Set on a remote island and accessed only by air, Jao Camp is situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta and ensures a private and secluded experience in a classic African wilderness. Built on several levels and decorated with local carvings and artwork, Jao Camp also features excellent spa facilities and stunning scenery - little wonder then that Jao Camp has made such a name for itself.
Jao Camp has nine spacious, beautiful tents, each individually handcrafted. These twin-bedded canvas and thatched rooms are situated beneath a canopy of shady trees and have en-suite facilities, as well as an outdoor shower for the more adventurous. Built on raised decks, each has a private sala for afternoon siestas and offers wonderful views of the spectacular surrounding floodplains of Botswana. In addition to the lounge and dining area, there are two plunge pools and an outdoor boma for dining under the stars, complemented by wines from an excellent wine cellar. Jao Camp also has a salon where a wide range of massage therapies are offered.
Head off in open 4x4 vehicles in search of the area's abundant wildlife: there's a great range of savannah species, wetland specialists and all the top predators such as lion, leopard and hyena plus excellent birding. Set out in the evening for a night drive to spot the area's more elusive nocturnal creatures. And for something different, explore the Delta's waterways on a guided mokoro (dug-out canoe), spend the day fishing from a motor boat or explore nearby islands on foot, the best way to soak up the Okavango Delta's astounding natural beauty from another angle.
Jao Camp has nine spacious, beautiful tents, each individually handcrafted. These twin-bedded canvas and thatched rooms are situated beneath a canopy of shady trees and have en-suite facilities, as well as an outdoor shower for the more adventurous. Built on raised decks, each has a private sala for afternoon siestas and offers wonderful views of the spectacular surrounding floodplains of Botswana. In addition to the lounge and dining area, there are two plunge pools and an outdoor boma for dining under the stars, complemented by wines from an excellent wine cellar. Jao Camp also has a salon where a wide range of massage therapies are offered.
There are eight tents consisting of six twin bedded tents, two king sized bedded tents. All of the twin beds can be pushed together to create double beds. There is one twin guide tent (smaller than guest tent).
There is one family room that accommodates four guests comfortably but can accommodate five guests on request.
A light breakfast, gourmet brunch and delicious afternoon tea are served in the elevated dining room, surrounded by artwork and impressive views over the Okavango Delta. Bush breakfasts and picnic brunches often await you deep in the wilderness.
Dinners are usually served under African skies in the traditional boma where you can swap stories with other guests and guides over your three-course meal. You may also choose to dine at your own table in the boma, or for an intimate and romantic dining experience, you may want to dine alfresco on your tent's private deck.
| Room type | Description |
|---|---|
Dining
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The emphasis here is very much on elegant surroundings, great food and very high levels of service. Guests can expect to be seriously pampered. |
Built on two levels, the central lodge has a peaceful sitting area, library and well stocked curio shop on the ground floor that leads onto an extensive deck arranged around the firepit. An elaborate wooden staircase leads to the upper deck that features another lounge plus a bar and dining area, all with endless vistas of the surrounding wetlands.
Choose from two refreshing plunge pools, connected to the main area by wooden walkways, and be sure to indulge in a massage treatment at the well equipped spa, discreetly hidden amongst shady trees. There is even a small gym if you feel like a workout.
| Room type | Description |
|---|---|
Jao Spa
|
Tucked under magnificent African ebony trees overlooking lush waterways, the Jao Spa is an enchanting setting where you can rest and feel utterly restored. Here, we offer a full menu of therapies from facials to manicures, and a range of massage options. |
Gym
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Our gym is equipped with a cross trainer, rowing machine, stationary bike, yoga mats, exercise ball and free weights - and beautiful views over the water. |
Entertainment Room
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The entertainment room is furnished as a lounge and dining area. It is suitable for private dining, children's entertainment, watching wildlife documentaries and conducting lectures. |
Mokoro Excursion
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There is no better way of viewing the Delta and its wildlife than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). At Jao we have a number of these – as well as two glass-bottomed mekoro for an entirely out of this world experience! |
Boating
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Trips in our eight-seater boats in the waterways to the east of camp allow for good game viewing in the channels further away. |
Game Drives
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Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 Land Rovers each accommodating a maximum of seven people allowing each guest a window seat. |
Full-Day Game Drives and Picnics
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A 45-minute boat ride from Jao Camp, you can enjoy a full-day game drive, along with a picnic, on wildlife-rich Hunda Island. |
Hide and star bed
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A raised hide located about 20 minutes from camp is a great place to watch the comings and goings of wildlife. The hide can also be used for sleep-outs for a maximum of four people at a time. The hide is equipped with a long-drop toilet. |
Fishing
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Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment (spinner rods and a small range of lures) is on offer seasonally on a catch-and-release basis. |
Night Drives
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Night drives with spotlights allow you to find those nocturnal animals you wouldn’t see during the day. |
| Room type | Description |
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Based on 160 reviews
5
Location
4.8
Sleep Quality
4.7
Rooms
4.9
Service
4.8
Value
4.4
Cleanliness
4.8
Published Mon, Jan 31, 2026
Jao Camp is undoubtedly the most beautiful bush camp we have stayed in, and we have stayed in a number of Bush Camps all over Africa. The hospitality was superb, the meals were excellent, and the...
Published Wed, Oct 31, 2025
We were blown away from the moment we arrived at Jao! The staff that greeted us upon arrival were very welcoming and continued to WOW us during our three night stay! Ram, the Safari camp manager...
Published Sun, Aug 31, 2025
Jao is pure magic—where lilac sunsets fade into peaceful mokoro rides and game drives across Hunda Island reveal nature at its most raw and beautiful. While the wildlife and scenery were...
