Jao Camp

Lodge · North-West

Jao Camp

Lodge · North-West

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Highlights

Luxe safari lodge, acclaimed cuisine, private plunge pools, expert guides

Okavango Delta, Botswana Get directions

wildernessdestinations.com

@wearewilderness

@cntraveler

An Expedition in the Okavango Delta Showcases Botswana's Magnificence—and Vulnerabilities

"A high-end camp on a remote island in the Jao Concession, featuring soaring suites and exclusive wilderness experiences amidst the delta's pristine nature."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/an-expedition-in-the-okavango-delta-showcases-botswanas-magnificence-and-vulnerabilities

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@vogue

This New Luxury Safari Camp Lets You See the Serengeti Without the Crowds | Vogue

"Jao is a permanent camp known for its architectural wonders. It is one of the luxurious camps operated by Wilderness in Botswana." - Todd Plummer

https://www.vogue.com/article/usawa-serengeti-wilderness-first-look

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@harpersbazaar

"Immersing yourself in nature is one of the most biologically energizing experiences, hence why the terms earthing and forest bathing have taken off in recent years. It’s also the reason why Wilderness Safaris has topped our wellness retreat list for four years and counting. The Jao Camp was renovated in 2019 with stunning sculptural villas featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, making for breathtaking views and once-in-a-lifetime exotic animal sightings."

The Best Destination Hotels to (Safely) Escape To for Rest and Relaxation

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@travelleisure

Why a Safari in Botswana Is Unlike a Safari Anywhere Else

"Jao Camp, a five-star property built on stilts in the Okavango Delta." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/safaris/botswana-luxury-safari-company

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@cntraveler

A First Look at Jao, Botswana's Game-Changing Safari Lodge

"Jao is a luxury safari lodge located in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, surrounded by leadwood trees and riverine forest. It is known for its sophisticated, small-scale design using existing and salvaged materials, and its commitment to environmental sustainability. Jao offers unrivaled game drives and is a model of how luxury and sustainability can coexist."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/jao-camp-botswana-first-in

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Joefish925

Google

A wonderful camp supported by an outstanding staff.|Excellent "room" with perhaps the best food we experienced|during our month long African adventure. Wildlife viewing was|outstanding thanks to Rams who worked hard to locate the cats|we wished to see. Only issue was with the roads. They are dreadful |and need to be improved.

Mark Kistulinec

Google

Excellent experience, unlike epic safety/health failure at our next Wilderness camp Jao has friendly warm staff, and was a wonderful welcome to our trip to southern Africa. We loved the people and the property. The animal viewing is less than the 6-7 other camps we have been to though. Our guide, Paul, was exceptional. Sadly the next Wilderness camp, at Mombo, tarnished our trip. We had an epic service failure at Wilderness Mombo - 7 bats in 2 sleeping rooms, 4 rabies shots, substantial emotional distress. They claim the bats “not harmful” but their doctor, Cape Town medical staff, and Emory said the rabies risk was “not zero.” To me, they were ineffective at prevention, response, and service recovery. Most top-tier travel companies have mastered customer experience and recovery. It’s worth noting, most staff are warm, and the animals are wonderful; management not so. One might have any sort of unforeseen safety/health issue. Why would I choose a company which is ineffective at responding to anything that goes wrong? The rates are exorbitant. One expects and deserves better.

737archanar

Google

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 unforgettable, it’s the warmth of the staff that will draw me back again and again. I have truly never witnessed sunrises and sunsets as breathtaking as the ones here.||A special mention to Ram, the food and beverage manager, who went above and beyond to accommodate our dietary needs and created a magical sundowner to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Our guide, Cruise, brought the Okavango to life with his deep knowledge and lighthearted conversations, making every drive a joy.||The room itself was the most spectacular safari lodge accommodation I’ve stayed in across five African countries—luxurious yet seamlessly connected to its surroundings. Leaving Jao felt less like checking out of a camp and more like saying goodbye to someone you love.

353sylker

Google

That was an unforgettable experience at Jao Camp.|We wanted to relax for a few days after a strenuous tour, and the entire team at Jao Camp prepared heaven on earth for us.|Ram - thank you so much for your interesting explorations and explanations, and for discovering the very rare Pel's Fishing Owl. That was incredible.|Marina, thank you for your relaxing massages and your warm-hearted manner.|Emile - your cooking is indescribable - thank you.|Thanks to everyone who surprised us with a new highlight every day. This is a very special place in the delta, and we will definitely come back.

Adventurer644633

Google

It as abtruly magical 5 star experience |The staff , especially Manager PK and guide ranger, Cruise were amazing |They went the extra mile to inform and entertain two young boys . They shared their knowledge with great warmth with these 12 and 10 year old lads |Robert and the female chef served five star cuisine

megclarkie23

Google

We loved Jao! ||We were picked up by Meshki, who has been the most wonderful guide. Thank you Kosi Meshki!||Met at the lodge by the friendly staff, and Reuben was there for us every second of our stay (he is so committed). Thank you Reuben!||The first impression of the lodge; we were in awe of the entrance with the unbelievable giraffe in the library. ||My husband had the best time with Ram, selecting the wines for his stay. Ram is an absolute pro||Food was just delicious, at every single meal. Thank you Emile||We loved the boat and mokoro. Great sightings. Especially the wild cat checking out the multiple springhares on the runway. The lions who looked like they had just returned from the salon.||All the staff were incredible, and I’m sorry for forgetting names now. Some names I can remember now, Emile the chef, Maccy (or Macdonalds), Onks and PK! Thank you guys for the best time :)||Lots of love, Meg and Jono Heinamann

GrandTour48562576740

Google

Stayed at Jao for a couple of nights .Gift was an exceptional guide, loved the game drive and viewing with lions being our best. We loved the food a lot and i must say the food was exceptional for such a premier camp. Chef Emile catered lovely lunch and dinner menus with different meals not having any off our meals repeated. The Beef Ossa Buco being my favorite not to forget the Tuna Salad was very refreshing and out of this world . Everything which was produced was off "Michellin " standard. Ram was brilliant in the service department and his cocktails was out off this world . Mac Donald was a superb Butler towards us. The rooms was nice and big, with lots off space, just the way we like. Spotless cleaning from the House keeping department. For us who have stayed in top safari establishments throughout Africa Jao Camp is on top. We saw lots of game Elephants, Lions , Giraffe, Hippos with a Lion sighting top on the list. Will definitely come back .

Q2879NIpeterk

Google

At JAO we found everything better:|accommodation, space, taste, service, friendlyness, surroundings, The CUISINE, |gamedrives, wellness, surprises ;-) …|Better than what ?|Better than experience, expectations, competition, value-for-money …||It was a dream !||THANK YOU

@cntraveler

An Expedition in the Okavango Delta Showcases Botswana's Magnificence—and Vulnerabilities

"A high-end camp on a remote island in the Jao Concession, featuring soaring suites and exclusive wilderness experiences amidst the delta's pristine nature."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/an-expedition-in-the-okavango-delta-showcases-botswanas-magnificence-and-vulnerabilities

View Postcard for Jao Camp

@vogue