Jao Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana 

This spectacularly designed luxury camp enjoys a delightful position in and under a dense leaf canopy, overlooking a lily-filled lagoon. It is situated in the Okavango's Jao Reserve, a private reserve bordering on the Moremi Game Reserve on a densely wooded, oval-shaped island. The area experiences extreme contrasts in the seasons. From about May to late September, the floods arrive and the floodplains fill up with crystal clear waters. From October to April, the flood levels drop and the floodplains turn into savannah grasslands. This area comprises a superb variety of habitats, ranging from permanent waterways and lagoons on the one extreme to thick Kalahari soils on the other.  WILDLIFE A variety of habitats ensures diverse and interesting game viewing.  The wildlife at Jao depends largely on the water levels in the area.  The lagoons are home to hippo and crocodile and the permanent waters attract large numbers of waterfowl.  In the permanent waters, sitatunga can be tracked silently by mokoro.  From October to March the waters subside and enormous open plains are the highlight.  This is where the game viewing is the best.  Lion, cheetah and leopard are plentiful, while tsessebe, red lechwe, zebra and wildebeest dot the flood plains.  During the winter months, the savannah areas become flooded.  The focus at Jao switches more to water activities with game drives on the larger islands.  FACILITIES The main dining, lounge and bar area occupies two very spacious floors under cool thatch beneath the tree canopy. The camp has a pool and an outdoor "kgotla" (boma) for dining under the stars. Raised walkways connect the rooms to the stylishly furnished and decorated dining room and lounge.  No. of Bedrooms Jao sleeps a maximum of 16 guests in spacious, luxury rooms. The camp is raised on wooden decks above the lush palms and beneath a dense canopy of ancient indigenous trees. The beautifully comfortable rooms have thatched roofs with pole and canvas walls, and en suite facilities including roomy showers, double vanity basins, as well as an additional outdoor shower.  Activities Jao offers both land and water activities - depending on the fluctuating levels of the Okavango's floodwater.  Mekoros, boating, walks, game drives and night drives are all on offer all year.   Find Similar Properties