Jao Camp

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Land and Water

Jao Camp is located on a remote island in the heart of the private Jao concession. Close to the panhandle in the Okavango Delta’s northwest, the vegetation varies from east to west: from picturesque floodplains with lush palm islands to the dryer acacia and mopane woodlands. In the Jao flats, spectacular large herds of red lechwe gather, followed by lion and leopard. Other game includes wildebeest, impala, tsessebe, zebra, giraffe, elephant, hippo and crocodile. Sitatunga are occasionally seen in the wetter habitats. Birding is exceptional and includes the largest concentrations of the endangered Wattled Crane.

The camp has two exclusive villas and five double/twin tents, each individually handcrafted. The open-plan design of each includes a lounge, dressing area and main bedroom, en-suite facilities and an outdoor shower. A private sala for afternoon siestas has magnificent views of the nearby channel.

The main area is an elaborate two-storey building with lounge and dining area, two plunge pools, gym, a small library, curio shop and a boma for dining under the stars, complemented by an excellent wine cellar. Jao’s spa offers a wide range of massage therapies.

With habitats that vary from waterways and lagoons to dry Kalahari grasslands, Jao offers both land and water experiences, depending on annual flood levels. Mokoro, boating, seasonal fishing, and day and night game drives are usually on offer all year round in one of the most picturesque concessions in the Delta.

You will love

  • Outstanding wildlife
  • Classic Delta landscape
  • Relais & Chateaux property & National Geographic ‘Unique Lodge of the World’
  • National Geographic film makers Dereck and Beverly Joubert
Aerial view of a small aircraft flying over the lush, winding waterways and vegetation of the Okavango Delta, showcasing the stunning natural landscape surrounding Jao Camp in Botswana.
Luxurious open-plan bedroom at Jao Camp, featuring handcrafted decor, elegant furnishings, and large windows showcasing the natural surroundings of the Okavango Delta.
Leopard and cub in natural habitat, showcasing the wildlife of Botswana's Okavango Delta near Jao Camp.
Luxury villa at Jao Camp, nestled among lush greenery in Botswana's Okavango Delta, featuring a thatched roof and wooden construction, surrounded by diverse vegetation.
Silhouetted figures paddling a mokoro canoe at sunset on the tranquil waters of the Okavango Delta, reflecting the vibrant colors of the sky, highlighting the unique safari experience at Jao Camp.
Luxury villa at Jao Camp featuring an open-plan design, cozy lounge, and wooden deck, surrounded by natural elements in the Okavango Delta.
Two people paddling a mokoro through the Okavango Delta's tranquil waters, surrounded by lush grasses and reflecting scenery, showcasing the natural beauty and wildlife experience near Kwando Splash Camp.
Luxury open-plan lounge area at Jao Camp, featuring handcrafted design, comfortable loungers, and a hammock, surrounded by lush vegetation in the Okavango Delta.
Pygmy Goose in flight over Okavango Delta wetlands, showcasing vibrant plumage amidst lush vegetation.
Luxurious dining area at Jao Camp featuring handcrafted wooden tables, elegant table settings, and a stylish bar in an open-plan design, surrounded by the scenic Okavango Delta landscape.
Aerial view of Jao Camp in the Okavango Delta, showcasing luxury accommodations, winding waterways, lush vegetation, and expansive floodplains at sunset.
Luxurious bedroom interior at Jao Camp, featuring handcrafted decor, wooden furnishings, and a view of the lush Okavango Delta landscape through open doors, highlighting the exclusive safari experience.
Three elephants wading through water in the Okavango Delta, surrounded by lush green grasslands, highlighting the wildlife experience at Kwando Splash Camp.
Luxury bedroom interior at Jao Camp, featuring a spacious open-plan design with a glass wall overlooking the Okavango Delta, showcasing elegant furnishings and natural elements.
Luxury pool area at Jao Camp, featuring handcrafted loungers and unique architectural design, surrounded by lush vegetation in the Okavango Delta.
Interior of Jao Camp featuring a giraffe skeleton display, wooden architecture, and a spiral staircase, highlighting the unique design and luxury accommodations in Botswana's Okavango Delta.

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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