Okavango Delta · Botswana
Jao Camp
Raised timber suites over a permanent water island, with a museum and yoga deck
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Jao sits on a densely wooded island in the western Okavango, on a private reserve where floodwater is present year-round. The camp was rebuilt from the ground up and reopened with five raised suites and two two-bedroom villas, all timber, glass and canvas, connected by elevated walkways through the canopy.
Because the reserve holds permanent water as well as dry ground, activities shift with the flood. Mokoro and motorboat excursions run through the channels, and vehicle drives cover the floodplains and islands. Sitatunga, red lechwe and large numbers of elephant are the regular sightings.
The camp is unusual in having a small natural history museum and a dedicated store of Botswana artefacts, plus a spa, gym and yoga deck. Guests staying in the villas get their own guide, vehicle and chef, effectively running as a separate camp.
At a glance
What to expect
- Private plunge pools
- Mokoro and boat safaris
- Spa and gym
- Yoga deck
- Natural history museum
- Elevated walkways
- All meals and local drinks
- Wi-Fi
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