Jao

Stunning 5 star camp in the Jao Concession

From $1517 per person

Offering the following

Family Units
Private Pools
Pool
Gym
Spa
Massage
Game Drives
Night Drives
Trackers
Boating Safaris
Mokoro Safaris
Walking Safaris
Fishing

5 STAR

Dry Camp

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.

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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.

Boating

A boating safari gives you the quintessential Okavango experience

Mokoro

Drifting gently through the floodplains in a dug-out canoe

Game Drives

Morning and afternoon game drives are taken in the region

Night Drives

Amazing activity witnessed after dark

Walking Safaris

Experience nature close up on foot

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.

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.

2023 Pricing

Prices are per person per night sharing

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 guarantee that our rates will be lower than retail rates.

contact us for single traveller prices.

January to March

$1517

April

$2112

May

$2598

1 June to October

$3307

Nov to 19 Dec

$1625

20 Dec to 5 Jan

$2398

Map

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Welcome to Jao

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