Jao Camp
Set in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, the new Jao Camp will retain the same high stilted main area built into the tree canopy, with more private areas in amongst the trees. The camp will comprise two villas and five twins with private plunge pools, lounge and dining areas, kitchen facilities plus en-suite bathrooms, including indoor and outdoor showers. The new Jao Villas, accommodating four people each in the two identical guest rooms, which share a main area, will feature a private vehicle, guide, chef and butler.
The spa at Jao will be tucked in amongst the palms for privacy, and is surrounded by water to provide a calming and tranquil atmosphere. The gym will be built on the edge of the island, presenting stunning views over the lush waterways, while the main pool, with its unique canopy pavilion providing shade, will project out into the floodplain with 270-degree views of the Delta. Comfort is provided through cooling and heating systems, complementing the camp design. Using Climate Wizard, the suites and villas will be cooled with an indirect evaporative cooler that delivers a large amount of cold air with no added moisture, for a fraction of the energy used by conventional air conditioning systems. Self-igniting Calore stoves will provide heating during the colder months.
Why we like it here
A key feature is the museum and gallery – an important aspect of the camp’s rebuild is its emphasis on learning and sharing knowledge.
From waterways and lagoons to dry Kalahari grasslands, Jao’s location on a remote island in one of the most picturesque concessions in the Delta provides both land and water Okavango experiences, with day and night game drives all year round.
They have taken a fresh and contemporary approach to the sense of adventure Jao always had in the rebuild– creating a feeling of not knowing what to expect around the next corner, adding an element of surprise and delight in this ever-evolving sculptural and architectural language.
Jao is committed to supporting the Sedie Clinic Direct Feeding Programme in Maun, which provides food to underprivileged children on a daily basis.
Experience a Mekoro – which is a glass-bottomed boat for an extraordinary above-water adventure.
Visit the raised Hide and Star Bed to observe the comings and goings of wildlife, or spend the night there for a romantic sleep-out under the southern skies.
Things to be aware of
Children of 6 years and older are accommodated.
For families travelling with children between 6 and 12 years, private activities need to be booked and paid for.
Children between 6 and 16 years must share with an adult/s in the same tent.
The minimum age for boating activities is 6 years, and for mokoro activities is 13 years (water levels permitting).