Jao Camp

In the heart of the Okavango, luxurious Jao is set amongst islands fringed with riverine forests and vast, floodplains with prolific wildlife. Shaded by a canopy of trees, the five spacious suites and two ultra-luxe villas offer en-suite facilities with both indoor and outdoor showers. Expansive views from the private sala at each suite make for a sumptuous setting for afternoon siestas.

Customised luxury guest suites and two ultra-luxe villas share Jao Island with the spectacular main area, which features a pool, a library and an outdoor boma for evenings of traditional food, song and dance. The views of the night skies over Jao cement its place in the safari firmament as a star among equals.

INSIDER'S TIP: Make the most of the many luxuries offered such as the beautiful star bed sleep-out or a visit to the spa to feel utterly restored.

Location

Property Facilities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • Internet Access (Complimentary)
  • Library
  • Pool
  • Private Vehicle Available
  • Spa

Special Interests

  • Birding
  • Nature
  • Wildlife

Rooms

Standard Twin/Double Suites

‘Jao’ comes from the maXanekwe name ‘Xao’, and in this dialect means ‘to try something that is good tasting’. In baYei it means ‘metsi a tsela a Mashaa’, which translates into ‘a water channel that brings new water’. The camp is multiple-award winner and truly a place of immense wonder. Jao is a sculptural marvel,…

Villas

Two ultra-luxurious villas with each comprising two identical tents (four beds in total), each with own en-suite facilities, sharing a lounge and dining area, private butler, kitchenette with private chef, fire deck and private plunge pool, plus private vehicle and guide. Jao is a place that is dedicated to the preservation of the pristine Okavango…

Number of Rooms: 7

Room Facilities

  • Air Conditioning
  • Bath
  • Electrical Outlets
  • En-Suite
  • Fan
  • Fireplace
  • Hair Dryer
  • Internet Access (Complimentary)
  • Laundry Service (Complimentary)
  • Lounge Area
  • Mini Bar
  • Mosquito Nets
  • Outside Shower
  • Plunge Pool
  • Sala
  • Tea / Coffee
  • Verandah

Activities

Jao – Mokoro Excursion *

There is no better way of viewing the Delta and its wildlife than adventuring by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). The riverine forest surrounding Jao are ideal for spotting smaller creatures amongst the papyrus reeds. * Water levels permitting.

Jao – Boating *

A boating excursion allows us to reach and explore the more distant waterways and clear, deep channels. Explore the iconic Delta floodplains at Jao. * Water levels permitting.

Jao – Fishing *

Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment (spinner rods and a small range of lures) is on offer seasonally on a catch and release basis. * Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.

Jao – Game Drives

Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4×4 vehicles, and reveal the spectacular wildlife diversity of the vast floodplains. Traverse the iconic Jao Reserve in search of game ranging from the elusive Pel’s fishing-owl, to the infamous ‘Jao Mafia’ mongoose gang, to a myriad of big cats, to co-habiting crocodiles and hippos, to…

Jao – Night Drives

Night drives with spotlights allow you to find those nocturnal animals you wouldn’t see during the day. Please note that during high water levels, night drives are not possible.

Jao – Full-Day Game Drives & Picnics

Jao rests under a fantastic tree canopy on its own remote island, surrounded by a watery garden of channels, reeds, and lilies. A 45 minute boat ride from Jao Camp, you can enjoy a full-day game drive, along with a picnic, on wildlife-rich Hunda Island.

Jao – Unwind in the Wilderness at the Jao Spa

Tucked away in amongst palms for privacy, overlooking lush waterways, the Jao Spa is an exquisite setting from where you can rest, relax and feel utterly restored. A full menu of therapies from facials to manicures, and a range of signature massage options, may be experienced. A treatment is bound to further inspire guests to…

Jao – Gym

For the energetic, there is a gym equipped with a treadmill, elliptical trainer, punch bag for boxing, stationary exercise bicycle, exercise mats, medicine ball, skipping ropes and a range of free weights.

Jao – Visit Jao's Museum & Gallery

A fascinating feature at Jao is the museum and gallery, with its emphasis on learning and knowledge sharing of the area and its denizens, from a metres high giraffe skeleton, to geographical maps. In addition, a series of botanical pressings by EE Galpin, known as the 'Prince of Collectors' and one of the pre-eminent botanists…

Gallery