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OVERVIEW ON JAO CAMP IN OKAVANGO DELTA
Jao Camp is located on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The camp has nine luxurious tents, each individually handcrafted. The open-plan design of each includes a lounge, dressing area and main bedroom, en-suite facilities with old-style fittings and an outdoor shower. A private sala for afternoon siestas has magnificent views of the nearby channel. The main area is an elaborate two-storey building with lounge and dining area, two plunge pools, a small library, curio shop and a boma for dining under the stars, complemented by an excellent wine cellar. Jao’s spa offers a wide range of massage therapies, and a gym. With habitats that vary from waterways and lagoons to dry Kalahari grasslands, Jao offers both land and water experiences, depending on annual flood levels. Mokoro, boating, seasonal fishing, and day and night game drives are usually on offer all year round in one of the most picturesque concessions in the delta.
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Location Of Jao Camp
Close to the panhandle in the delta’s north-west, the 60 000-hectare Jao Concession’s vegetation varies from east to west: from the magical Jao flats – picturesque floodplains with lush palm islands and riparian forest – to the dryer hunda island, covered in acacia and mopane woodland and the largest area of dry land locally during the annual floods. Around the Jao flats spectacular herds of red lechwe are followed by the primary predators – lion and leopard. Other game includes wildebeest, tsessebe, giraffe, elephant, hippo and crocodile, sitatunga are seen occasionally, and sightings of spotted-necked otter are regular. The drier habitats in the west harbor similar species with greater concentrations of zebra and wildebeest. birding is exceptional with large concentrations of endangered Wattled Crane, slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw, pel’s fishing-owl, and lesser Jacana on the eastern side; the western drier areas are ideal for Crimson-breasted shrike, dickinson’s Kestrel and Meyer’s parrots.
Safari Experience At Jao Camp
During the flood from April to September, lechwe are plentiful and lion follow them. Elephant numbers peak from August to November. Plains game is evident and there are good leopard sightings. Hunda Island offers a wide variety of different animals and is a must at least once if accessible. Birdlife is excellent – especially during the summer months.
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Activities At Jao Camp
- 30% game drives and 70% water activities (very much dependent on flood levels and time of year).
- In the summer month’s activities tend more towards game drives, whereas in the winter months mainly water-based activities are offered.)
- Land game drives in 5 x 10-seater open 4×4 Land Rovers each accommodating maximum 7 guests, allowing all guests an outside seat (each vehicle is equipped with a tree, bird and mammal books, binoculars and Peaceful Sleep insect repellent).
- The camp has a supply of bean bags for guests to use to steady their camera while on game drive.
- Full day game drives and picnics on Hunda Island – a 45min boat ride away from Jao Camp – dependent on water levels, mainly during the peak flood season.
- Night drives (depending on flood levels.)
- Private activities available on request.
- Water game viewing in 10 x 2-seater mokoro
- 2 x 8 seater boat used in the waterways to the east of camp.
- Fishing on a catch and release basis year round except January and February when fishing is barred by law for breeding. We offer spinner rods and a small range of lures. Fly fishing equipment to be supplied by guest if required.
- A raised hide located about 20 minutes from camp (which can be used for sleep outs – max 4 people at a time; equipped with a long-drop loo).
Summary For Jao Camp
ACCOMMODATION
Number of tents:
9 tents in total consisting of:
- 6 x ¾ twin bedded tents
- 1 x family room – accommodates 4 guests comfortably but can accommodate 5 guests on request
- 2 x king-size bedded tents
- Custom-made linen enables twin beds to be converted in a king sized bed on request.
- 1 x twin guides tent (smaller than guest tent)
- This camp can accommodate 18 guests + 1 tour leader.
Tent details:
- Via raised walkways from the main communal area.
- Luxury canvas cottages, raised off-ground on decks, wooden doors, thatch roof.
- En-suite facilities with bath, his and hers basins, indoor shower, outdoor shower, slippers and gowns for guests.
- Each room has a veranda with spectacular vistas over the floodplains.
- Outdoor sala under thatch
- Fans in all guest rooms.
- Soap, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in rooms.
- Safe in each tent.
CAMP DESCRIPTION
- Dining room, bar and lounge under thatch, raised on decks, overlooking the floodplains.
- Curio shop.
- Landscape view from lounge and dining area.
- Kgotla (boma) for dining under the stars (weather permitting).
- Library.
- Evening campfire.
- Two plunge pools.
- Wine cellar.
- Slide projector available.
- Spa (“Under the Leaves Safari Retreat”)
- Gym equipped with an elliptical cross trainer, rowing machine, stationary bike, work-out mats, exercise ball, rubber bands and free weights.
- An entertainment room furnished as a lounge and dining area which is suitable for private dining, a children’s entertainment area, for playing board games, watching wildlife documentaries or for hosting lectures.
Other Notes On Jao Camp In Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Children of 6 years and older are accommodated, however, private activities need to be booked and paid for. The minimum age for boating activities is 6 years, while mokoro activities have a minimum age of 13 years.
- Jao airstrip is located 10 minutes’ drive from camp.
