Set on a small island deep within the waterways of the Jao Reserve, Pelo Camp offers one of the most authentic water-based safari experiences in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Surrounded by lily-covered channels, papyrus-lined waterways, and open floodplains, the camp sits in the very heart of the Delta’s remarkable aquatic landscape. A stylish, water-focused retreat tucked into these channels, Pelo Camp offers intimate mokoro and boat experiences right from your tent steps. Designed for guests who want to be on the water, it blends modern comfort with up-close encounters of the Delta’s aquatic life, tranquil evenings by the lagoon, and expert guiding that reveals hidden waterways and secret wildlife moments. What Awaits You at Pelo Camp • Close mokoro and boat excursions through winding, lily-covered channels • Exceptional birding and sightings of sitatunga, reed-dependent species, and hippo life • Guided water-based safaris, seasonal fishing, and photographic cruises • Peaceful starlit nights, private waterside dining, and waterside tent access • A calm, immersive pace ideal for couples and small groups seeking authentic, water-centred Delta experiences

Welcome to the Jao Reserve, one of the most iconic private reserves in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Here, a remarkable mosaic of floodplains, palm islands, winding channels, and rich woodland habitats creates one of the most diverse safari landscapes in Africa. Within the reserve, six distinctive camps, Jao, Kwetsani, Tubu Tree, Little Tubu, Jacana, and Pelo, offer different perspectives of this extraordinary Delta environment. Each camp is positioned in a unique setting, allowing guests to experience the changing character of the Okavango across its varied habitats. The Jao Reserve is renowned for the variety of safari experiences it offers. Venture out on open-vehicle game drives through woodland and grassland, glide quietly through waterlily-filled channels by mokoro, or explore the Delta by boat as seasonal floodwaters transform the landscape. Wildlife encounters are equally diverse, from large herds of lechwe and buffalo moving across the floodplains to the excitement of tracking predators such as lion and leopard. Bird enthusiasts are also rewarded with exceptional birdlife throughout the reserve. This is the Okavango Delta in its full richness, dynamic, diverse, and unforgettable.

This video highlights the delivery of the new Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicles travelling from Maun into the Jao Reserve. These vehicles replace our long-serving heritage fleet of Land Rovers and form part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a modern, reliable fleet in one of Africa’s most remote safari environments. Operating in the Okavango Delta presents unique logistical challenges, and ensuring that our vehicles and equipment remain in top operating condition is essential to delivering a safe and comfortable safari experience. Purpose-built for comfort, safety, and exceptional visibility, these custom game viewer vehicles allow guests to explore the Delta from an elevated perspective. Spacious seating, open sides, and uninterrupted window views ensure that every guest enjoys a prime vantage point for wildlife viewing and photography. The vehicles are used for daily safari activities across the reserve and are designed to carry up to six guests, with each seat offering excellent visibility of the surrounding wilderness. For many guests, the journey from the airstrip to camp, and every drive that follows, is where the safari truly begins.