Jao Camp is located in a private reserve on a remote large island, to the west of the Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta. With only nine luxurious and spacious rooms, Jao offers the ultimate combination of privacy, luxury, game viewing, and activities.

A raised walkway connects the rooms to the dining room and lounge area. There is a plunge pool and an outdoor 'boma' for dining under the stars, as well as an excellent wine cellar. Jao offers a spa with a wide range of massage treatments. The activities at Jao include mokoro (dug out canoe) excursions, boats, fishing, day and night game drives, and guided walks. The area is extremely seasonal and the annual flood transforms the habitat from dry green open plains in summer to shallow flood plains in the winter.

Camp Description

• Dining room, pub & lounge under thatch, on poles, overlooking the floodplains
• Curio shop
• Landscape view from lounge & dining area
• Library
• Evening campfire
• 2 plunge pools
• Massage salon with full time therapist
• Slide projector available

Insider's Guide:

• Romantic Setting
• Game Drives, Boats, and Mokoro rides
• Lots of predators and birds
• Luxury Tented Rooms

Guests are accommodated in nine large and spacious rooms. Each of the unique and beautiful twin-bedded canvas and thatched-roof rooms has been individually handcrafted under the direction of renowned architects Sylvio Rech and Leslie Carstens. The rooms are built under a canopy of shady trees, with en-suite bathroom, hot and cold running water, a large bath, and his and her sinks.

There is an additional outside shower under the stars for those more adventurous guests who want to shower closer to nature. There is an outdoor "sala" for guests to enjoy midday siestas with a view and a breeze. The rooms are raised off the ground and offer wonderful views of the surrounding flood plains.

Accommodation

• Via raised walkways from the main communal area
• Slippers and gowns are provided for guests
• Each room has a veranda with a spectacular view of the floodplains, as well as a 'sala'
• Fans in all guest rooms
• Soap, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in rooms
• Location: Along the raised wooden walkway
• Layout: Bedroom, living room area, bathroom, deck, and sala

If you stay more than 3 nights at Jao we can request a sleep-out at the time of booking and Jao will set up a wonderful camp under the stars for you. You will be taken to your sleep-out after the game drive for dinner and then spend the night under a mosquito net. After a small breakfast you can go directly on a game drive or back to Jao Camp. This is a unique and wonderful experience.

Jao Camp provides fun and wonderful feasts at meal times.

Dining

• Dining room, pub and living area overlook the open plain in front of the camp
• Meals are often had at a large table so guests interact with each other
• Brunch is served after the morning game drive
• Dinner is a three course meal served after the afternoon/evening game drive
• Drinks are often had at the fire after dinner or at the pub
• Jao Camp has a wine cellar
• Boma for dining under the stars
• Private dining is easily arranged

On average 30% of the activities are land game drives, while 70% are water based activities. This is very much dependant on flood levels & the time of year. In the summer months there are more game drives, whereas the winter months have more water-based activities.

From October to March the waters subside and extensive green plains are the highlight. This is where game viewing is the most diverse. Lions, Cheetahs and Leopards are plentiful, while Tsessebes, Red Lechwes, Zebras, Giraffes, Warthogs and Wildebeests dot the flood plains. Large herds of buffalo move in and out of the reserve at will. Night drives are good for spotting creatures not often seen such as Porcupines, Spotted Hyenas, Pangolins, Spring Hares, Bushbabies, Civets and Genets.

During winter months, the water levels at Jao rise and the green plains are overrun with water. Huge herds of Lechwe can be found on the floodplains and the Lion prides are adept at hunting and drowning their prey in the water. Leopards are often seen and Elephants are more prevalent during winter. Animals such as Impalas, Zebras, Wildebeests and Tsessebes stick to the dry islands. During this time the focus at Jao switches more to water activities with limited game drives on the larger islands. A greater choice of activities is possible during this time due to the higher water levels.

Game Drives

• Land game drives in open 4x4 Land Rovers. Jao allows a maximum of 6 guests (in the 10-seat vehicles) ensuring an outside seat and great views for everyone.
• Full day game drives and picnics on Hunda Island - a 45 minute boat ride away from Jao Camp.
• Night drives (depending on flood levels).
• Game Walks.
• Water game viewing in a 2-seat glass bottomed Mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe), and normal 2-seat Mokoros.
• An 8-seat and a 12-seat boat are used in the waterways to the east of camp.
• Fishing is on a catch and release basis and must be booked in advance.
• Raised hide located about 20 minutes from camp can be used for sleep-outs - maximum of 4 people at a time.
• Activities can be arranged during the day such as game walks, candle making, paper making, and mokoro poling lessons.

SAMPLE DAILY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

Below is a sample of what to expect at camp - Daily wildlife sightings can easily change the schedule.

Summer/Winter

5:00/6:00 - Wake up call. Light continental breakfast consisting of cereal, tea/coffee/juices and pastries served in the dining area.

5:30/6:30 - Depart on morning game activity.

10:00/11:00 - Brunch consists of a selection of breakfast and lunch dishes. From now until afternoon tea, you will be at your leisure. You can enjoy a swim in the pool, a massage at the spa, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

4:00/3:00 - Afternoon tea is served which consists of a selection of sweet and savory snacks.

4:30/3:30 - Depart on afternoon game viewing activity - drinks and snacks are served at sunset during the game viewing.

7:30/7:00 - Return to camp (could be later if good game sightings).

7:30/7:00 - Pre-dinner drinks and snacks will be served at the lounge.

8:30/8:00 - Three course dinner.

9:30/9:00 - Cheese, coffee and liqueurs are served at the camp fire.

Sales, Information, Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, Anniversaries, and Reservations

Inside the USA: (800) 335-6033
Other countries: (818) 292-8915
Fax: (818) 936-0807
Email: sales@linaratravel.com

If You are a Travel Agent

Inside the USA: (800) 335-6033
Other countries: (818) 292-8915
Fax: (818) 936-0807
Email: travelagent@linaratravel.com

Brochure

If you would like a copy of our brochure, email us at info@linaratravel.com and include your name, address, and phone number along with the destinations you are interested in so we can provide you with the relevant information.