Wilderness Qorokwe | Okavango Delta
9 Jul 2023 - 13 Jul 2023
The name Qorokwe means 'the place where the buffalo broke through the bush into the water' and is evocative of the high-density game area in which the camp is situated. The diverse habitats of the south-eastern Okavango support a wealth of wildlife, earning the area’s well-deserved reputation as a top Botswana safari destination.
Situated between two permanent rivers in the Okavango Delta, Wilderness Qorokwe is beautiful year-round.
Wilderness Qorokwe has nine tented suites, one of which is a spacious family unit with a private plunge pool. En-suite facilities feature an indoor shower with an inward opening door giving the illusion of an outdoor shower experience. Built on elevated wooden platforms, the main area includes a dining room, lounge, library, bar and an infinity pool overlooking an expansive lagoon. Highlights of Wilderness Qorokwe’s dining experiences include festive boma evenings and scrumptious pizzas from the camp’s bespoke oven.
INSIDER'S TIP: Keep a look out for the secretive white rhino which have been reintroduced into this area.
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A luxurious and contemporary camp in a spectacular setting, Wilderness Qorokwe offers eight twin-bedded tents, plus a spacious family unit with its own private plunge pool. Raised decking connects guest tents to the main area, while mindfully maintaining wildlife crossings. With more than a kilometre (over half a mile) of walkways, guests can enjoy wholesome and scenic exercise within the camp.
The design inspiration for the camp comes from its natural setting in this extraordinary Botswana landscape. The result is a rich mix of natural materials and colours throughout. Bleached timbers, darker stains and accents of rust and burnt orange are used throughout. The materials chosen to build the camp include steel frames with infill panels to insulate against the heat and cold, as well as canvas and timber decks. Detailed timber ceilings perforated with light, mimic the experience of being beneath the trees at the side of the lagoon, creating a visual union with its beautiful surroundings.
Qorokwe has a very spacious family tent with its own private plunge pool and outdoor deck with shaded loungers, as well as a shared indoor lounge, dining area and fireplace.The main bedroom has an indoor bath.
Organic shapes, and textural contrast – from timber to steel and canvas – add warmth and comfort with understated luxury.
Property Facilities
Bar, Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Game Drives, Massages, Mokoro Excursion, Night Drives, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, Helicopter Scenic Flights
The Qorokwe Concession is defined by the Gomoti Channel in the east, while a large part of it lies across the Santantadibe River to the west. The safari traversing area comprises typical Okavango Delta habitats: seasonal palm-dotted floodplains, wooded islands, tranquil waterways, and dry woodland areas. This variety of habitats, plus the fact that the Qorokwe Concession has permanent water all year round, allows for a unique diversity of wildlife and outstanding game viewing during every season. Concentrations of larger predators may include lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyaena, and African wild dog. While various plains species typically seen are herds of giraffe, zebra, red lechwe and gnarled buffalo bulls.
Scan the bushveld during an evening drive for magical nocturnal mammals such as civets, genets, bushbabies, and owls.
A walking safari offers you the exciting opportunity of coming across big game on foot, as well as observing the smaller things you miss when travelling by vehicle. Step out in the wilderness with our skilled guides, and feel the thrill of being at one with nature.
* On request and seasonal (during the transition season of March to June, flora in the area flourishes, giving predators ample coverage, thus, making walking conditions unfavourable.
There is no better way of viewing the Delta and its wildlife than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Float along a crystal-clear waterway as you search for painted reed frogs, and beautiful waterlilies.
* Water levels permitting, however, generally possible all year round.
Seasonal boating excursions allow you to explore the more distant waterways, and the deep clear channels.
* Water levels permitting.
Cast your line, and try your hand at fishing on a catch and release basis. The camp has a limited supply of basic equipment for your use.
* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.
The camp itself overlooks a lagoon which is a magnet for avian wildlife. Or venture further afield to continue with excellent birdlife viewing which varies throughout the year, depending on water levels and season. These may include African hawk-eagle, ground hornbill, scarlet-chested sunbird, red-billed hornbill, and Gabar goshawk. Time to tick off a lifer.
