Jao Camp, Okavango Delta, Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Botswana - Luxury Hotel

Summary

- An extraordinary structural marvel with striking design elements and sophistication at every turn
- Surrounded by riverine forests and immense floodplains, Jao is the archetypal Okavango Delta camp, and a lush haven for wildlife
- Its ceaselessly moving waters provide a true sense of adventure and a continuous element of surprise in the safari experience – from boating, mokoro and seasonal catch and release fishing to thrilling game drives, full day excursions and sleep outs in the Jao Star Bed
- Year-round access to Hunda Island – by boat when the waters are in, and by vehicle during summer
- Jao offers an award-winning spa experience in the Delta, with a gym alongside

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

Wildlife: 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 include elephants, buffalos, leopards, tsessebe, zebras, hippos, 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.

Accommodation: the highest standards of carefree luxury in five expansive suites and two ultra-luxe villas, each individually handcrafted and with an open-plan design, vintage-style fittings and a sala for afternoon siestas. Jao’s elaborate two-storey main area, built into the towering trees, includes a plunge pool, a gallery-museum and library, complemented by an excellent wine cellar, traditional boma for dining under the stars, as well as a unique bird nest-styled pool gazebo on the edge of the surrounding water. A romantic star bed is a seasonal option when water levels permit, and the tranquil spa has a wide range of soothing massage therapies. Jao is the perfect for families, small groups, or hideaway couples.

Purpose: Jao is a place that is dedicated to the conservation of the Okavango Delta and its unique ecosystem – the waters and the dry land, and the plants, birds and wildlife that call it home.

Facilities

Experiences - activities

Mokoro Excursion *
There is no better way of viewing the Delta and its wildlife than adventuring by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). The riverine forest surrounding Jao are ideal for spotting smaller creatures amongst the papyrus reeds. * Water levels permitting.

Boating *
A boating excursion allows us to reach and explore the more distant waterways and clear, deep channels. Explore the iconic Delta floodplains at Jao. * Water levels permitting.

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. * Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.

Game Drives
Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 vehicles, and reveal the spectacular wildlife diversity of the vast floodplains. Traverse the iconic Jao Reserve in search of game ranging from the elusive Pel’s fishing-owl, to the infamous ‘Jao Mafia’ mongoose gang, to a myriad of big cats, to co-habiting crocodiles and hippos, to a multitude of antelope species, buffalo, and elephant herds.

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.

Full-Day Game Drives & Picnics
Jao rests under a fantastic tree canopy on its own remote island, surrounded by a watery garden of channels, reeds, and lilies. 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.

Unwind in the Wilderness at the Jao Spa
Tucked away in amongst palms for privacy, overlooking lush waterways, the Jao Spa is an exquisite setting from where you can rest, relax and feel utterly restored. A full menu of therapies from facials to manicures, and a range of signature massage options, may be experienced. A treatment is bound to further inspire guests to fully appreciate Jao's extraordinary holistic offering.

Gym
For the energetic, there is a gym equipped with a treadmill, elliptical trainer, punch bag for boxing, stationary exercise bicycle, exercise mats, medicine ball, skipping ropes and a range of free weights.

Visit Jao's Museum & Gallery
A fascinating feature at Jao is the museum and gallery, with its emphasis on learning and knowledge sharing of the area and its denizens, from a metres high giraffe skeleton, to geographical maps. In addition, a series of botanical pressings by EE Galpin, known as the 'Prince of Collectors' and one of the pre-eminent botanists of his time, is beautifully showcased here. In fact, he was the great-grandfather of Cathy Kays, co-owner of Jao. Included is a fascinating history of the Kays family, who have been rooted in Botswana since the 19th century and today based in Maun, operating Ngamiland Adventure Safaris (NAS) and other ventures.

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Jao Camp

| Botswana | Okavango Delta | Moremi Wildlife Reserve |

Summary

Location

Facilities

Experiences - activities

Menu

Search

Jao Camp

| Botswana | Okavango Delta | Moremi Wildlife Reserve |

Map

Summary

Location

Facilities

Experiences - activities