The camp is 35 km further east, in the same concession as our Okavango Delta Mobile Ride. This means we will continue working with the same communities we always have done. The nearby historic Ditshiping Village, is one of only two Bayei villages remaining in the Okavango Delta.
Ditshiping is one of the six villages from where we select and sponsor students annually for a 12 month training course at either the South African College for Tourism or the SA Trackers Academy.
Owned and run by our close friends Clyde and Marieke Niven, Clyde is the grandson of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, author of the classic book Jock of the Bushveld. Both have had years of experience in the safari industry, but more importantly their philosophy of “Touch the Earth Lightly” fits in perfectly with our safari beliefs – small, intimate, personal camps and a green footprint which includes a commitment to involve and benefit the local communities.
Cha Cha Metsi sleeps only 12 guests and overlooks the permanent waters of the stunning Gama Tau Lagoon – the gathering place of the lions – and part of the Santantadibe River. Personally decorated by Marieke with a collection of their family’s antique furniture it feels like you are being welcomed warmly into their own home.
In the past the Bayei tribe traversed the entire length of the delta (250 km) by mokoro (the original dug out canoe). Our guests will thus have the opportunity to experience the delta in this traditional manner – tranquillity and relaxation at its best.
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.
It will also be possible to partake in some fishing (catch & release) and a game viewing vehicle will be on standby if needed for a change.