Wilderness Jacana
Wilderness Jacana is the archetypal Okavango Delta camp. Situated in the beautiful, expansive Jao Flats, Wilderness Jacana is a place where the rhythms of the arriving (and departing) annual inundation can be seen and felt. The year-round presence of water creates a tranquil environment shared with multitudes of birds – including sought-after ‘Okavango specials’ – and other wildlife which thrives in this unique, water-filled environment.
Wilderness Jacana features five guest tents, each with an outdoor shower. The main area, sheltered beneath giant sycamore fig trees, is the starting point for waterborne voyages of discovery by boat and mokoro (traditional dugout canoe).
INSIDER'S TIP: A safari at Wilderness Jacana is not complete without enjoying a mokoro ride along the tranquil channels of the Delta. Scan passing trees for the elusive Pel’s fishing-owl!
About the Wilderness Jacana
Highlights
- An intimate and authentic Okavango experience with tangible exposure to the seasonal Delta waters, as the camp is situated on a small island.
- The semi-permanent water allows encounters with the fascinating creatures that flourish in this unique environment, from hippos, crocodiles and water-loving elephants, to a wealth of waterbirds, including the emblematic African jacana.
- Numerous Okavango specials abound, including wattled crane, Pel’s fishing-owl, sitatunga and red lechwe.
Destination: Discover true paradise on this secluded tree-island in the beautifully scenic Jao Flats area of the Jao Reserve. Surrounded by seasonally inundated floodplains and papyrus swamps, this attractive camp is built on raised wooden decks to maximise the glorious views over the ever-changing landscape. The waters’ ebb and flow brings different wildlife and fresh new adventures with every season.
Experience: Guests can look forward to close encounters with aquatic specialists like African jacana, aptly nicknamed lily trotters, as they delicately step from one waterlily pad to the next. Marvel at the pods of hippos, and elephants that come in to drink. Embark on game drives in the summer months after the inundation has receded, scanning for lion, wild dog, and elusive leopard. And stretch your legs on a nature trail with our passionate guides, who will teach guests even more about the wildlife. At night, share tales around the floating fire deck with a 220-degree view of the immense floodplains, long into the star-filled night.
Purpose: By partnering with the Tubu Joint Management Committee and Pack for a Purpose, our Children in the Wilderness initiative at Jacana inspires and educates children in the Okavango Delta, opening their eyes and minds to the importance of protecting the environment. By staying with us, guests directly contribute to Jacana’s community upliftment, and help to shape the next generation of custodians of the wild.
Wildlife: Wilderness Jacana is set in the Jao Reserve, which offers over 60,000 hectares of pristine wilderness to explore. Wildlife concentrations in this area of the Okavango depend on water flow and volume, changing from season to season. In the summer months when the Delta waters are low, look out for lechwe, tsessebe, and large herds of elephant. You may also spot lion, and occasionally leopard as game drives are possible at this time. However, a true wetland area, it is the perfect home for Africa’s only amphibious antelope, the rare sitatunga, and abundant red lechwe. Birding is exceptional here, with a wealth of water birds on parade. Spot Pel's fishing-owls, and African and lesser jacanas, as well as other Okavango specials such as slaty egret and African pygmy-goose.
Wilderness Jacana: Nestled amongst dense palms, magnificent trees and surrounded by seasonally inundated floodplains, Jacana is an intimate island experience. Just five tents are set on raised wooden decks to maximise the panoramic views of the broad channels fronting the camp.
The elevated double-storey main area is framed by dense wild date palms and an enormous canopy of mangosteens. The pool, raised bar area, jetty and floating fire deck, as well as the expansive viewing deck, offer guests the quintessential Okavango Delta water camp experience.
The lodge is located in the Okavango of the North-West.
Features
The lodge is rated as Classic Camp by Unspecified.
Room facilities include Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Tea / Coffee,
The lodges appeals to a number of special interests such as Birding, Nature, Wildlife,
There are numerous activities on site such as Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Drives, Mokoro Excursion, Walks (Guided),
Activities off site include Cultural Tours, Helicopter Scenic Flights,
The property boasts a number of facilities Bar, Pool,
Languages spoken include and available services are Credit Card,
Activities
The lodge offers some unique activities to suit your tastes.
Wilderness Jacana – Mokoro Excursions *
Glide seamlessly along the waterways of Wilderness Jacana in a mokoro (a traditional dug-out canoe) and spot some of the fascinating creatures of the Delta – maybe even hippo and crocodile – as well as the wealth of waterbirds of the region.
* Water levels permitting.
Wilderness Jacana – Boating *
Boating through the waterways to the east of camp allow for good game viewing along the channels.
* Water levels permitting.
Wilderness Jacana – Fishing *
Seasonal fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment (spinner rods and a small range of lures) is offered on a catch and release basis.
* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.
Wilderness Jacana – Game Drives
Land-based game drives are offered when the inundation levels are lower, typically in the summer months. These drives can reveal the likes of elephant, zebra and other plains game, as well as the potential sightings of predators of the area such as lions, hyaenas, and African wild dogs.
Wilderness Jacana – Birding
Birding is excellent here with plenty of 'Okavango specials’ including the Pel’s fishing-owl and Endangered wattled crane.
Wilderness Jacana – Guided Nature Walks *
Get your feet on the ground and enjoy a walk through the wilds of the Jao Reserve.
* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide, therefore pre-booking is essential.
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