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Okavango Delta, Botswana

Jao Camp

The rooms at Jao may quite possibly be some of the largest and most luxurious in the African safari industry! Beware if you have a troop of baboons around as the only showers in the room are outside. We like the more intimate camps of Kwetsani and Tubu Tree. The attitude, relaxed feel and settings are more our style.

 — Mango's view

Jao Camp is situated in the Jao Reserve, an area of 60,000 hectares, in Botswana's Okavango Delta. Jao can offer both land and water activities, depending on the fluctuating levels of the Okavango floodwater. This area comprises a superb variety of habitats, ranging from permanent waterways and

The camp sleeps a maximum of 18 guests in unique and stunningly beautiful, luxury rooms. The whole of Jao is raised on wooden decks above the lush palms below and is beneath a dense canopy of ancient indigenous trees. Each room has thatched roofs with canvas walls. En-suite facilities include a bath, flush toilet, basins, as well as an outdoor shower. Each room has a sala for midday siestas with a wonderful view. The main dining, lounge and pub area is under cool thatch beneath the tree canopy. The camp has two pools. Raised walkways connect the rooms to the dining room and lounge.

A variety of habitats ensures diverse and interesting game viewing. The wildlife at Jao depends largely on the water levels in the area. The lagoons are home to hippo and crocodile and the permanent waters attract large numbers of waterfowl. In the permanent waters, Sitatunga can be tracked silently by mokoro. From October to March the waters subside and enormous open plains are the highlight. This is where the game viewing is the best. Lion, cheetah and leopard are plentiful, while tsessebe, red lechwe, zebra and wildebeest dot the flood plains. During Botswana's winter months, the water levels at Jao rise and the savannah areas become covered with water. The focus at Jao switches more to water activities with game drives on the larger islands.

Includes: All meals, drinks (except premium brands), safari activities, & laundry