image descriprion
image descriprion
image descriprion

Jacana

Situated in the very heart of the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, the 60 000-hectare (150 000-acre) Jao Concession embodies all the magic and mystique of Botswana with vegetation that varies from permanent swamps to dry land. In the east, the Jao Flats boast water channels that cut their way through the papyrus and reed beds, providing the perfect environment for wildlife. Beautiful lush palm islands dot the water. Around the Jao Flats spectacular herds of red lechwe are followed by the primary predators – lion and leopard. Other game includes tsessebe, elephant, hippo and crocodile. Sitatunga are seen occasionally, and sightings of spotted-necked otter are regular. Birding is exceptional in the Jao Concession, with Vulnerable wattled crane, slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw, Pel’s fishing-owl, and lesser jacana to be seen in the wetter areas. Other exciting species include swamp nightjar and brown firefinch.

  • Reviews
    4/6
  • Vacation Style Adult Group
    Classic Camp
  • Camp Size 10 guests
    No Children under 6 years old
All about Jacana

Jacana is dedicated to, and is involved with, projects that support community upliftment – including hosting Children in the Wilderness camps since 2002, and partnering with the Tubu Joint Management Committee and the Pack for a Purpose initiative.

Situated on a small island in the scenic Jao Flats area of the concession, Jacana is a true water camp, where boating and mokoro excursions take advantage of the quiet channels and inundated floodplains and some of the fascinating creatures of the Delta – maybe even sitatunga – as well as the wealth of waterbirds can be seen. Day game drives take place all year round.

Situated in the very heart of the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, the 60 000-hectare (150 000-acre) Jao Concession embodies all the magic and mystique of Botswana with vegetation that varies from permanent swamps to dry land. In the east, the Jao Flats boast water channels that cut their way through the papyrus and reed beds, providing the perfect environment for wildlife. Beautiful lush palm islands dot the water. Around the Jao Flats spectacular herds of red lechwe are followed by the primary predators – lion and leopard. Other game includes tsessebe, elephant, hippo and crocodile. Sitatunga are seen occasionally, and sightings of spotted-necked otter are regular. Birding is exceptional in the Jao Concession, with Vulnerable wattled crane, slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw, Pel’s fishing-owl, and lesser jacana to be seen in the wetter areas. Other exciting species include swamp nightjar and brown firefinch.

Jacana is set in the Jao Concession, a true wetland area, ideal for the rare sitatunga and abundant red lechwe. In the summer months when the inundation has receded, lechwe, tsessebe and elephantare prevalent, while lion, and occasionally leopard, may be seen. Wildlife concentrations in this area of the Delta depend on water flow and volume, changing from season to season. Birdlife is abundant; enthusiasts can spot Pel's fishing-owl as well as African and lesser jacanas and other Okavango specials such as slaty egret and African pygmy-goose

About the camp
Activities
  • Game drives (water levels permitting) in 02 x 07-seater open 4x4 Land Rovers
  • Water-based activities in 06 x 2-seater mekoros (water levels permitting).
  • Water-based activities in 01 x 08-seater boat in the waterways east of camp and 01 x 09-seater (water levels permitting).
  • Fishing - on a catch and release basis only, however, is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.
  • Guided nature walks (seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide, therefore pre-booking is essential).
  • Birding (internationally recognised IBA – Important Bird Area).
  • OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AT AN ADDITIONAL COST
  • Scenic helicopter flights ranging in duration from 30, 45 to 60 minutes - with guest numbers as a minimum 2 and a maximum up to 5 or 6 depending on the helicopter used; half day (morning or afternoon).
  • Half day Tsodilo (UNESCO World Heritage Site) excursion to learn more about Botswana and the history of the San.
Camp Facilities
  • Dining area and main lounge on a raised wooden deck on the second floor overlooking the floodplains through big folding stack doors. Bar on a mezzanine level with a view of the flood plains, downstairs on the ground level is an open plan lounge and welcome area with landscape views.
  • Floating fire deck with a 220 degree view of the flood plains.
  • During winter months a gas heater is stationed in the main area and knee blankets are provided during dinner.
  • Pool in main area at flood plain level.
  • Reading area with a selection of reference books.
  • Safari Trading Store.
  • Access into camp by boat (water level permitting) alternatively by road.
  • Guest toilets in main area with a unique view.
Accomodation

