Jao Camp is situated
in a private reserve on a remote large island, to the west
of the Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
Across the waterway in front of the camp, guests have access
to open flood plains and savannah for a wonderful Okavango
experience.
Guests
are accommodated in nine large and spacious rooms. Each of
the unique and beautiful twin-bedded canvas and thatched rooms
has been individually handcrafted under the direction of renowned
architects Sylvio Rech and Leslie Carstens. The rooms are
built under a canopy of shady trees, with en-suite bathroom,
hot and cold running water, a large bath and double vanity.
There is an additional outside shower under the stars for
those more adventurous guests who want to shower closer to
nature. There is an outdoor "sala" for guests to
enjoy midday siestas with a view and a breeze. The rooms are
raised off the ground and offer wonderful views of the surrounding
flood plains.
A
raised walkway connects the rooms to the dining room and lounge
area. There is a plunge pool and an outdoor 'boma' for dining
under the stars, as well as an excellent wine cellar. Jao
also offers a Salon with a fulltime therapist, offering a
wide range of massage treatments. The activities at Jao include
mokoro (dug out canoe) excursions, boats, fishing, day and
night game drives and guided walks. If the area has a large
flood, we usually have to boat to a large island, called Hunda
Island, where vehicles would be waiting and the game drives
start.
The
area is extremely seasonal and the annual flood transforms
the habitat from dry green open plains in summer to shallow
flood plains in the winter. Access to this area is only by
aircraft.
GAME
VIEWING
During the flood from April to September, Lechwe are plentiful
and Lion follow them. Elephant numbers peak from August to
November. Plains game is evident and there are good Leopard
sightings. Hunda Island offers a wide variety of different
animals and is a must at least once if accessible. Birdlife
is excellent - especially during the summer months.
**text
& photos courtesy of Wilderness
Safaris
