Okavango for three nights under canvas.

There are some real wild areas to explore, with plenty of floodplains to traverse, some offering splashing canters, and a plethora of wildlife.

Hidden amongst the palm-tree-strewn islands are stunning lagoons filled with hippos and often visited by large herds of zebra and elephant.

Your team will go ahead and establish a lightweight camp on a beautiful, remote island so that after a long day in the saddle, the necessary comforts are waiting.

Overnight: Remote Island Mobile Camp

DAY 4

WILDERNESS RIDING

Continue exploring the remote areas of the Okavango from the saddle.

Ride across floodplains and through the palm-tree-strewn islands, seeking wildlife and experiencing the Delta away from the permanent camp.

The remote setting allows the riding experience to become the focus, with the landscape, wildlife and horses creating the rhythm of the day.

After a full day in the saddle, return to the mobile camp for an evening around the fire.

Overnight: Remote Island Mobile Camp

DAY 5

DELTA EXPEDITION & TRACKING

Continue your exploration of the Okavango wilderness.

With plenty of riding and exploring under your belt, the final afternoon under canvas offers the opportunity to venture out on foot to look for the smaller creatures that inhabit the bush and learn some tracking skills before enjoying another fabulous African sunset.

The mobile camp provides the essentials of wilderness living: dome tents with stretcher beds and fully made-up bedrolls, bucket showers and bush toilets. The camp chef prepares dinner over the fire, served beneath the stars.

Overnight: Remote Island Mobile Camp

DAY 6

RETURN TO CHA CHA METSI & MOKORO

Ride back to Cha Cha Metsi in time for lunch.

After the horses and riders have rested, experience the water wonderland from a mokoro, the traditional mode of transport in the Okavango Delta.

Gliding quietly through lily-filled lagoons is as tranquil and relaxing as it gets.

Overnight: Cha Cha Metsi Camp

DAY 7

YOUR FINAL DAY IN THE DELTA

Enjoy your last full day in the Okavango.

Ride as much as you like or take part in some catch-and-release fishing.

A game-viewing vehicle will be on standby if needed, providing a change of perspective and potentially an opportunity to get up close and personal with predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah or wild dog if they have been spotted nearby.

Overnight: Cha Cha Metsi Camp

DAY 8

FAREWELL TO THE OKAVANGO

You are definitely not going to want to leave your new home in the Okavango today.

After a last ride and a fond farewell to the horses and staff, it is time for a helicopter or road transfer back to Maun for your onward journey.

Incredible scenery, memorable wildlife encounters and above all superb riding...

WHY THIS SAFARI

A TRUE RIDING EXPEDITION

This is more than a horse-riding activity added to a lodge safari. The itinerary is built around the experience of exploring the Okavango on horseback, with three nights spent deep in the wilderness on a remote island.

TWO DISTINCT SAFARI EXPERIENCES

Cha Cha Metsi Camp

Intimate, comfortable and personal, overlooking permanent Okavango waters.

Remote Island Mobile Camp

Simple, authentic wilderness living with dome tents, bucket showers, bush toilets, campfire cooking and nights beneath the stars.

THE EXPERIENCE PROGRESSION

Arrive → Ride → Explore → Ride Deeper → Camp in the Wilderness → Walk & Track → Mokoro → Ride Again → Depart

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT

HORSEBACK EXPLORATION
Experience the Okavango from the saddle rather than simply observing it from a vehicle.

REMOTE ISLAND CAMPING
Three nights under canvas take the journey deeper into the wilderness.

PERMANENT WATERWAYS
Ride through lagoons, floodplains and tree-lined islands around Cha Cha Metsi.

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
Buffalo, giraffe, red lechwe, kudu, zebra, elephant, hippo and the possibility of encountering predators.

MOKORO EXPERIENCE
After days in the saddle, slow down and glide quietly through lily-filled lagoons.

TOUCH THE EARTH LIGHTLY
A small-scale safari philosophy centred on intimate camps, a green footprint and local community benefit.

POSITIONING

CHA CHA METSI EXPLORER

7-Night Horse Riding Safari

Ride the Delta. Sleep under canvas. Explore the wilderness.

Ideal for: Riders and explorers seeking an intimate, adventurous Okavango experience combining horseback exploration, remote island camping and the tranquillity of Cha Cha Metsi.