Jao Camp
Highlights
- Diversity of habitats with activities on both land and water
- Large numbers of wildlife including predators and plains species
- Luxurious camp and guest suites with excellent service
- The camp operates primarily on solar power
Location
- NG25 Private Concession
- Western Okavango Delta
- Northern Botswana
Jao Camp is located on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The area is known for its abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery.
The camp is situated in the 230-square-mile (600-sq-km) Jao concession, which borders the Moremi Game Reserve and offers a diverse experience, including day and night game drives, mokoro (traditional dugout) excursions, boating, fishing, and walking with a guide.
The concession includes a range of habitats, including permanent swamps, savanna grassland, seasonally flooded plains, water channels through papyrus and reed beds, palm islands, and open woodland.
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, black crake, Pel’s owl, slaty egre,t and wattled crane.
Main area lounge.
Jao was completely revamped in 2019 and is one of the most beautiful safari camps in all of Southern Africa. The two-level main area rises into the tree canopy. There is a spa for those who like to be pampered, a gym for staying fit, an expansive outdoor deck with rim-flow pool, wine room, a "floating" campfire deck, and the Jao museum and gallery.
Jao Camp offers 5 luxurious and spacious guest suites and 2x two-bedroom family villas, all of which are connected by raised walkways that lead to the main camp area. The suites and villas offer large bedrooms, private plunge pools, a lounge and indoor dining area, and en-suite bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers. The villas additionally include a private butler, kitchenette, and include a private game-drive vehicle and dedicated guide.
Wilderness Safaris are one of Africa's leading safari operators and they strive to minimize energy consumption at all their camps. Jao Camp is powered by a hybrid system, which combines solar power and a diesel-powered generator. The electricity for the main area, spa, and all guest accommodations are 100% powered by solar energy 24 hours per day. The hot water is heated by thermodynamic geyser.
Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the pristine ecosystem of the Okavango Delta.
Jao museum and gallery.
About the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's greatest safari destinations and offers an incredible diversity and abundance of wildlife. The Okavango is an UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Often referred to simply as "the Delta", the Okavango is characterized by an ever-changing network of waterways that originate far to the northwest in the highlands of Angola. The Cubango River flows into northern Botswana and spills into the flat expanse of Kalahari sands, where it fans out into a shallow trough formed by tectonic faults beneath the sand.
The annual 'flooding' of the Okavango brings in rich sediments that provide nutrients atop the sands, which in turn creates a diverse ecosystem of permanent and seasonal waterways, deep-water lagoons, papyrus beds, palm-covered islands, seasonally flooded grasslands, and woodlands. The rich fresh-water environment changes year-to-year depending on the level of the floodwaters making it one of the most dynamic wildlife destinations on Earth.
Mekoro outing at Jao Camp in the Okavango Delta.
Wildlife in the Okavango Delta is diverse and includes all of Africa's Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Commonly seen herbivores include giraffe, plains (Burchell's) zebra, blue wildebeest, impala, tsessebe, common reedbuck, greater kudu, waterbuck, buffalo, elephant, and warthog. Both species of rhino are found, albeit in small numbers. The Delta is also home to red lechwe and sitatunga, both of which are water-dependent antelopes.
The abundance of herbivores means that predators are common in the Okavango. Commonly seen species include lion, leopard, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, and African wild dog. Cheetah are sometimes seen in the larger grasslands like those on Chief's Island. Less frequently encountered predators include serval, caracal, honey badger, and various species of mongoose.
The abundance of water in the Okavango provides habitat for Nile crocodiles and hippos, both of which are seen easily at any of the safari camps located near the Delta's permanent water. Primates in the Delta include chacma baboon, vervet monkey, and bush baby (galago).
Birding is outstanding in the Delta, with over 400 species possible. A typical safari day can easily produce over 100 species for an avid birder.
Red lechwe antelopes are adapted to live in swamps and floodplains.
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
7 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 5 twin-bedded luxury suites, each with two three quarter beds (separate mattresses with shared base), campfire deck and private plunge pool. Mattress converters are available that transform the beds into a double beds (to be arranged prior to arrival).
- 2 villas, each of which has two identical bedrooms with two three-quarter beds in each bedroom and each with their own en-suite facilities. Both bathrooms have an indoor shower, outdoor shower, double-basin vanity and separate toilet. The main area has a lounge/dining area, kitchenette (with mini-bar, coffee machine and private chef), fire deck, outdoor lounge and private plunge pool. The villas include a private butler, a private safari vehicle, and dedicated guide. Guests may dine in-room privately or with other guests in the main area.