Take a delightful picnic and explore on a full day excursion to the spectacular and productive area of Gomoti Plains, where wildlife abounds.
* On a minimum two night stay.
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Our Mission
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Your Stay
4 Nights
Your Rooms
1x Tented Room/s
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Wildlife
Jao Camp | Okavango Delta
13 Jul 2023 - 17 Jul 2023
Jao Camp is situated on a remote island within the private Jao Reserve in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where floodplains, palm islands and waterways converge to create a richly diverse safari environment.
The camp features five elevated suites and two exclusive villas, each designed to maximise privacy and panoramic Delta views. All suites and villas include private plunge pools, generous indoor and outdoor living areas, en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and spacious private decks. The two villas are ideal for families or small groups and include dedicated staff (a private guide, chef and butler) ensuring a fully tailored safari experience.
Wildlife activities are varied and seasonal, reflecting the dynamic Delta ecosystem. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, mokoro excursions through tranquil channels, boating (water level dependent), walking safaris and seasonal fishing. The reserve is renowned for its diverse habitats and predator sightings, alongside elephant, buffalo and red lechwe.
Beyond safari activities, Jao Camp offers a well-equipped gym, spa, and a curated museum space celebrating the natural history and cultural heritage of the region.
Fully solar powered, Jao Camp combines contemporary architecture with environmental sensitivity, delivering a refined yet immersive safari experience in one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness destinations.
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Jao Suite
Each Jao Suite is elevated on decking and thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with its island setting in the Jao Reserve. The open-plan layout includes a main bedroom, comfortable lounge area, dressing space and en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, double vanities and a freestanding bath.
Full-height sliding doors extend to the steel ring beam, opening onto an expansive private deck with a private plunge pool overlooking the surrounding channel and floodplains. The elevated position offers sweeping Delta views and exceptional privacy, with wildlife often visible directly from the suite.
A built-in daybed within the lounge area converts into an additional bed, ideally suited for a child or young guest, allowing flexible triple accommodation when required.
Each suite also features a kitchenette and dining area, Climate Wizard air-cooling system, Calore fireplace, overhead fan, mosquito net, Wi-Fi and in-room safe, ensuring comfort throughout the seasons. Natural materials including wood, steel and glass reflect the architectural language of the main camp while maintaining a refined, contemporary aesthetic.
Generous in scale and designed for seamless indoor–outdoor living, the Jao Suite offers an immersive and sophisticated base from which to explore the diverse land and water-based experiences of the Jao Reserve.
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, External Shower, Family Safari Tent, Fan, Fireplace, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Safe, Smoke Alarm, Wheelchair Friendly
Jao Villa
The two Jao Villas represent the most exclusive accommodation category at Jao Camp, offering generous scale, privacy and a fully personalised safari experience within the heart of the Jao Reserve.
Each villa comprises two full en-suite suites, connected by a central shared lounge and dining area. Each suite features its own bedroom and private bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers and a freestanding bath. A built-in daybed within each suite area converts into an additional bed, ideally suited for a child or young guest, allowing flexibility for families of four to six guests.
The shared living space opens onto a private deck, where a plunge pool and private fire pit overlook the surrounding floodplains, creating a seamless indoor–outdoor gathering space.
Each villa operates with a dedicated private team, including a guide, chef and butler, allowing complete flexibility in daily safari schedules and dining arrangements. Meals may be enjoyed privately within the villa or in the main camp dining areas, offering guests the choice between exclusivity and shared camp ambience.
Guests also enjoy full access to Jao’s spa, gym, gallery and main camp facilities.
