Jao Camp

Jao Camp - Overview

Jao is one of the Okavango Delta’s flagship luxury camps, set within the private Jao Concession in the north-western Delta. Surrounded by waterways, floodplains and islands, it offers a varied and visually striking setting. With just seven suites and two villas, it remains intimate, while the two-bedroom villas include a private vehicle, guide, chef and butler for a more tailored stay.

Jao Camp - Full Report

The Jao Concession is one of the most visually striking areas of the Okavango Delta, offering a rare combination of both land- and water-based safari experiences. Its landscape is defined by variation rather than uniformity, where narrow channels open into floodplains and permanent wetlands give way to dry, raised islands scattered with palms and woodland. This creates a layered environment that shifts subtly through the seasons, revealing different aspects of the Delta over time.

Water levels are central to the experience at Jao. The annual flood, arriving from the Angolan highlands as early as April (though more typically from May through August), gradually fills channels and spreads across the floodplains. As water rises, boating and mokoro excursions become possible and wildlife gathers on the remaining dry ground. As it recedes from September through November, access by vehicle improves and the focus returns to game drives. The summer months from December to March bring local rains, fresh growth and excellent birdlife, with more variable water levels.

Because of this natural cycle, the balance between water-based activities and land-based safari varies throughout the year, and even between camps within the Jao Concession. Careful planning is therefore important, and we will guide you on which camps — and combinations of camps — will best match your expectations and create a well-balanced Okavango Delta itinerary.

Jao camp comprises nine suites in total, including two larger villas ideal for families or those seeking additional space. Each villa features two en-suite bedrooms, along with a shared living area and an extended outdoor deck with a private plunge pool. This layout makes them particularly well suited to families or small groups travelling together, while still retaining the same open, understated design and connection to the surrounding environment as the main suites.

Jao Camp itself is designed to sit lightly within this environment- always maximising the stunning views. The suites are open-plan, with a lounge, bedroom, dressing area and en-suite facilities including both indoor and outdoor showers. Each has a raised sala overlooking the surrounding channels, offering a quiet space to take in the landscape. While the design remains open to the elements, discreet air conditioning in the sleeping area ensures comfort at night, complemented by fans and natural airflow during the day.

The main area is set within a distinctive multi-level structure, with a lounge and dining space, plunge pools, a small library, curio shop and a boma for outdoor dining. There is also a spa, gym and a dedicated entertainment room, an unusual feature in the Delta, which can be used for private dining, presentations or relaxed evenings watching wildlife documentaries.

The camp’s position, between waterways and the edge of drier woodland, allows for varied and often rewarding game viewing. Large herds of red lechwe are a defining feature of the floodplains and attract predators, particularly lion. Elephant, buffalo, leopard and zebra are regularly seen, along with hippo and crocodile in the water. More elusive species such as sitatunga and spotted-necked otter are occasionally encountered.

Birdlife is excellent, especially around the water, with species such as Meyer’s parrot, black crake, coppery-tailed coucal and African harrier hawk frequently recorded.

Activities include both land- and water-based safaris depending on water levels, as well as night drives, which are permitted within this private concession.

A raised hide, located around twenty minutes from camp, offers a secluded vantage point for observing wildlife and can also be used for sleep-outs offering a more immersive Okavango experience.

Hunda Island, reached by boat, provides access to further areas of the concession and is often explored on longer game drives with a picnic.

Formerly operated by Wilderness, Jao is now managed directly by the Kays family, whose long-standing involvement in the concession reflects a deep and enduring connection to this part of the Okavango Delta.