Jao

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Jao Camp

Jao Camp is situated in the Jao Reserve, an area of 60,000 hectares, in Botswana's Okavango Delta. It is built in a private reserve bordering on the Moremi Game Reserve, to the west of Mombo, on a densely wooded, oval~shaped island. Jao can offer both land and water activities, depending on the fluctuating levels of the Okavango's floodwater. This area comprises a superb variety of habitats, ranging from permanent waterways and lagoons on the one extreme to thick Kalahari soils on the other. Jao ranks as one of the best lodges in Southern Africa according to the July 2000 issue of Harpers and Queen.

	Camp Description The camp sleeps a maximum of 18 guests in unique and stunningly beautiful, luxury rooms. The whole of Jao is raised on wooden decks above the lush palms below and is beneath a dense canopy of ancient indigenous trees. Each room has thatched roofs with canvas walls. En suite facilities include a bath, flush toilet, basins, as well as an outdoor shower. Each room has a "sala" for midday siestas with a wonderful view. The main dining, lounge and pub area is under cool thatch beneath the tree canopy. The camp has a pool. We also have an outdoor "kgotla" (Botswana's version of a boma) for dining under the stars. Raised walkways connect the rooms to the dining room and lounge. The camp is open all year.

	Game Viewing A variety of habitats ensures diverse and interesting game viewing. The wildlife at Jao depends largely on the water levels in the area. The lagoons are home to Hippo and Crocodile and the permanent waters attract large numbers of waterfowl. In the permanent waters, Sitatunga can be tracked silently by mokoro. From October to March the waters subside and enormous open plains are the highlight. This is where the game viewing is the best. Lion, Cheetah and Leopard are plentiful, while Tsessebe, Red Lechwe, Zebra and Wildebeest dot the flood plains. During our winter months, the water levels at Jao rise and the savannah areas become covered with water. The focus at Jao switches more to water activities with game drives on the larger islands.

	Activities Nowhere in the Okavango do we experience more extreme contrasts in the seasons. From about May to late September, the floods arrive and the floodplains fill up with crystal clear waters. From October to April, the flood levels drop and the floodplains turn into savannah grasslands. Jao is a multi~activity camp. Mekoros, boating, walks, game drives and night drives are all on offer all year. The primary focus of the activities changes according to the time of year and the flood levels.
Rate: from US$ 1630.00 for a single guest for 3 nights, all inclusive. (Subject to availability at time of booking) What is included: All air transfers between camps within Botswana: Maun to Maun; all accommodation on a shared basis; all meals; twice daily game activities at safari lodges and camps; all excursions and transfers by vehicle, mokoro and boat as shown; services of the lodge guides and staff; park fees; Botswana accommodation taxes . All drinks except premium wines, champagnes, spirits and liqueurs. What is not included: All scheduled flights and their departure taxes; all items of a personal nature; cancellation, baggage, emergency evacuation or medical insurance; visa and their respective fees; all other drinks; any new Botswana, Government taxes; gratuities to staff; any meals, activities and excursions which are not specified.