Jao Camp

Accommodation

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 remarkable landscape- always maximising the stunning views. The architecture draws inspiration from the Delta itself, with sculptural forms, natural timber, woven textures and soft, earthy tones creating interiors that feel contemporary yet deeply connected to their surroundings.

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.

Guests also have the opportunity to spend a night on Jao’s elevated sleep-out deck. Offered seasonally during the drier months, subject to weather and availability, the experience must be pre-booked and offers an unforgettable night beneath the stars, immersed in the sounds of the Okavango.

Camp Facilities & Dining

The main area at Jao Camp is set within a distinctive multi-level structure, with soaring thatched roofs, sweeping curves, natural timber, handcrafted finishes and earthy tones reflect the forms and textures of the surrounding Delta.

The lounge and dining areas, a wine cellar, curio shop, swimming pool and boma are spread across a series of interconnected levels, creating a collection of intimate spaces rather than one large communal area. Elevated above the floodplains, every aspect of the design makes the most of the ever-changing views.

The swimming pool at Jao Camp is sheltered beneath a woven canopy inspired by the intricate nests of the weaver bird, one of the camp’s most memorable architectural features.

There is also a spa, well-equipped gym and a dedicated entertainment room, an unusual feature in the Okavango Delta, which can be used for private dining, presentations or relaxed evenings watching wildlife documentaries.

One of Jao Camp’s most distinctive spaces is its library and museum, where books, historic artefacts and natural history displays celebrate the Okavango Delta’s wildlife, ecology and cultural heritage. A beautifully displayed giraffe skeleton forms the centrepiece of the collection, making this a fascinating place to spend time between safari activities.

Location

Jao Camp is located within the private Jao Reserve in the north-western Okavango Delta, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. This is one of the most visually striking areas of the Okavango Delta, where winding channels, open floodplains, raised islands and pockets of woodland create an ever-changing mosaic of habitats.

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.

For Access- Guests fly into Jao Airstrip from either Maun or Kasane before transferring to camp by vehicle, boat or a combination of the two, depending on seasonal water levels. The journey itself offers a fitting introduction to this remarkable part of the Delta.

Activities & Seasonality

Activities at Jao Camp vary with the seasons, offering one of the broadest safari experiences in the Okavango Delta. Depending on water levels, guests can enjoy both land- and water-based safaris, while night drives are also permitted within this private reserve. Longer game drives often explore Hunda Island, the largest island in the Jao Reserve and home to much of its wildlife. Reached by boat, it offers access to areas beyond the immediate surroundings of camp and is often combined with a picnic lunch.

A raised hide, located around twenty minutes from camp, offers a secluded vantage point for observing wildlife and can also be used for seasonal sleep-outs. Offered during the drier months, subject to weather and availability, the experience must be pre-booked.

Water levels are central to the experience at Jao Camp. 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, while game viewing increasingly centres on the larger islands where wildlife gathers on the remaining dry ground. Guided walks are also offered when conditions allow.

As the floodwaters gradually recede from around September to November, boating and mokoro excursions usually come to an end, while game drives once again become the primary activity. The summer months from December to March bring local rains, fresh growth and excellent birdlife, with more variable water levels. Following good rainfall, water activities may resume.

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 Reserve. 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.

Wildlife

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.

History

Following many years under Wilderness management, Jao Camp has returned to the stewardship of the Kays family, whose connection with Jao spans decades. Their deep understanding of the reserve and long-standing commitment to its conservation continue to shape the camp today.