The guest suites and villas are constructed of wood under thatch roofing and a include a combination of textured walling (glass and mesh at the front with mesh at the rear) on an elevated composite deck with lounge area. Each suite is individually handcrafted with an open-plan design, elegant hand-crafted fittings, and an expansive deck with plunge pool for afternoon relaxing or siestas.
The suites are connected to the camp's main area by elevated wooden walkways.
Guest suite interior and view.
Each guest suite has a veranda with spectacular vistas over the floodplains and comprises of en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor showers, bath, separate toilet, and double-basin vanity.
Other items and features in the guest suites include:
- Self-igniting Calore Fireplace.
- Mosquito net.
- Hairdryer (powered by solar panels).
- Outdoor day bed.
- Indoor lounge/dining area.
- Veranda with deck chairs.
- Ceiling fan.
- Electronic safe.
- Tea and coffee making facilities.
- Mini-bar.
- Exercise mat and weights (02 x 1 kg and 2.2 kg).
- Plunge pool.
- During summer months, the Evening Breeze Cooling System (air-conditioning) is fitted over the beds and during winter months the beds are fitted with electric blankets.
- Personal amenities, including bathrobes, slippers, shower gel, hand and body wash, shampoo and conditioner, fizz ball and bath salts, skin lotion, insect spray, shower caps, vanity kit with cotton wool, sewing kit, washing powder, umbrellas, mosquito repellent spray, and mosquito coils.
Jao Camp can accommodate a maximum of 18 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 5 guest suites and 4 persons in each of the two villas.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and local beverages including wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding premium imported brands and Champagne.
- Twice-daily safari activities including game drives in open game-viewing vehicles, boating, mekoro outings, walking, and other scheduled camp activities (accompanied by experienced guides).
- Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
- Wi-Fi access.
- Tourism Levy & VAT.
Excludes:
- Purchases from the Jao Boutique.
- Premium imported beverages and Champagne.
- Spa treatments.
- Scenic helicopter flights ranging in duration from 30, 45 to 60 minutes - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 5 or 6 depending on the helicopter used (morning or afternoon).
- Tsodilo Hills (UNESCO World Heritage Site) excursion to learn more about Botswana and the history of the San people - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 10 (via scenic helicopter flights only).
- Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.
Single Supplement
A single supplement will apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.
Children
Children aged 6 years and older are accommodated at Jao:
- For families traveling with children between 6 and 12 years, private activities must be booked and paid for.
- Children between 6 and 16 years must share with an adult/s in the same room.
- The minimum age for boating activities is 6 years.
- The minimum age for mokoro activities is 13 years (water levels permitting).
- The minimum age for spa treatments is 6 years with the Kid’s Pamper treatment applicable for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years.
Facilities
Main guest area facilities include:
- Dining area and lounge with protected or open areas, as well as private areas for both dining and relaxing.
- Expansive main area elevated to the height of a second story to give excellent views overlooking the floodplains.
- Climate Wizard cooling system and fireplace.
- Private dining decks with satellite kitchen.
- Safari Boutique.
- Library, museum, and gallery.
- Wine room.
- Traditional boma for dining under the stars.
- Pool in main area with canopy pavilion providing shade and 270-degree views over the floodplains.
- Floating and elevated campfire decks.
- Swing seats and secluded relaxation areas.
- Spotting scope.
- Spa (“Under the Leaves Safari Retreat”) with two or three, in-house spa therapists (treatments are at an additional cost) in one of two very unique “Lily pad” treatment rooms or in the special spa reception (for manicures and pedicures).
- Gym: equipment includes a treadmill, stationary exercise bicycle, exercise mats, medicine ball, skipping ropes and a range of free weights between 2.5kg and 25kg.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
- Guest toilet in main area.
Activities
Activities included in the rate:
- Daytime and night game drives in 4x 6-seater open 4x4 Land Rovers. Hot water bottles are provided on early morning game drives in cooler months.
- Water-based activities in 10x 2-seater mekoro (traditional dugout canoe) and 2x 10-seater motorized boat used in the waterways to the east of camp.
- 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 45-minute boat ride away from Jao Camp. The boat transfer is offered during times of high water levels. The trip is also offered via a 1-hour drive during the dry season.
