Jao Camp | Botswana
Jao Camp, Okavango Delta
Jao Camp is a hidden sanctuary set on a remote island deep within Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Surrounded by a mosaic of floodplains, palm-dotted islands, and winding channels, this Wilderness Safaris property captures the spirit of the Delta at its most peaceful. It is one of those rare lodges that feels both luxurious and completely wild, offering privacy, comfort, and a genuine sense of isolation that is hard to find anywhere else.
Located in the Jao Reserve, a private concession in the northwestern part of the Okavango Delta, the camp is reached only by light aircraft and a short boat transfer when waters are high. The setting is spectacular. During the flood season, the lodge is surrounded by shimmering lagoons and channels that attract an incredible variety of wildlife. As the water recedes, wide open plains emerge, drawing herds of lechwe, tsessebe, and elephant, followed closely by predators.
The design of Jao Camp mirrors the natural beauty of its surroundings. Elevated walkways weave through palms and ebony trees, connecting open-sided lounges and viewing decks that look out over the floodplain. The main area combines elegant architecture with a relaxed, island feel. High thatched roofs, open fire pits, and quiet sitting areas invite guests to slow down, enjoy a drink, and take in the stillness of the Delta.
The Camp
Jao Camp has just seven suites, each carefully positioned for privacy and uninterrupted views. The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, combining natural materials with contemporary touches. Canvas walls, light wood, and thatch create a warm and earthy atmosphere, while large sliding doors open onto expansive decks with private plunge pools. From your room, you can often watch wildlife moving across the floodplain below, whether it is a herd of red lechwe bounding through the water or a fish eagle perched nearby.
Inside, the suites are built for comfort and quiet indulgence. Each features a king-sized bed facing the view, a writing desk, and generous lounge space. Bathrooms are open and airy, with deep soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and natural light filtering in through wooden slats. Every element has been designed to bring the outside in without sacrificing luxury.
Two of the suites are larger villas with their own private plunge pools, outdoor salas, and even spa areas, making them ideal for families or couples looking for extra space. The main lodge also features a wellness center with a gym, spa treatment rooms, and a beautiful pool overlooking the Delta. It is one of the few places where you can have a massage while listening to hippos in the water below.
Safari Experience
The experience at Jao Camp changes with the seasons, offering both land and water-based safaris depending on the level of the flood. When the Delta is full, guests can explore by mokoro or motorboat, gliding silently through the channels to spot jacanas, kingfishers, and herons. These water excursions reveal a quieter side of the Okavango, where the focus is on the sounds, colors, and small details that make this ecosystem so unique.
As the waters recede, game drives and walking safaris take center stage. The area supports a healthy population of predators, including lion, leopard, and hyena, as well as abundant plains game. Elephant and buffalo are often seen crossing the floodplains, and in the dry season, large herds gather near the remaining pools. Birding here is excellent year-round, with everything from Pel’s fishing owl to African skimmers making regular appearances.
The guiding team at Jao is highly experienced and known for their deep understanding of the Delta’s rhythms. Drives are unhurried and flexible, allowing guests to spend time at sightings or explore new areas each day. Back at camp, evenings unfold slowly around the fire or at the open-air bar, where you can watch the last light fade over the water before dinner is served under the stars.
Why We Love It
Jao Camp stands out for its sense of seclusion and effortless elegance. It manages to feel both deeply remote and beautifully designed, with every detail crafted to enhance the experience of being in the Delta. The service is warm and understated, the food consistently excellent, and the atmosphere relaxed but refined.
This is a camp for travelers who value space, privacy, and a slower pace of safari. It is ideal for couples, honeymooners, or anyone who wants to disconnect completely and spend time surrounded by nature without compromise. The combination of architecture, location, and guiding make Jao one of the most remarkable lodges in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
A stay at Jao Camp is about finding stillness in one of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth. Whether you are floating quietly through the channels by mokoro or watching the sunrise from your deck, it is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
If you would like to include Jao Camp in your Botswana safari, get in touch. We can help you design a journey that combines this remote island sanctuary with other unforgettable destinations across the Okavango Delta and beyond.
Booking Process
We tailor every aspect of your travel – your itinerary, private guides, accommodations, & activities – to create the trip you’re dreaming of. With deep in-country knowledge, our team is able to craft your trip precisely the way you want. Request a custom itinerary below.
1. Make an Enquiry
Submit an enquiry online.
2. Speak to a Local Expert
Discuss your travel plans with your own dedicated Africa specialist.
3. Receive a Quote + Itinerary
We craft your dream itinerary and send you a quote.
4. Book Your Trip
Once every detail is just right, we confirm your booking.