Five tents are built on raised wooden decks, all with beautiful views over the water. The main area is set on an elevated wooden deck nestled between two enormous sycamore trees, surrounded by dense wild date palms, with a large viewing deck and open area to sit around the fire.

Number of tents
  • 05 x units in total comprising:
  • 05 x twin-bedded canvas tented accommodations each with two three quarter beds.
  • Mattress converters are available that transforms twin beds into king-size beds. To be arranged prior to arrival
Tent Descriptions
  • Canvas tented accommodations on an elevated wooden deck, with sandy pathways on the ground.
  • Each tent has a veranda with a spectacular vista over the floodplains and comprises en-suite facilities with indoor shower, outdoor shower, outdoor bath, toilet, double vanity basin, indoor chaise lounge, luggage rack, mosquito net, tea and coffee making facilities, a yoga mat and an electronic safe.
  • During winter months hot water bottles, extra blankets and Comforters are provided.
  • No air-conditioning, however, a ceiling fan is provided in all the tents. A pedestal fan is available on request.
  • Complimentary in-tent Wi-Fi.
  • Bathrobes, shower gel, hand and body wash, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, insect spray, shower caps, vanity kit with cotton wool, sewing kit, washing powder, umbrellas, mosquito repellent spray and mosquito coils are supplied in each tent.
Electricity & Water

100% solar powered with a backup generator.

220V multi-plug adaptor charging facilities for mobile devices. Additional charging facilities (available on request) for the use of sleep apnoea machines (guests to provide own device, spare batteries, charging unit and adaptors).

Thermodynamic geyser heated water.

Child Policy

Children of 06 years and older are accommodated.

For families travelling with children between 06 and 12 years, private activities need to be booked and paid for.

Children between 06 and 16 years must share with an adult/s in the same tent.

The minimum age for boating activities (water levels permitting) is 06 years.

The minimum age for walking (seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide) and mokoro activities (water levels permitting) is 13 years.

Laundry Facilities

Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting) and included on the Fully Inclusive (FI) rate basis. The camp staff will not wash underwear due to prevailing local traditions so washing detergent is supplied for you to wash your own underwear.

Gratuities Guidelines

We would like to reiterate that tipping is not compulsory. Please do not feel obliged to do so, tipping should be undertaken only by choice and subject to the service received. In addition, you may wish to add a nominal amount for incidentals, ranging between USD 15.00 to USD 30.00 per day (subject to personal budget choice) – i.e. if additional activities are booked once on your journey, if travel arrangements change for any reason, in acknowledgement of good service received in another area, etc.

Guides and Specialist Guides – We recommend USD 10.00 per guest per day.

Polers – We recommend that each tracker/poler receive USD 5.00 per guest per day.

The General Safari Camp Staff – We recommend about USD 10.00 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff.

With regards to being hosted by Camp Management and/or Assistant Camp Management, tipping separately for said staff is purely optional and per guests’ discretion.

Departure Dates Confirmed Dates Trip Status Trip Status Price (PP) Including Flights Price (PP) Excluding Flights  
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available & Guaranteed
$2,779
$3,170
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Booked & Guaranteed
$2,679
$3,970
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available & Guaranteed
$1,779
$3,470
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available
$2,779
$3,970
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Booked & Guaranteed
$3,779
$4,970
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available & Guaranteed
$2,879
$3,970
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available & Guaranteed
$2,679
$1,970
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Booked & Guaranteed
$4,779
$3,970
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available & Guaranteed
$5,779
$3,270
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available & Guaranteed
$2,779
$3,970