Situated on the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Jao Camp sits on a remote island fringed by forests and endless floodplains teeming with abundant wildlife. Experience comforts in the bush such as luxurious tents with plush beds and claw-foot tubs, indulgent spa treatments and an outstanding wine cellar. Whether you are sleeping under the stars or seeking out rare wildlife, Jao Camp is the perfect destination for a private and secluded experience in one of Africa’s most coveted safari destinations.

Location

Why is Jao Camp one of the best camps for a safari adventure? What types of animals might I see during my stay?

Botswana is one of the most renowned safari destinations on the continent and Jao Camp is a sophisticated retreat nestled right in the heart of the Okavango Delta. This luxury tented camp rests on a private concession teeming with wildlife grazing the surrounding grasslands. Get a glimpse of some of Africa’s most coveted animals in their natural habitat, such as leopard, elephant, buffalo and zebra. The location is also wildly popular for bird watching resident species, such as the Mayer’s parrot, black crake, coppery-tailed coucal and African harrie.

Key Facts

  • Jao Camp is located in a private concession on a remote island
  • fantastic location for game sightings, including rare sitatunga antelopes
  • the area is comprised of an array of habitats, including waterways and lagoons, open floodplains and Kalahari woodlands

What is special?

  • feel the thrill of adventure and enjoy the best seats in the house for game watching, with Jao Camp’s ideal location being both hidden amongst waterways and lagoons and also near the thick woodlands
  • be whisked away on a 45-minute boat ride, to the game-rich Hunda Island where you will see  herds of leaping lechwe followed by predatorial prides of lions
  • see the bush in a different light as you set out on an evening drive to get a glimpse of the elusive creatures of the night
  • get up close and personal with nature on an island trek to explore the Okavango Delta’s breathtaking beauty

What do the guests say?

  • adventurers deem Jao Camp a fantastic option for those looking for a luxury bush stay
  • Jao Camp is an ideal place for couples to relax and indulge, according to honeymooners
  • guests love the optimal location that allows them to enjoy both land and water experiences

Accommodation

What are the room options at Jao Camp? Is this an eco-friendly lodge?

Designed with an open-style layout, the tents at Jao Camp blend in effortlessly with the environment. Perched amid the canopies of African mangosteen and ebony trees, the nine luxurious thatched-tented rooms are an amalgamation of Balinese and African architecture and design. Each of the expansive suites boasts a luxurious sitting and sleeping area, along with a large wooden table, writing desk and mini bar. Jao Camp strives to allow guests to experience the Delta in its fullest sense, all while maintaining its commitment to minimize its footprint on the environment by utilizing environmentally sustainable measures such as solar panels and inverters. 

Key Facts

  • each tent consists of a lounge and main bedroom with a dressing area 
  • Jao Camp’s suites include a vanity, toilet, a large bathtub and both indoor and outdoor showers
  • dumbbells, a yoga mat and a jump rope are all included in your room

What is special?

  • reathe in nature and immerse yourself in its pristine wilderness, with a calming shower in your own private outdoor sanctuary 
  • connect the dots of the universe and count the constellations as you spend a peaceful evening sleeping under a blanket of stars on your private raised open pavilion
  • step through the glass-paneled doors onto an expansive deck where you can watch majestic wildlife aimlessly graze the plains just outside your doorsteps  

What do the guests say?

  • waking up and being able to watch animals right outside their tent is a highlight for many guests
  • the open-plan of the vast suites feels more like a luxury apartments to guests
  • soaking in the old-fashioned claw-foot bathtub is the perfect way for guests to relax after a long day of game drives and adventuring

Pools & Spa

How can I best relax at Jao Camp? Is there a main pool besides the private villa pools?

Wander along the winding walkway to the Jao Spa where you will be met with a serene sanctuary tucked away under the canopies of palm trees. Natural light spills into the two circular treatment rooms, bringing nature inside and creating a sense of calm and tranquility. The extensive list of services includes massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and other beauty treatments, which can be enjoyed while admiring heart-stirring views. 