- Fishing on a catch-and-release basis year round (except January and February when fishing is barred by law for breeding).
- Guided nature walks (seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide, therefore pre-booking is essential).
- Birding.
- Stargazing with a spotting scope.
- Wine and gin tasting in the wine room.
- The Jao Star Bed is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from camp.
Optional activities at additional cost:
- Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked in advance).
- Scenic helicopter flights ranging in duration from 30, 45 to 60 minutes - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 5 or 6 depending on the helicopter used (morning or afternoon).
- Tsodilo Hills (UNESCO World Heritage Site) excursion to learn more about Botswana and the history of the San people - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 10 (via scenic helicopter flights only).
Example of a typical day:
- Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
- Return to camp for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
- Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
- Enjoy a nightcap or discussion around the fire before retiring.
Great Good Fair Poor
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
WHEN TO GO
The Okavango Delta offers very good wildlife viewing opportunities all throughout the year, but there are seasonal variations in terms of weather that may be a consideration when planning your visit.
The high season in terms of tourist demand is during the dry months between June and October. The latter part of the rainy season is the low season.
The winter (June through August) is dry and cool and wildlife may be easier to find as rain water is evaporating and the rivers and deeper waterholes become more frequently visited by the animals.
During the middle and later stages of the rainy season, the grass becomes tall and the bush becomes lush and thick, which makes for lovely colors, but makes spotting wildlife more difficult.
Jao Camp is open year-round.
Summer / Rains
Northern Botswana, including the Okavango Delta receives most of its rain between December thru February, which is the summer season. November and December are wonderful months to visit the Delta, with only occasional rainstorms and most rain coming in short showers, which bring relief to the thirsty land after the dry season.
January and February typically experience afternoon downpours on most days, but all-day rain is very uncommon. By the middle of March, the rains become much less frequent and the grass and bush have grown long and thick. Mornings become cooler by the end of March.
In spite of being summer, the rains keep temperatures from becoming overly hot, although humidity and insect life are at their peak. Days are mostly overcast or partially cloudy, with dramatic skies and a lovely green color to the landscape. Afternoon temperatures average 88°F (31°C), but mornings are very comfortable at around 65°F (19°C).
Baby animals are in abundance, especially impala lambs and warthog piglets. Migratory birds arrive to breed and dramatically increase the number of species and overall numbers, particularly in the lagoons and pans, which are full of rain water and food for the aquatic species.
Unlike the dry months (May through October), when the middays can be very warm, causing wildlife to minimize activity and seek shade from around 10am til mid-afternoon, the overcast skies in the summer often mean that animals are active throughout the day, offering many more hours of game viewing.
Autumn
March, April and May are Fall season months and the beginning of the dry season in the Okavango, with rains very uncommon from around mid-March. The landscape is still lush and green, with sunny days and comfortable temps; afternoons average 84°F (29°C). Mornings are comfortable, but a fleece and base layer may be needed for the first hours on game drive.
Migrant birds fly north and water in the lagoons and rain pans is drying up. Permanent waterways in the Delta are however rising, as the 'flood' water from the Angolan highlands is now reaching the Delta.
Morning temps are around 54°F/12°C and afternoons average 79°F/26°C.
Winter / Dry Season
June through August is winter and the vegetation is drying and going dormant. The Okavango flood water is peaking but the surrounding landscape is mostly brown and yellow. Dust and sand particles in the air is on the rise. Game viewing is superb, with elephant and buffalo herds congregating along permanent water.
Mornings can be chilly to very cold at around 45°F (7°C). Warm clothes, including winter hat and gloves are needed for the open-air game drives. Dress in layers, as the temps do rise quickly during the day, with middays reaching 79°F (26°C).
Spring
September and October are the driest months as the landscape and animals eagerly await the coming rains. Game viewing is phenomenal, with all lagoons and rain pans completely dry and animals congregating around permanent waterways. The flood levels are down and the grass and vegetation mostly dried.
Days are warm, sunny and often cloudless and by mid-morning, most animals are seeking shelter in the shade and awaiting the evening temps to drop. October can be brutally hot and dusty and even smoky as sporadic grass fires can occur.
Safari camps are mostly full to capacity, with guests adhering to guide books saying this is the only tome to visit (not true of course!) Temperatures in October can easily reach 95°F (35°C) or even hotter.