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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.
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 , Eco 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.
