Jao Camp

In the heart of the Okavango, luxurious Jao is set amongst islands fringed with riverine forests and vast, floodplains with prolific wildlife. The camp (rebuilt in 2019) comprises a main area elevated into the tree canopy, two exclusive villas and five twins all with private plunge pools, lounge and dining areas, and en-suite bathrooms, including indoor and outdoor showers. The two Jao Villas, accommodating four people each in two identical guest rooms, share a main area, and also have an exclusive vehicle, guide, chef and butler.

The fresh and contemporary design, in the same lovely location, continues the sense of adventure that Jao has always prized, adding an element of surprise and delight in ever-evolving sculptural and architectural language.

Underpinning it all is the commitment to the pristine environment around Jao, minimising our footprint and allowing guests to experience the Delta in its fullest sense. Innovative insulation ensures comfort, while gauze and glass panels let natural light and the outside in.

The game viewing at Jao is superb. Huge herds of red lechwe can be seen, followed by their primary predator – prides of lion. Other game typical of the area includes elephant, buffalo, leopard, tsessebe, zebra, hippo and crocodile as well as the uncommon sitatunga and spotted-necked otter. Many bird species are resident such as Meyer's parrot, African harrier hawk, black heron, coppery-tailed coucal, and black crake being some of the avian treasures found at Jao.

Standard Tents
There are five standard tents that can be made up as doubles or twins.  All have private plunge pools, lounge and dining areas, and en-suite bathrooms, including indoor and outdoor showers.

The suites are cooled with a silent evaporative cooler, at a fraction of energy used by conventional air-conditioning, and Calore ‘fireplaces’ provide heating during the colder months.
  

Villas
The 2 Jao villas consist of  two identical tents (four beds in total) each with own en-suite bathrooms, including indoor and outdoor showers. The two tents share a lounge and dining area, private butler, kitchenette with private chef, fire deck and private plunge pool, plus private vehicle and guide. The villas are cooled with a silent evaporative cooler, at a fraction of energy used by conventional air-conditioning, and Calore ‘fireplaces’ provide heating during the colder months.
 

Sleep Under the Stars!
This Okavango camp offers guests the opportunity to sleep under the stars at the nearby Star Bed (roughly 20 minutes’ drive from camp). Enjoy a nightcap before slipping between the sheets and falling asleep to the evocative sounds of the night. Awaken to find yourself surrounded by beautiful 360-degree views.

Jao’s position, amongst waterways and lagoons, yet close to dry Kalahari woodland, means you can enjoy both water and land experiences, depending on the time of year.

Mokoro Excursion
There is no better way of viewing the Delta and its wildlife than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Jao has ten two-seaters.

Game Drives
Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 Land Rovers each accommodating a maximum of seven people allowing each guest a window seat. Jao has five Land Rovers including a private vehicle.

Boating
Boat trips in the waterways to the east of camp allow for good game viewing in the channels further away. The camp has one eleven-seater and one thirteen-seater.

Full-Day Game Drives and Picnics
A 45-minute boat ride from Jao Camp, you can enjoy a full-day game drive, along with a picnic, on wildlife-rich Hunda Island.

Night Drives
Night drives with spotlights allow you to find those nocturnal animals you wouldn’t see during the day. Please note that during high water levels, night drives are not possible.

Jao Spa
Tucked under magnificent African ebony trees overlooking lush waterways, the Jao Spa is an enchanting setting where you can rest and feel utterly restored. Here, on offer is a full menu of therapies from facials to manicures, and a range of massage options.

Gym
The gym at Jao is equipped with an elliptical cross trainer, rowing machine, stationary exercise bicycle, exercise mats, medicine ball and a range of free weights between 2.5 and 25 kilograms.

Fishing
Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment (spinner rods and a small range of lures) is on offer seasonally on a catch-and-release basis.

Entertainment Room
The entertainment room is furnished as a lounge and dining area. It is suitable for private dining, children's entertainment, watching wildlife documentaries and conducting lectures.

For more information on Jao Camp click HERE.