Jao
Stunning 5 star camp in the Jao Concession
From $1285 per person
Offering the following
5 STAR
Wet Camp
- 9 premier rooms
Safari Lifestyles View
Jao is one of Wilderness Safaris’ Premier camps and justifies its high rating. This is stunning camp with beautiful views.
Jao is a place of relaxation and contemplation, perhaps after visiting some other lodges. It is however one of the most beautiful lodges in Botswana and you really do get one of the best “aquatic” safaris.
The beautiful accommodation is complimented by one of the best main lounges in the country, here you can relax after a session in their spa and then consider whether or not to go on a mokoro or boat ride. We think that Jao is a picture postcard location with a beautiful lodge and is one of the top 5 destinations in Botswana.
Jao Gallery
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Wildlife
It is perhaps the birds for which the true wetland areas of the Okavango Delta are best known however. The largest concentrations of endangered Wattled Crane are found in this area and Slaty Egrets, Rosy-throated Longclaws and African Skimmer are some of the specials that can be seen. Hallowed species such as Pel’s Fishing-Owl and Slaty Egret are found alongside more conspicuous and commonly seen Coppery-tailed Coucal, Pygmy Goose, while the specialised African Skimmer (from which Wilderness Safaris takes its logo) may be seen on the larger lagoons and channels in the Jao Concession.
The Jao Concession is set in the most densely populated wetland area for sitatunga antelope and red lechwe, and of course hippo and crocodile are regularly sighted. In the dry season lechwe, tsessebe, elephant, wildebeest and zebra occur here, and lion, cheetah and leopard are often sighted on the floodplains. The lion prides in this area of the Okavango Delta have been extensively studied in recent years, thereby building up a more intimate knowledge of their behaviour.
Wildlife Activities
Whats Included
- Accommodation
- All meals
- All drinks
- All shared activities
- Laundry services
Whats Not Included
- Travel to and from the lodge
- Private activities
- Premium imported drinks
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Children Policy
Children 6 years and above are welcome
Up to 16 years: A child must share a room with an adult
Up to 12 Years: A private vehicle needs to be booked
The Camp
Camp Overview
In the heart of the Okavango, luxurious Jao is set amongst islands fringed with riverine forests and vast, floodplains with prolific wildlife. The camp (rebuilt in 2019) comprises a main area elevated into the tree canopy, two exclusive villas and five twins all with private plunge pools, lounge and dining areas, and en-suite bathrooms, including indoor and outdoor showers.
The two Jao Villas, accommodating four people each in two identical guest rooms, share a main area, and also have an exclusive vehicle, guide, chef and butler.
Lodge Layout
Jao has five luxurious suites and two ultra-luxe family/double villas, each individually handcrafted and with an open-plan design, elegant-hand crafted style fittings and an expansive deck and plunge pool for afternoon relaxing or siestas.
An elaborate main area also includes a large rim flow pool, library, curio shop, museum, gym and boma for dining under the stars, complemented by an excellent wine cellar. The spa has a wide range of massage therapies.
Room Description
Luxury wood clad accommodations under thatch roofing and a combination of textured walling (glass and mesh at the front with mesh at the rear) on an elevated composite deck with lounge area and elevated wooden walkways.
Each suite has a veranda with spectacular vistas over the floodplains and comprises of en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor showers, bath, separate toilet, double vanity basin, self-igniting Calore Fireplace, mosquito net, hairdryer (powered by solar panels), outdoor day bed, indoor lounge/dining area, veranda with deck chairs, ceiling fan, electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities, mini-bar, exercise mat and weights and plunge pool.
During summer months the Evening Breeze Cooling System (air-conditioning) is fitted over the beds and during winter months the beds are fitted with electric blankets.
Camp Environment
Situated in the very heart of the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, the 60 000-hectare (150 000-acre) Jao Concession embodies all the magic and mystique of Botswana with vegetation that varies from permanent swamps to dry land.
In the east, the Jao Flats boast water channels that cut their way through the papyrus and reed beds, providing the perfect environment for wildlife.
Beautiful lush palm islands dot the water. Around the Jao Flats spectacular herds of red lechwe are followed by the primary predators – lion and leopard.
Other game includes tsessebe, elephant, hippo and crocodile. Sitatunga are seen occasionally, and sightings of spotted-necked otter are regular. Birding is exceptional in the Jao Concession, with Vulnerable wattled crane, slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw, Pel’s fishing-owl, and lesser jacana to be seen in the wetter areas. Other exciting species include swamp nightjar and brown firefinch.
Pricing 2020
Please note: These are retail rates and should be seen as indicative, and they can change. All rates are subject to availability. Safari Lifestyles will always endeavour to provide you with prices under these rates if possible.
Contact us for up to date information
Where is Jao...?
