Jao Camp

Jao Camp

Jao Camp - A Botswana Safari Lodge

In the central region of the concession, vast open floodplains provide some of the most stunning scenery Botswana has to offer. Jao Camp lies in the southern side of the plains, an area with beautiful islands fringed with riverine forests.

Jao Camp has nine spacious, beautiful tents, each individually handcrafted. These twin-bedded canvas and thatched rooms are situated beneath a canopy of shady trees and have en-suite facilities, as well as an outdoor shower for the more adventurous. Built on raised decks, each has a private sala for afternoon siestas and offers wonderful views of the spectacular surrounding floodplains of Botswana. In addition to the lounge and dining area, there are two plunge pools and an outdoor boma for dining under the stars, complemented by wines from an excellent wine cellar. Jao Camp also has a spa where a wide range of massage therapies are offered.

Mekoro, boat trips, fishing, nature walks (which must be requested prior to travel), day and night game drives and birding are usually on offer all year round due to the abundance of wildlife in Botswana. There are two platform hides in the concession. During an unusually high flood season, game drives begin by boating out to a nearby Hunda Island where the vehicles are waiting, and the drive begins from there. Huge herds of red lechwe can be seen, followed by their primary predator - prides of lion. Other game typical of Botswana include elephant, buffalo, leopard, tsessebe, zebra and wildebeest, hippo and crocodile. Many bird species are resident such as Meyer's Parrot, African Harrier Hawk, Black egret, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Malachite Kingfisher, Hamerkop and Black Crake being some of the avian treasures found at Jao Camp.

Facts
30% Game Drives and 70% Water Activities (but very much dependant on flood levels and time of year). In the summer months, activities tend more towards game drives, whereas in the winter months mainly water-based activities are offered.)

•Land game drives in 5 x 10 seater open 4x4 Land Rovers each accommodating a maximum of 7 guests, allowing all guests an outside seat (each vehicle is equipped with a tree book, a bird book, a mammal book, a pair of binoculars and insect repellent in a centre consol on each row of seats)
•Full day game drives and picnics on Hunda Island - a 45min boat ride away from Jao Camp. Night drives with spotlights.
•Private activities available on request.
•Game walks, which must be requested prior to travel
•Water game viewing in 2 x 2-seater glass-bottomed mokoro (dug-out canoe), and 12 x 2 seater mokoro
2 x 12-seater boat used in the waterways to the east of camp.
•Fishing - on a catch and release basis; basic rods and reels supplied by camp but fly-fishing equipment to be supplied by guest.
•A raised hide located about 20 minutes from camp (which can be used for sleep-outs - maximum 4 people at a time - and is equipped with a long-drop loo).
•At the spa we offer a full menu of therapies ranging from Clarins' facials to manicures, pedicures and a range of massage options.
•Gym, equipped with a cross trainer, rowing machine, stationary bike, yoga mats, exercise ball and free weights.
•Entertainment room, furnished as a lounge and dining area. It is suitable for private dining, children's entertainment, watching wildlife documentaries and conducting lectures etc.

Images of Jao Camp

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