Botswana
Jao
Where Water and Land Blur
In the heart of the Okavango, on a remote island, Jao invites you to discover one of the richest experiences of the Delta.
DESTINATIONS
Wilderness Jao
Wilderness Jao
Unleash your sense of adventure.
Where Earth meets river meets wetland, lies Jao. Surrounded by riverine forests and vast floodplains, Jao is the archetypal Okavango Delta camp, and a lush haven for wildlife. Boat in when the waters rise or travel by game drive vehicle when summer warms the land. At Jao, the endlessly dynamic waters provide a continuous element of surprise and all manner of experiences to explore this Botswana paradise.
Jao moments
Botswana’s Jao is a sculptural marvel of natural and recycled materials, of steel, wood, and glass, of towering, spacious interiors that embrace the light, the bush. Feel your senses come alive at this quintessentially Delta safari camp.
Jao moments
Botswana’s Jao is a sculptural marvel of natural and recycled materials, of steel, wood, and glass, of towering, spacious interiors that embrace the light, the bush. Feel your senses come alive at this quintessentially Delta safari camp.
Accommodation
Cuisine
THE DETAILS
Wilderness Jao
At Jao we invite you into a world where nature and architecture collide. Built into the tall trees, the unique bird’s nest-styled pool gazebo on the edge of the water provides the perfect place to rest. The extravagant wine cellar calls for a pre-dinner drink, while the award-winning spa with gym alongside, beckons you to experience the highest standards of safari luxury.
A unique ecosystem
Keep your ears open for a hundred different bird calls. Spy a tiny painted reed frog, or elephants padding silently past camp. Follow lions across the floodplains. You’ll soon discover why we work tirelessly to protect the unique ecosystem of the Okavango Delta. Jao is a place dedicated to the conservation of the waters and the dry land, and the plants, birds, and wildlife that call Botswana home.
Spa
Indulge in an award-winning spa experience in the heart of the Delta.
Family room
Our two luxury villas are perfect for families or small groups.
Gym
Look out over the African bush while getting in your daily step count.
Cellar
Our sommelier will help you pick out the perfect wine pairing.
Library
Learn more about the Okavango Delta's rich history.
Buffalo
Marvel at massive buffalo herds, hundreds strong.
Lion
Follow lions and other big cats across the floodplain.
Red lechwe
Savour brunch in the company of countless red lechwe.
Elephant
Boat silently past elephants at eye level.
The best of the Delta
The 60,000-hectare Jao Reserve in the heart of the Okavango is bordered by the renowned Moremi Game Reserve to the east, and allows for year-round access to Hunda Island. Look out over the magnificent floodplains from almost everywhere. There is no better place to discover the Delta.
Game drive
Go in search of wildlife and spectacular photo ops.
Boating
Explore pristine waterways and channels.
Mokoro
A fibreglass 'dugout' canoe lends an extraordinary view.
Hunda Island
Predator and prey encounters abound.
Purpose
A unique ecosystem
Keep your ears open for a hundred different bird calls. Spy a tiny painted reed frog, or elephants padding silently past camp. Follow lions across the floodplains. You’ll soon discover why we work tirelessly to protect the unique ecosystem of the Okavango Delta. Jao is a place dedicated to the conservation of the waters and the dry land, and the plants, birds, and wildlife that call Botswana home.
Facilities
Spa
Indulge in an award-winning spa experience in the heart of the Delta.
Family room
Our two luxury villas are perfect for families or small groups.
Gym
Look out over the African bush while getting in your daily step count.
Cellar
Our sommelier will help you pick out the perfect wine pairing.
Library
Learn more about the Okavango Delta's rich history.
Wildlife
Buffalo
Marvel at massive buffalo herds, hundreds strong.
Lion
Follow lions and other big cats across the floodplain.
Red lechwe
Savour brunch in the company of countless red lechwe.
Elephant
Boat silently past elephants at eye level.
Area
The best of the Delta
The 60,000-hectare Jao Reserve in the heart of the Okavango is bordered by the renowned Moremi Game Reserve to the east, and allows for year-round access to Hunda Island. Look out over the magnificent floodplains from almost everywhere. There is no better place to discover the Delta.
Activities
Game drive
Go in search of wildlife and spectacular photo ops.
Boating
Explore pristine waterways and channels.
Mokoro
A fibreglass 'dugout' canoe lends an extraordinary view.
Hunda Island
Predator and prey encounters abound.
Jao experiences
MAP
Explore camps in the Okavango Delta
Glide in a mokoro through a fluid garden of lilies. Watch elephants feeding in the distance. Go in pursuit of prolific antelope herds and their predators. Breakfast near a hippo-filled lagoon at dawn. Lunch in a shallow lagoon in the company of countless antelope. Dine alongside a herd of zebras as a dazzling night sky is revealed. This is Jao. The heart of the Okavango Delta.
Go to destinations mapJAO AWARDS
Camp awards
Innovation Award 2020
Top 101 Hotels in the World 2020
TripAdvisor CoE 2017
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FAQs
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JOURNAL
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Let’s plan your next journey
Ready?
When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.