Overview
One of the Delta's finest
Venture into the heart of the Okavango Delta and you’ll discover the luxurious Jao surrounded by riverine forest-fringed islands and wide open wildlife-rich floodplains.
The contemporary camp features five suites and two villas. Each is open plan and individually designed, with vintage-style fittings. There’s a sala for long, lazy afternoon siestas and a seasonal romantic star bed when the water levels allow. At the two-storey main area of camp you’ll find a plunge pool, gym, library and a boma where you can dine under the stars. Take your relaxation deeper with a variety of massage therapies at the spa.
Jao is dedicated to conserving the Okavango Delta and its unique ecosystem of waters and dry land that are home to a myriad plants, birds and wildlife. As a result, game viewing here is superb. You’ll be treated to sightings of huge herds of red lechwes, and the lions that hunt them.
Facts
At a glance
-
Five tents and two villas
-
Jao's musuem and gallery
-
Private plunge pools
-
Wine cellar
Experiences
-
![Jao Camp Okavango Delta 14]()
Game drives
Head out on morning and afternoon game drives in a 4x4 Land Rover. Each can carry a maximum of seven people, so you’re guaranteed a window seat. There are five Land Rovers, including a private vehicle.
-
![Jao Camp Okavango Delta 10]()
Mokoro excursion
Explore the Delta and its wildlife as you slip down the waterways in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). There are 10 two-seaters available. * seasonal
-
![Jao Camp Okavango Delta 22]()
Night drives
Going out on spot-lit night drives to look for nocturnal animals that don’t come out during the day is a memorable experience. Night drives are not possible during high water levels.
-
![Jao Camp Okavango Delta 17]()
Jao Spa
You’ll find the Jao Spa set under stunning ebony trees with views of the lush waterways. Give yourself space to feel completely restored with a full menu of therapies from manicures and facials to massages.
-
![Jao Camp Okavango Delta 25]()
Fishing
There is basic equipment (spinner rods and lures) at camp for you to enjoy seasonal catch-and-release fishing.
Community & Culture
More than 85% of Jao’s staff come from remote rural communities and for many of them this job is their first formal employment opportunity. Jao’s training programmes provide the necessary skills for them to become guides, managers and ecotourism operators across the industry. These programmes are self-funded and rely on the input of guides, naturalists and managers who share their extensive knowledge with the next generation.
Conservation
Together with the University of Botswana (under the auspices of the Biokavango Project), Jao Concession founded the Tubu Joint Management Committee to ensure that there is constant engagement between the concession and the community. This is particularly important to ensure that poaching and over-fishing are curbed.
Footprint
Since 2012 the camp has managed to reduce their plastic water bottle usage by 75% by providing guests with reusable bottles and installing on-site water purification systems. Wilderness aims to reduce energy consumption and fuel use, and Jao is 100% solar powered. Waste water is treated in an above ground sewage plant and allowed to enter the natural environment once it is clean. Only approved eco-friendly detergents and chemicals are used on site.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
-
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
-
Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
-
Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
-
Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