Key Facts

  • Jao Spa has single and double treatment rooms with an array of pampering experiences
  • only nature-inspired, chemical-free, eco-friendly products are used
  • guests can choose between two refreshing main pools

What is special?

  • continue the active theme of your stay at the gym, equipped with a rowing machine, stationary bike, yoga mats, exercise ball, free weights and cross trainer, all overlooking the waters of the Okavango Delta
  • listen to the harmonious sounds emanating from the bush while being lulled into a state of relaxation at one of the best spas in Botswana
  • ornate details in luxurious treatment rooms, decked out with artisanal artwork and local carvings, create a welcoming and warm ambiance perfect for pampering

What do the guests say?

  • guests love that the spa caters to children as well
  • after spending a day in safari trucks, guests find that a massage is the perfect way to relax and relieve any aches  
  • travelers can’t say enough good things about the massage therapists at Jao Camp and how attentive they are,  ensuring an unforgettable experience

Culinary

What is the dining experience like at Jao Camp? What type of cuisine is served?

Imagine sitting down for a sumptuous meal in an elevated dining room, nestled among the bush, boasting unimaginable views over the Okavango Delta. Jao Camp curates more than just a delicious meal, they create an everlasting dining experience. Dine in a communal setting, getting to know the other guests or opt for a more private setting. Sip the finest African wines and nosh on a mix of five-star African fare and international cuisines, while intricate hand-carved chandeliers and a plenitude of candles create a cozy atmosphere that makes it easy to lose track of time.

 

Key Facts

  • the camp can cater to vegetarians and other special dietary requirements
  • a light breakfast is served before guests depart for morning activities
  • guests can opt to dine in the main dining hall or their private tent

What is special?

  • wander into the wilderness where a delicious bush breakfast and picnic spread awaits 
  • gather around the firepit after dinner and recount the adventures of the day with other guests
  • ignite the romance with an intimate dinner under the stars on your tent’s private deck

What do the guests say?

  • the community-style dining is an excellent way for guests to get to know one another
  • guests enjoy the option of being able to dine in the common dining area or in a more private setting should they choose
  • deliciously well-prepared and fresh food have guests craving seconds

Activities

How can I spend my days at Jao Camp? What types of animals will I see during my safari?

Jao Camp appeals to every kind of traveler. Whether you are more into the arts or adventure is more your calling, there is something for everyone. The Jao Concession offers both land and water activities, such as 4×4 excursions setting off to seek the endangered sitatunga antelope and predators such as lion, leopard and hyena, as well as incredible bird sightings; or, mokoro boat trips down the Delta and motorboat cruises. Return from a day of safaris and adventure and relax with a glass of wine in the library or unwind in the wilderness with an enchanting spa session – whatever best suits your needs.

Key Facts

  • Jao’s Museum & Gallery allows guests to learn about the surrounding area
  • the Bush Buddy program tailors to pre-teens as well teenagers with a variety of age-appropriate safari activities
  • Jao Camp also features an entertainment room for private dining, children’s entertainment and watching wildlife documentaries

What is special?

  • enjoy the exclusivity of Jao Camp being on a private concession, allowing you to adventure on both day and night game drives
  • soar through the skies on a scenic helicopter rides where infinite panoramas, jaw-dropping views and mind-blowing landscapes will leave you speechless
  • explore the distant waterways and intricate channels on an equally adventurous and relaxing boat safari expedition

What do the guests say?

  • guests are astounded by the tremendous numbers of red lechwe grazing on the Jao flats
  • the Okavango Delta is a photographer’s playground, according to many guests who were able to capture herds of game, birdlife and dramatic landscapes
  • for the best game viewing, travelers suggest an excursion to Hunda Island, home to giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and kudu as well as their predators 
  • a scenic helicopter flight from Jao Camp is a highlight of many guests’ stay

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