A beautifully designed open-air structure made of intertwined bamboo, featuring a circular pool and comfortable loungers. Sunlight filters through the bamboo, casting intricate shadows on the wooden deck, surrounded by lush greenery.

Jao Camp

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Overview

Situated on a private island within the Jao Reserve, in the Okavango Delta’s western region, this is Botswana’s most luxurious camp.

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Key Features

  • Jao Camp is located on a remote island in the heart of Okavango Delta in the Jao concession
  • A luxurious camp with two exclusive villas and five suites all with private plunge pools
  • Activities on offer include day and night game drives, seasonal boating and fishing, mokoro trips, seasonal walking and sleep
  • The two villas come complete with an exclusive vehicle, guide, chef and butler
A stylish restaurant interior with a wooden ceiling, featuring a long dining table set with elegant tableware. The bar area is stocked with bottles, and large windows provide views of the outdoor landscape. Soft lighting creates a warm atmosphere.
A silhouette of a person standing in a small boat with a paddle, while another person sits with a camera. The scene is set against a vibrant sunset, reflecting orange and yellow hues on the water surface, with trees and plants visible in the background.

Location

Set on the Jao concession in the north-western Okavango, Jao Camp is surrounded by pristine wilderness and some of the most beautiful scenery. Thanks to its location within this 150,000-acre wilderness, the camp benefits from being both hidden amongst waterways and lagoons and also close to the Kalahari woodlands which makes for excellent game viewing (think red lechwe, leopards, elephants, buffalo and hippo).

Design

Located on a large island, Jao Camp was completely rebuilt in 2019 and the tents – there are five tents and two villas in total – overlook the Delta. The accommodations are made from canvas and thatch, meaning they blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Connected via raised walkways through the trees, they boast plenty of living space inside, and outside on the front deck there’s entertaining space, a private sala and breathtaking views over the reserve’s seasonal floodplains. Looking for more space? Opt for one of the villas, perfect for a group of friends or family.

A luxurious, open-plan living space with large glass windows showcasing a breathtaking sunset. Elegant seating arrangements include cozy sofas and armchairs surrounded by warm, ambient lighting. A stylish coffee table is set with candles, adding a serene, inviting atmosphere.

Central Camp

The central camp is spread over two storeys and is in itself a showpiece. With a heavy West African and Indonesian influence (think antiques, rich leathers and African driftwood chairs), the space is comprised of a lounge and dining area with two plunge pools, a curio shop, a small library and a boma where you can enjoy dinner under the African stars. There’s also an award-winning spa and gym to soothe your aching muscles after a long day out on safari.

A lush, secluded lodge surrounded by trees, featuring a thatched roof and wooden decks. The setting is bathed in warm, golden light during sunset, with a pathway leading through the natural landscape.
A leopard with distinct spotted fur stands on a tree branch, looking directly at the camera, surrounded by lush green foliage.
A giraffe skeleton is displayed in a well-lit, wooden interior space. The skeleton stands on a wooden platform, surrounded by a spiral staircase and shelves filled with books. Soft lighting creates a warm ambiance in the room.
A bright, sunlit gym space featuring fitness equipment, including a rowing machine, a stationary bike, and a punching bag, with large glass windows offering a view of the outdoors.

Sustainability

As part of the Jao Concession, Jao Camp is involved in a project with the local community to reduce conflict regarding poaching and over fishing in the area. Power is solar, water is filtered using reverse-osmosis and air is cooled by energy-efficient Climate Wizard systems.

A male waterbuck wades through a wetland, showcasing its distinctive curved horns and shaggy coat against a backdrop of lush vegetation and calm waters.
A lion walks through tall grass in front of a safari vehicle, where tourists are seated and observing. The scene captures the beauty of wildlife in a natural setting.

Why we love it

The varied landscape – seasonal floodplains, permanent wetlands and dry islands – means there a wealth of wildlife, so get out on guided walk or game drive to see it all (these are also offered at night where you can sight some of the more elusive species). And with such a location, it would be foolish not to get out on the water. From a boat trip to a mokoro (a dug-out canoe) excursion, there’s so much to see: hippo, Nile crocodile and abundant waterbirds that call these waters their home.

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