Children of 06 years and older are accommodated
Jao
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.
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Reviews5/6
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Vacation Style Adult Group
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Camp Size 18 guests
All about Jao
Jao is located on a remote island in one of the most picturesque concessions in the Delta. From waterways and lagoons to dry Kalahari grasslands, Jao can offer both land and water experiences, depending on water levels. Mokoro, boating and fishing take place seasonally, with day and night game drives usually 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.
The game viewing at Jao is superb. Huge herds of red lechwe can be seen, followed by their primary predator – prides of lion. Other game typical of the area includes elephant, buffalo, leopard, tsessebe, zebra, hippo and crocodile as well as the uncommon sitatunga and spotted-necked otter. Many bird species are resident such as Meyer's parrot, African harrier hawk, black heron, copperytailed coucal, and black crake as well as the unique and rare Pel’s owl, slaty egret and wattled crane, being some of the avian treasures found at Jao.
About the camp
Activities
- Day & night game drives in 04 x 06-seater open 4x4 Land Rovers
- Private activities available on request (additional cost applicable).
- Water-based activities in 10 x 2-seater mekoro and 02 x 10-seater boat used in the waterways to the east of camp.
- The camp has a supply of bean bags for guests to use to steady their camera while on game drive.
- Full day game drives and picnics on Hunda Island – a 45min boat ride away from Jao Camp – mainly during times of high water levels or an approximate 1 hour drive during dry season.
- Fishing on a catch and release basis year round except January and February when fishing is barred by law for breeding.
- 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).
- Stargazing with a spotting scope.
- Wine and Gin tasting in the wine cellar.
- The Jao Star Bed is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from camp. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AT AN ADDITIONAL COST
- Scenic helicopter flights
- Half day excursion to Tsodilo Hills (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to learn more about Botswana and the history of the San (ex scenic helicopter flights).
Camp Facilities
- Dining area and lounge with protected or open areas as well as private areas for both dining and relaxing, in our expansive main area elevated to the height of a second storey to give the great views overlooking the floodplains.
- Climate Wizard cooling system and fireplace.
- Private dining decks with satellite kitchen.
- Safari Boutique.
- Library, museum and gallery.
- Wine cellar.
- Traditional boma for dining under the stars.
- Pool in main area with canopy pavilion providing shade and 270 degree views over the floodplains.
- Floating and elevated fire decks.
- Swing seats and secluded relaxation areas.
- Spotting scope.
- Spa (“Under the Leaves Safari Retreat”) with two or three, in-house spa therapists (treatments are at an additional cost) in one of two very unique “Lily pad” treatment rooms or in our special spa reception for manicures and pedicures.
- Gym (equipment includes a treadmill, stationary exercise bicycle, exercise mats, medicine ball, skipping ropes and a range of free weights between 2.5kg and 25kg),
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
- Guest toilet in main area.
Accomodation
Jao has five luxurious suites and two ultra-luxe family/double villas, each individually handcrafted and with an open-plan design, elegant-hand crafted style fittings and an expansive deck and plunge pool for afternoon relaxing or siestas. An elaborate main area also includes a large rim flow pool, library, Safari Boutique, museum, gym and boma for dining under the stars, complemented by an excellent wine cellar. The spa has a wide range of massage therapies.
Number of tents
- 05 x Tents comprising:
- 05 x twin-bedded luxury tented accommodations each with two three quarter beds (separate mattresses with shared base) fire deck and private plunge pool.
- 02 x Villas comprising:
- Each Villa has two identical bedrooms with two three quarter beds, in each bedroom and each with their own en-suite facilities. Both bathrooms with an indoor shower, outdoor shower, double basin vanity and separate toilet. Sharing a lounge/dining area, private butler, kitchenette (with mini-bar, coffee machine and private chef), fire deck, outdoor lounge and private plunge pool, plus a private vehicle and guide. Guests may dine in-room privately or with other guests in the main area.
Tent Descriptions
- Luxury wood clad accommodations under thatch roofing and a combination of textured walling (glass and mesh at the front with mesh at the rear) on an elevated composite deck with lounge area and elevated wooden walkways.
- Each suite has a veranda with spectacular vistas over the floodplains and comprises of en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor showers, bath, separate toilet, double vanity basin, self-igniting Calore Fireplace, mosquito net, hairdryer (powered by solar panels), outdoor day bed, indoor lounge/dining area, veranda with deck chairs, ceiling fan, electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities, mini-bar, exercise mat and weights (02 x 1 kg and 2.2 kg) and plunge pool.
- During summer months the Evening Breeze Cooling System (air-conditioning) is fitted over the beds and during winter months the beds are fitted with electric blankets.
- During winter months an electric blanket and extra blankets are provided.
- Bathrobes, slippers, shower gel, hand and body wash, shampoo and conditioner, fizz ball and bath salts, 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
Child Policy
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 is 06 years, and for mokoro activities is 13 years (water levels permitting).
The minimum age for Spa treatments is 06 years with the Kid’s Pamper treatment applicable for children between the ages of 06 to 12 years.
Laundry Facilities
Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting) and included on the FI rate basis. A mesh laundry bag is supplied for ‘smalls’ so that guests may place their underwear in this bag which will be machine washed and returned in the mesh bag. Environmentally friendly detergent available in the rooms or can be provided on request. Note that laundry services may be limited as a result of water shortages.
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.
Trackers and 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 |
Camp is 100% solar powered
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).
100% solar power is used for main area, spa, all electricity and lighting and fans as well as Evening Breeze units in each guest tent and all electricity around camp for guest areas 24 hours/day.
Thermodynamic geyser heated water.