Wilderness Jao

In the heart of the Okavango, luxurious Wilderness Jao is set amongst islands fringed with riverine forests and vast, floodplains with prolific wildlife. Shaded by a canopy of trees, the five spacious suites and two ultra-luxe villas offer en-suite facilities with both indoor and outdoor showers. Expansive views from the private sala at each suite make for a sumptuous setting for afternoon siestas.

Customised luxury guest suites and two ultra-luxe villas share Jao Island with the spectacular main area, which features a pool, a library and an outdoor boma for evenings of traditional food, song and dance. The views of the night skies over Wilderness Jao cement its place in the safari firmament as a star among equals.

INSIDER'S TIP: Make the most of the many luxuries offered such as the beautiful star bed sleep-out or a visit to the spa to feel utterly restored.


About the Wilderness Jao

Highlights

  • Set in the heart of the Okavango Delta, where riverine forests and vast floodplains meet.
  • Unleash your sense of adventure as the endlessly dynamic waters invite amazing experiences – from boating safaris to thrilling game drives and full-day island excursions.
  • Explore Hunda Island by boat or by vehicle, and marvel at the prolific wildlife and pristine wilderness that stretches in all directions.

Destination: Surrounded by riverine forests and vast floodplains, Wilderness Jao is the archetypal Okavango Delta camp and a lush haven for wildlife. The camp (rebuilt in 2019, in its same picturesque location), isan architectural masterpiece designed to flow with nature and delight at every turn.

Guests may choose between five expansive safari suites, or two ultra-luxe villas with private plunge pools and their own private butlers, chefs, guides and vehicles. This is the perfect Delta hideaway for small groups, families or couples.  

Experience: Jao invites you in to explore by boat, (when the waters rise), vehicle or on guided nature walks. Go in search of wildlife on game drives on Hunda Island where predator and prey encounters abound. Capture wonderful photos of elephants, hippos and countless antelopes. Glide silently in a mokoro (fibreglass ‘dugout’ canoe) and immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy a surprise outdoor breakfast alongside a herd of zebras; or sundowners while floating down the Delta; have a thrilling sleep-out in the Star Bed under a chandelier of stars. Catch-and-release fishing, nature walks, glorious spa treatments, all served with immaculate attention to detail and warm hospitality, complete the ultimate guest experience.

Purpose: Keep your ears open for a hundred different bird calls. Spy a tiny painted reed frog, or elephants padding silently past camp. Follow lions across the floodplains. We work tirelessly for the conservation of the Okavango Delta and its unique ecosystem – the waters and the dry land, and the plants, birds and wildlife that call it home.  

Wildlife: Untamed and unfenced, the game viewing here is spectacular. Spot huge herds of red lechwe, followed by their primary predator – lions. Marvel at iconic African animals like elephants, buffalos, leopards, tsessebe, zebras, hippos, crocodile and the rare sitatunga. Look out for Meyer's parrot, African harrier hawk, black heron, coppery-tailed coucal, and black crake – just a few of the avian treasures that call the Delta home.

Wilderness Jao: The camp is a sculptural marvel of natural and recycled materials – of steel, wood, and glass. Jao boasts towering, spacious interiors that embrace the light and the bush and feature striking design elements, curated to create the ultimate African safari experience. 

Guests can look forward to the highest standards of luxury in the five expansive suites and two ultra-luxe villas. Each was individually handcrafted and is furnished with vintage-style fittings and a sala for afternoon siestas. 

Built into the towering trees, the elaborate two-storey main area continues to impress. It includes a striking gallery-museum and library, an impressive wine cellar and traditional boma for dining under the stars. One of the camp’s signature design features is the marvellous bird’s nest-styled pool gazebo on the edge of the water. The perfect spot for guests to unwind and soak in the glorious views. Our award-winning spa offers a wide range of soothing massage therapies. 

At night, the romantic Star Bed invites a once-in-a-lifetime experience – a night in the wilderness*.

* Please note this is a seasonal option when water levels permit.

The lodge is located in the Okavango of the North-West.


Features

The lodge is rated as Premier Camp by Unspecified.

Room facilities include Air Conditioning, Bath, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Sala, Tea / Coffee, Verandah,

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, Night Drives, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided),

Activities off site include Cultural Tours, Helicopter Scenic Flights,

The property boasts a number of facilities Bar, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Spa,

Languages spoken include and available services are Credit Card,


Activities

The lodge offers some unique activities to suit your tastes.

Wilderness Jao – Mokoro Excursion *

There is no better way of viewing the Delta and its wildlife than adventuring by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Drift across Botswana's Okavango floodplains, the world's largest freshwater, inland delta. The riverine forest surrounding Wilderness Jao are ideal for spotting smaller creatures amongst the papyrus reeds.

* Water levels permitting.



Wilderness Jao – Boating *

A boating excursion allows us to reach and explore the more distant waterways and clear, deep channels. Explore the iconic Delta floodplains at Wilderness Jao.

* Water levels permitting.



Wilderness Jao – Fishing *

Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment (spinner rods and a small range of lures) is on offer seasonally 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 Jao – Game Drives

Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 vehicles, and reveal the spectacular wildlife diversity of the vast floodplains. Traverse the iconic Jao Reserve in search of game ranging from the elusive Pel’s fishing-owl, to the infamous ‘Jao Mafia’ mongoose gang, to a myriad of big cats, to co-habiting crocodiles and hippos, to a multitude of antelope species, buffalo, and elephant herds.



Wilderness Jao – Night Drives

Night drives with spotlights allow you to find those nocturnal animals you wouldn’t see during the day. Please note that during high water levels, night drives are not possible.



Wilderness Jao – Full-Day Game Drives & Picnics

Wilderness Jao rests under a fantastic tree canopy on its own remote island, surrounded by a watery garden of channels, reeds, and lilies. A 45 minute boat ride from Wilderness Jao, you can enjoy a full-day game drive, along with a picnic, on wildlife-rich Hunda Island.



Wilderness Jao – Unwind in the Wilderness at the Jao Spa

Tucked away in amongst palms for privacy, overlooking lush waterways, the Wilderness Jao Spa is an exquisite setting from where you can rest, relax and feel utterly restored. A full menu of therapies from facials to manicures, and a range of signature massage options, may be experienced. A treatment is bound to further inspire guests to fully appreciate Wilderness Jao's extraordinary holistic offering.



Wilderness Jao – Gym

Stay active and energised amid the wild beauty Jao. The well-equipped gym (treadmill, elliptical trainer, punch bag for boxing, stationary exercise bicycle, exercise mats, medicine ball, skipping ropes and a range of free weights) is a haven for a refreshing workout with a view of the magnificent floodplains.



Wilderness Jao – Visit Wilderness Jao's Museum & Gallery

A fascinating feature at Wilderness Jao is the museum and gallery, with its emphasis on learning and knowledge sharing of the area and its denizens, from a metres high giraffe skeleton, to geographical maps. In addition, a series of botanical pressings by EE Galpin, known as the 'Prince of Collectors' and one of the pre-eminent botanists of his time, is beautifully showcased here. In fact, he was the great-grandfather of Cathy Kays, co-owner of Wilderness Jao. Included is a fascinating history of the Kays family, who have been rooted in Botswana since the 19th century and today based in Maun, operating Ngamiland Adventure Safaris (NAS) and other ventures.



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