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.