- Children Friendly
- Private Plunge Pool
- Private Deck
- Big Five
- Yoga
- Spa
- Swimming pool
- Waterhole views
- Eco-friendly
- Gym
- Game viewing
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Set on a remote island in Botswana’s private Jao Reserve, this camp is a sculptural marvel crafted from natural and recycled materials, with soaring interiors that embrace light and the surrounding bush. Nine spacious, beautifully designed tents sit on raised decks and feature indoor and outdoor showers and a private sala for quiet moments. The main area boasts a lounge, dining space, two plunge pools, an atmospheric boma and a well‑stocked wine cellar. A dedicated spa and gym invite relaxation, while the endless floodplains and river channels mean every day brings a new adventure.
The Rooms
Jao’s accommodation is an exercise in luxury. Five spacious safari rooms and two luxurious villas are individually handcrafted with canvas walls and thatched roofs. Each suite features an open-plan design with a lounge, dressing area, deep bathtub, and indoor/outdoor showers. Private verandahs overlook the floodplains, and each villa has its own plunge pool, private vehicles, guides, chefs, and butlers. A unique bird’s nest-style pool gazebo nestled among towering trees provides a peaceful spot to observe the delta’s ever-changing waters.
Incredible Game Viewing
The 60 000‑hectare Jao Reserve, bordered by the Moremi Game Reserve, is a mosaic of floodplains, channels and islands. Activities shift with the seasons, glide silently along channels in a mokoro, venture out on boat cruises and cast a line for catch‑and‑release fishing when the waters are high. In drier months, day and night game drives explore the savannah and woodlands. Expect to see elephants at eye level, buffalo herds hundreds strong, lions and other big cats, red lechwe, myriad birds including Pel’s fishing owl and even rare painted reed frogs.
Revel in Jao’s Unique Style
Between activities, unwind in Jao’s lavish main area. Sip a chilled Chardonnay from the temperature‑controlled wine cellar while watching elephants crossing the floodplain. The award‑winning spa offers a range of massage therapies, and the gym lets you work out while gazing over the bush. Meals showcase locally grown ingredients and traditional recipes, whether enjoyed in the open‑air dining area, the boma under a canopy of stars, or delivered to your suite’s deck. With no Wi‑Fi on site, Jao encourages guests to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature.
What We Love
The camp’s architecture blends seamlessly with nature, from the bird’s nest pool gazebo to the use of wood, steel and glass. Spacious suites with private salas, plunge pools and spectacular floodplain views. A wide range of water and land activities, including glass‑bottomed mokoro rides, seasonal fishing and star‑bed sleep‑outs. A fine‑dining experience rooted in local ingredients, complemented by an impressive wine cellar.
Where To Find Jao Camp
Jao Camp is situated on a remote island within the 60 000‑hectare Jao Concession in northern Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The camp’s coordinates are approximately –19.30618° S, 22.60217° E. Access is via light aircraft to the Jao airstrip followed by a short road transfer. Its central location near the Panhandle ensures year‑round access to both water and land habitats and close proximity to the Moremi Game Reserve.
Coordinates: –19.30618° S, 22.60217° E
Wildlife At Jao Camp
Known-for
Special
Rare
Common
Abundant
- leopard
- buffalo
- lion
- hippo
- whiterhino
- wilddog
- elephant
- cheetah
- hyena
- wildebeest
- kudu
- bushbuck
- baboon
- giraffe
- zebra
- worthog
- raptors
