Jao Camp

Okavango Delta

Rating: Ultimate

Jao Camp overview

NOTE: Jao Camp is currently closed for rebuilding and is expected to open June 2019

Jao Camp is situated in the Jao Concession on a remote large island, to the west of the Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Across the waterway in front of the camp, guests have access to open floodplains and savannah for a wonderful Okavango experience.

Guests are accommodated in 9 spacious twin-bedded rooms. Each of the unique canvas and thatched rooms has been individually handcrafted and are built under a canopy of shady trees. All the rooms have en-suite bathroom, hot and cold running water, a large bath and double vanity. There is an additional outside shower under the stars for those more adventurous guests who want to shower closer to nature. The rooms are raised off the ground giving them great views across the reserve and a raised walkway connects them to the dining room and lounge area.

There is an outdoor "sala" with wonderful views of the plains where guests can relax. There is a plunge pool and an outdoor 'boma' for dining under the stars. Jao also offers a salon with a full-time therapist offering a wide range of massage treatments.

The activities at Jao include mokoro excursions, boat trips, fishing, day and night game drives and guided walks. Photographs courtesy of Wilderness Safaris.

details

Open: All year.

Location: The camp is located on an island in the large private Jao Reserve bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. It is surrounded by seasonal floodplains and small islands. Access is via the Jao airstrip which can be reached from Maun or Kasane.

Rooms: 9 luxury suites constructed of canvas with thatched roofs. They are set on raised decks and offer spacious accommodation including a private sala. They have en-suite facilities plus an outdoor shower.

Activities: Water-based activities include mokoro rides and motorised boat cruises. Jao offers day and night game drives and this is a great area for bird watching. There are 2 platform hides in the concession. The camp has fishing equipment for guest use and operates a catch and release policy.

Facilities: The main area is arranged over 2 floors. The upper floor houses the bar and lounge on one side and the dining area on the other. The lower floor has a cosy seating area, small library and curio shop. These areas open onto an expansive deck and firepit, used for sundowner drinks and al fresco dining. From here wooden walkways lead to 2 plunge pools. The spa is set apart from the main area and offers a broad range of treatments (to be paid for locally). There is also a small gym on site

Dining: Meals are usually taken communally around one long table, but individual dining can be arranged if preferred.

Children: Children over the age of 6 are welcome at the camp. Children between 6 and 12 require the use of a private vehicle and guide. The camp features raised walkways with open sides and the camp is unfenced, so children need to be kept under supervision at all times.

Health: This is a malarial area.

Communication: There is no mobile reception, â€˜phone or fax and no email. Communication is maintained with the head office via radio.

Notes: Disabled access is not possible.