Description
Located on a remote island in the Okavango Delta, Jao prides itself on exclusivity and first-class game viewing opportunites. The nine thatched tented cottages are individually handcrafted and built under a canopy of shady trees, raised off the ground to enhance the wonderful views that surround the camp.
Spacious open rooms with rolltop baths add a feeling of romance and Jao is a justifiably popular destination for honeymooners.
Aside from game drives, activities include massage treatments from the full-time resident therapist, relaxation in the two plunge pools, fishing, walking and game viewing by boat or mokoro (traditional dugout canoe).
During an unusually high flood season, game drives begin by boating out to a nearby Hunda Island where the vehicles are waiting, and the drive begins from there. Huge herds of red lechwe can be seen, followed by their primary predator - prides of lion. Other game typical of Botswana include elephant, buffalo, leopard, tsessebe, zebra and wildebeest, hippo and crocodile. Many bird species are resident such as Meyer's Parrot, African Harrier Hawk, Black egret, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Malachite Kingfisher, Hamerkop and Black Crake being some of the avian treasures found at Jao Camp.
Accommodation
Jao Camp has nine spacious tents, each individually handcrafted. These twin-bedded canvas and thatched rooms are situated beneath a canopy of shady trees and have en-suite facilities, as well as an outdoor shower for the more adventurous. Built on raised decks, each has a private sala for afternoon siestas and offers wonderful views of the spectacular surrounding floodplains of Botswana. There are 6 tented rooms, 1 family tented room and 2 honeymoon tented rooms to chose from.
Childcare
Jao camp is not really suitable for very young children and therefore has a minimum age of 8 years. However, food and meal times can easily be adjusted to cater for younger guests and most children find safari an incredibly inspirational and educational experience.
Facilities
In addition to the lounge and dining area and library, there are two plunge pools and an outdoor boma for dining under the stars, complemented by wines from an excellent wine cellar. Jao Camp also has a spa where a wide range of massage therapies are offered.
Activities
Mekoro, boat trips, fishing, nature walks (which must be requested prior to travel), day and night game drives and birding are usually on offer all year round due to the abundance of wildlife in the Okavango Delta. There are two platform hides in the concession from which to view the game inconspicuously.
Services
Massages
When to travel
Botswana’s winter is during our British summer, and the weather is hot during the day, but it isn't a stifling heat, and cold at night. The summer months (British winter) can be hot and humid and there is a chance of rain. Botswana has one rainy season which runs between mid-December and runs through to mid-March.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Jao Camp is located on a large, remote island in a private concession in Botswana , bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta .
How to get there
11 hour international flight followed bya 1.5 hour international flight and then just 20 minutes by light aircraft directly in to camp.
