Delta Diary Part 3 - Cha Cha Metsi

My third stop took me to Cha Cha Metsi, a relatively new camp located on the edge of the Delta in the NG 32 concession. I travelled with safari guide David Foot of David Foot Safaris/Ride Botswana, who’s a veritable encyclopedia of Delta knowledge. He has an eye for everything that calls this place home—be it big, small, scaled, winged or hidden in plain sight. With David as my guide, I was lucky enough to experience the wonders of this camp like a local.

We met in Maun, then drove to Cha Cha Metsi on Gama Tau Lagoon (“the gathering place of the lions”) - a vital year-round water source. Visiting in March 2024, during a particularly dry year, Cha Cha Metsi felt particularly lush in comparison to the parched landscapes of other camps. With verdant grasses and trees, it is a sanctuary with many water species like the lechwe antelope and an abundance of hippos.

The camp’s accommodations are all comfortable tented rooms with views over the Delta, ideal for spotting wildlife right from your doorstep. While simpler than other camps, Cha Cha Metsi is set for upgrades in winter 2024, with plans for private plunge pools and a new main swimming pool. Days here are a mix of relaxation and adventure, with options for guided game drives, tranquil mokoro (canoe) rides, bush walks and of course, riding. For non-riding companions, the camp offers plenty of ways to explore the bush, with a focus on game drives and walking safaris rather than horse rides. In fact, Cha Cha Metsi isn’t just a riding camp, and they welcome guests who do not ride at all.

My rides with David and his guide, Lesh, were truly immersive. Both enjoy a "contemplative" guiding style, allowing quiet moments to absorb the Delta’s beauty. The pace is steady but purposeful, and we encountered a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, elephants and more bird species than I could count. A highlight, however, was the abundance of hippos revelling in the permanent waters of the lagoon.

Community is also at the heart of David’s safaris. Each year, his team sponsors local students for a 12-month training program at the South African College for Tourism or the SA Trackers Academy. During the flood season, their mobile camp is moved by a flotilla of mokoros, navigated by locals who know these waters intimately (see Across the Okavango).

In summary, Cha Cha Metsi is a wonderful addition to our riding safaris in Botswana. It may be closer to civilization than other Delta camps, but it boasts a unique blend of accessibility and authenticity. This is no “Instagram Safari”; it’s the real deal. With David at the helm, conservation and sustainable travel are top priorities. This camp is ideal for those who prefer a slower pace, an educational experience, and a deeper connection with the wild – this is also true of their other safari rides, Across the Okavango, and the Desert and Delta ride.