Where is the Okavango Delta?

The Okavango Delta is found in north-western Botswana. As the world’s largest inland delta, it covers a large swathe of the Kalahari Desert. This is a vast and varied ecosystem that provides a sanctuary for some of the world’s rarest birds and wildlife.

How big is the Okavango Delta?

The Okavango Delta is dynamic and constantly changing with the seasonal rains. It occupies an area of between 6 000 and 15 000 square kilometres, the channels flowing into the semi-desert Kalahari to create a safari experience quite like anywhere else on Earth.

What is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta?

Jacana in Botswana is ready to welcome you all year round. While each season brings a unique appeal, wildlife numbers are concentrated between July and October. These drier months also allow for seasonal walking opportunities.

What should I wear on safari in Botswana?

Khaki, green and beige are essential neutral colors for a safari in the bush, particularly if you would like to take a walk on the wild side. Also be sure to pack a long-sleeved shirt, mosquito repellant, sunglasses, and some good sunscreen. And don’t forget your camera and spare memory cards for some epic safari shots.

Botswana

Jacana

Jewel of the Delta

A delightful water-based camp where you can enjoy an intimate and authentic Okavango Delta safari.

Home Africa Botswana Okavango Delta Jacana Camp

DESTINATIONS

Wilderness Jacana

Get ready for an aquatic adventure in the Okavango.

Embark on a discovery of the aquatic wonderland that is the Okavango. On an island in the Jao Reserve, surrounded by seasonally inundated floodplains and papyrus swamps, Botswana's Wilderness Jacana takes its name from the birds that flourish here. Delta specials abound, while the semi-permanent water delivers unique encounters with an array of fascinating creatures.

BOTSWANA

Wilderness Jacana Botswana Elephant In Water

Jacana moments

On a small island, the Okavango Delta’s Jacana promises a visual, tangible experience in the seasonal Delta waters. Look forward to close-up observations of hippos, crocodiles, and water-loving elephants. A wealth of waterbirds is also waiting for you, including the emblematic African jacana, wattled crane, and Pel’s fishing-owl.

Wilderness Jacana Botswana Flock Of Storks

Wilderness Jacana Botswana Elephant In Delta

Jacana moments

On a small island, the Okavango Delta’s Jacana promises a visual, tangible experience in the seasonal Delta waters. Look forward to close-up observations of hippos, crocodiles, and water-loving elephants. A wealth of waterbirds is also waiting for you, including the emblematic African jacana, wattled crane, and Pel’s fishing-owl.

Accommodation

Relax in the intimate setting of the raised deck at your well-appointed en-suite tented room (one of just five) at this Okavango Delta safari camp. Nestled amongst dense palms and magnificent trees, sink into a comfy chair, drink in the views of the channels fronting camp, and share tales around the campfire long into the star-filled night.

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Cuisine

The food experience at Jacana is a journey in itself. To reduce our footprint, strengthen our ties with the community, and create a healthier, more harmonious environment for all of us, we use locally grown ingredients in traditional recipes. Feel indulged as you discover Botswana at its best through touch, smell, and taste.

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THE DETAILS

Wilderness Jacana

Wilderness Jacana invites you to discover stimulating adventure in Botswana’s astounding waterscapes. From your enviable vantage point on the camp’s raised wooden deck, look out for an abundance of animals visiting the broad Delta channels fronting camp. Recline between the two magnificent sycamore fig trees, framed by dense wild date palms, and discover what paradise really looks like.

Purpose

Facilities

Wildlife

Area

Activities

Travel with purpose

By partnering with the Tubu Joint Management Committee and Pack for a Purpose, our Children in the Wilderness initiative at Jacana inspires and educates children in the Okavango Delta, opening their eyes and minds to the importance of protecting the environment. By staying with us, you directly help to shape the next generation of custodians of the wild.

Pool

Enjoy a refreshing dip, for some respite from the African sun.

Wi-Fi

Stay in touch with friends and family, and share your sightings.

Solar

We tread lightly wherever we go. Jacana is 100% solar powered.

Store

Pick out a locally crafted keepsake as a reminder of your safari.

Experience the tranquil Delta

The small island home of Jacana is a delight for twitchers who will relish sightings of avian specials, including both lesser and African jacana, Pel’s fishing-owl, slaty egret, and African pygmy-goose. Here in the Delta, wildlife is also abundant. Watch buffalos graze as you breakfast. Glide past hippos and crocs on a mokoro. Or venture out on a game drive to search for wild dogs and leopards.

Purpose

Travel with purpose

By partnering with the Tubu Joint Management Committee and Pack for a Purpose, our Children in the Wilderness initiative at Jacana inspires and educates children in the Okavango Delta, opening their eyes and minds to the importance of protecting the environment. By staying with us, you directly help to shape the next generation of custodians of the wild.

Facilities

Pool

Enjoy a refreshing dip, for some respite from the African sun.

