Jao Camp is situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta on a large island bordering the Moremi Game reserve. It is one of the Delta’s original premier camps, well-established and a cut above the rest with high standards and service levels. Access is by light aircraft transfer to Jao airstrip, followed by four-wheel-drive vehicle to the camp. Perched above teaming waterways, yet close to dry Kalahari woodland, it offers the best of both worlds - amphibious activities and unadulterated sophistication in a truly wild and authentic setting.
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Jao’s well appointed main area is split over two levels, with an air of sumptuous luxury and a warm, welcoming feel. The lower level has a tucked away sitting area, a small library and a curio shop that leads out to the campfire area. The upper level has a large lounge, a dining area and a bar, with wonderful Afrochic artworks and sculptures. Other perks include two swimming pools, a boma for dining under the stars, quality food, a well-stocked wine cellar, a gym and even a spa.
Nine luxurious thatch and canvas tents, set amongst tall shady trees, gaze out over the Delta. The tents are connected by a three-metre-high, raised wooden walkway. Taking center stage inside is the twin or four poster king sized bed, which sits under a romantic and practical mosquito net. There is also a rustic private sala that can be slept under at night if prearranged. The tents boast both indoor and outdoor showers, the latter offering a rather memorable ablution.
In terms of game drives, you’re spoilt for choice with day and night drives, and a full day option complete with a picnic. Seasonal aquatic activities include guided mokoro (dug out canoe) trips, boating safaris and catch and release tiger fishing. Feeling adventurous? You can prearrange a sleep out in the star bed. It’s an amazing back to basics adventure but it’s not for everyone. Relaxation is always on the cards - indulge in a spa treatment, the gym, read a book from the library, swim in the pool, or relax on your private sala.
The sheer theatre of the place — soaring architectural forms rising from ancient leadwood forest, nine palatial suites spread over a kilometre of private wilderness, and a concession that shifts magically between land and water as the seasons turn.
Book the Star Bed sleep-out for at least one night — falling asleep under the Delta sky with hippos grunting in the channels below is the kind of experience that stays with you forever.
This is one of Botswana's most expensive camps and the price tag reflects it — if budget is a concern, the smaller sister camps offer the same concession at a gentler rate.
Jao Camp is owned by Wilderness safaris which aims to double its conservation impact by 2030, protecting 6 million acres of land. Their framework focuses on Educate, Empower, and Protect pillars, building a conservation economy, nurturing future leaders, and preserving unfenced wilderness. Through immersive hospitality experiences and partnerships with nonprofits like Children in the Wilderness and the Wilderness Trust, they engage guests in conservation efforts and address diverse threats to wilderness, wildlife, and communities.
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