The Jao Villa offers a refined, flexible and immersive safari experience within one of the Okavango Delta’s most diverse wilderness settings.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Facilities, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, External Shower, Family Safari Tent, Fan, Fireplace, Hairdryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Safe, Smoke Alarm
Property Facilities
Battery Charging Facilities, Children Friendly, Credit Card Facilities, Disabled Friendly , Gym / Fitness Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service, Meal On Request, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Restaurant, Spa
Explore the varied habitats surrounding Jao Camp on guided morning and afternoon game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Seasonal floodplains, waterways, woodland and dry islands create a diverse landscape that supports an abundance of wildlife and birdlife.
Led by an experienced guide, each drive is shaped by the conditions and wildlife movements of the day, offering opportunities to observe the reserve’s resident animals in their natural environment.
Game drives are subject to weather, road conditions and operational considerations. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
As the sun sets over the Okavango Delta, a different side of the wilderness comes to life. Continue your game drive after dark, using a spotlight to search for nocturnal species rarely encountered during daylight hours. Porcupine, aardwolf, serval, spotted genet and lesser bushbaby are among the elusive creatures you may encounter, while predators may also become increasingly active under the cover of darkness.
Night drives are subject to weather, road conditions and operational considerations, and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Step into the wilderness on foot and experience the Jao Reserve from an entirely different perspective. Guided nature walks offer the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the smaller details of the bush, from animal tracks and plants to insects, birds and the signs left behind by passing wildlife.
Walks may take place on Hunda Island, where the drier months can attract a variety of species and create rewarding opportunities for wildlife viewing. Led by an experienced walking guide, each excursion is tailored to conditions and the interests and abilities of the guests.
Guided nature walks are seasonal and subject to weather, terrain, wildlife activity and the availability of a suitably qualified walking guide. Advance booking is essential. Participation is subject to the guide’s discretion and applicable age restrictions.
Experience the Okavango Delta from water level as you glide quietly through its channels in a traditional mokoro. Poled by an experienced guide, this peaceful excursion offers a closer look at the Delta’s smaller details, including colourful reed frogs, aquatic plants, dragonflies and abundant birdlife.
Depending on seasonal water levels, guests may be transferred by vehicle from Jao Camp to the nearest suitable mokoro launch point.
Available subject to water levels, weather conditions and operational feasibility. Participation is subject to the guide’s discretion and applicable age restrictions.
Explore the waterways surrounding Jao Camp by boat and experience the Okavango Delta from a different perspective. Cruising through open channels and alongside reed-lined banks offers excellent opportunities to observe aquatic birdlife and water-associated wildlife, including hippo and crocodile.
Depending on the season and conditions, guests may also be fortunate enough to glimpse the elusive sitatunga among the papyrus and floodplain vegetation.
Available subject to water levels, weather conditions and operational feasibility. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Try your hand at seasonal catch-and-release fishing in the waterways surrounding Jao Camp. The Delta supports several freshwater species, and the experience offers a relaxed way to enjoy the channels and floodplains from the water.
A limited selection of basic fishing equipment is available at camp for guests’ use.
Fishing is seasonal and subject to water levels, weather conditions and operational feasibility. In accordance with Botswana’s annual fishing closure, fishing is not permitted during January and February to protect breeding fish populations.
The Jao Reserve offers exceptional birding across a rich mosaic of floodplains, waterways, reedbeds, woodland and dry islands. With both land- and water-based activities available, guests have excellent opportunities to add a wide variety of species to their lists.
Notable specials may include wattled crane, slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw, Pel’s fishing owl and African skimmer, alongside more regularly encountered species such as coppery-tailed coucal and African pygmy goose.
Birding opportunities vary according to season, habitat conditions and water levels. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Spend a memorable night beneath the African sky on Jao Camp’s elevated Star Bed deck. In the evening, the deck is transformed into a comfortable open-air bedroom, offering an immersive wilderness experience surrounded by the sounds of the Okavango Delta and an uninterrupted canopy of stars.
The Star Bed is available at an additional surcharge and must be pre-booked. It is offered seasonally from 1 April to 31 October and is subject to weather conditions, availability and operational feasibility.
Your Stay
4 Nights
Your Rooms
1x Tented Room/s
Fast Facts
5 Stars
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 7