Wi-Fi

Stay in touch with friends and family, and share your sightings.

Solar

We tread lightly wherever we go. Jacana is 100% solar powered.

Store

Pick out a locally crafted keepsake as a reminder of your safari.

Wildlife

Area

Experience the tranquil Delta

The small island home of Jacana is a delight for twitchers who will relish sightings of avian specials, including both lesser and African jacana, Pel’s fishing-owl, slaty egret, and African pygmy-goose. Here in the Delta, wildlife is also abundant. Watch buffalos graze as you breakfast. Glide past hippos and crocs on a mokoro. Or venture out on a game drive to search for wild dogs and leopards.

Activities

Experiences

Jacana experiences

Safari in the Okavango Delta as it is meant to be experienced: by water, gliding through the reeds, along clear, meandering channels in a mokoro. Embark on game drives in the summer months, scanning for lion, wild dog, and elusive leopard. Or when the waters recede, take a walk on the wild side to witness an abundance of plains game, including red lechwe, tsessebe, and perhaps the rare sitatunga.

Explore all Experiences

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Birding

Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide is spectacular across all our regions, with 930 different species for twitchers to tick.

Birding

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Helicopter safari

Soar above the lush and wildlife-rich Linyanti and Okavango Delta on a breath-taking helicopter safari.

Helicopter Safari

Botswana

Fishing

Cast your line into Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe’s iconic rivers, for exceptional catch-and-release fishing on safari.

Fishing

Botswana, Zambia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe

Mokoro

Explore Botswana’s Okavango Delta on a mokoro, gliding along peacefully, revealing the wild secrets of the channels.

Mokoro

Botswana

Guided walking safaris

Slow down and pay attention to the smaller details of the safari experience on a walking safari with our professional guides.

Guided Walking Safaris

Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia

MAP

Explore camps in the Okavango Delta

Here in the Jao Reserve, the magnificent Okavango Delta floodplains provide a home for countless bird species, some found only in this special corner of water-filled paradise. With over 61,000 hectares to explore, there are more than 830 hectares of pristine wilderness per guest, promising an exclusive Botswana safari quite unlike any other.

Go to destinations map

Jacana

Standard Season

From USD 900 per person, per night

Premium Season

From USD 1,480 per person, per night

TRAVEL WITH US

Journey with Wilderness

Plan your journey across the vast Okavango Delta exploring the sinuous waterways. Or combine this wildlife-filled wetland with the contrasting space of the Namib Desert. Wherever you decide to go with Wilderness, you’re guaranteed once in-a-lifetime experiences.

See all journeys

GUEST EXPERIENCES

Testimonials from fellow safari-goers

With a perfect 5 star rating from 73 reviews, guests consistently praise Jacana's exceptional wildlife viewing, dedicated guides, and luxurious accommodations. Read what fellow safari-goers have to say about their unforgettable experiences at Wilderness Jacana. Read more reviews on TripAdvisor.

Jacana experience

"This camp was our first to visit in Botswana, but honestly, it was really incredible. I really enjoyed every minute over there, with family, the whole staff was super kind and absolutely knowledgable. If you are going to serenity so complete, and for discovering the untouched nature as itself. This place is 1000% recommended to go."

Bence C

★★★★★

Magique

"The stay in the camp was wonderful, we felt alone in the middle of the delta. The safari everyday were wonderful with many opportunities to see zebras, giraffe, lions and leopards. The staff were beyond expectations and the food was varied and delightful."

Apo Sussie | Switzerland

★★★★★

Wonderful place

"the stay in Jacana Camp was amazing, the staff were all very dedicated and helpful. the meals were diversified, the tents were beautiful, surrounded by wild life, without feeling the presence of the neighbours. the last night we were lucky to have the dinner served in a special area and it was like a fairy tail.

Deborah P

★★★★★

SIMILAR CAMPS

Similar camps we think you'll love

The Jacana experience is one of a kind. But also take a moment to explore our other Wilderness camps. From tented treetop suites to vast desert wildernesses, we will take you to places you only ever dreamed existed.

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Tubu Tree

Set in one of Earth’s ultimate untamed places Wilderness Tubu Tree is tucked deep in the Okavango Delta’s Hunda Island.

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Chitabe

Discover Wilderness Chitabe and its prolific wildlife, for an out-of-this-world Okavango safari experience.

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Pelo

Tucked onto a tiny island deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Pelo is the perfect setting for a water-based safari.

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Little Vumbura

Set on its own island, Little Vumbura in Botswana epitomises the classic Okavango Delta safari experience.

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FAQs

General

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JOURNAL

Jacana featured stories

Many who come to Botswana’s Jacana think twice about sharing their adventures, content to keep this special piece of Africa to themselves. We think its majestic beauty and abundant wildlife experiences are simply too good not to share. Here are a few stories.

See all stories

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