Okavango Delta
Jao Camp
Arguably the most luxurious of all the water camps, Jao 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 the Moremi Game Reserve, to the west of Mombo, on a densely wooded, oval shaped island. The camp is positioned to afford excellent views of the floodplains and savannah, which can be enjoyed from the privacy of your private balcony or from the communal boma.
Accommodation is in nine twin-bedded tented rooms under cool thatch, overlooking the hippo-filled lagoon in front of the camp. Each of the suites has its own large bedroom area, lounge and a deluxe en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower. The private deck allows you to view the game and wildlife in total seclusion. The thatched main dining and lounge area is positioned for you to enjoy sundowners while you watch the sunset or a candlelit meal in the open air boma. For more private dining, meals can be enjoyed al fresco on your tent’s deck. Jao also has a salon where a wide range of massage therapies are offered.
The Jao area encompasses a contrasting variety of habitats, ranging from permanent waterways and lagoons on the one extreme to thick Kalahari sands on the other. Jao Camp offers both land and water activities, depending on the fluctuating levels of the Okavango’s floodwater. Day and night game drives provide an opportunity to explore this magical reserve. Water levels permitting, boating and mokoro excursions in traditional dugout canoes offer a tranquil escape on the winding waterways of the delta. There are two platform hides in the Jao Concession for secluded game viewing, up close but in safety, providing amazing photographic opportunities.
Facilities
Thatched tented suites with large bedroom area, lounge and a deluxe en-suite bathroom with outdoor shower. Thatched dining and lounge areas, and open air dining within the boma. Two plunge pools, gym and salon where a wide range of massage therapies are offered.
Local Wildlife
The camp focusses mostly on water birds and mammals including otters, the rare sitatunga and red lechwe. Bird highlights include Pel's fishing owl, African and lesser jacanas, slaty egret and African pygmy-goose. Game drives frequently reveal elephant, lion and leopard.
Optional Activities
Boat safaris, mokoro excursions, fishing and game drives are included on a shared basis.
Jonathan Morris
Area Specialist
Book a night out on their Star Bed. Sleep under the stars and then at sunrise watch the waterways wake up around you.
If you have any questions regarding our Botswana tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Our best safari to date – exhilarating, luxurious, unforgettable.
We’re seasoned wildlife travellers, and the Letaka tented safari in Botswana exceeded all expectations. The experience offered exceptional access to nature, with wildlife roaming freely and unphased through camp – lions, wild dogs, honey badgers, and hyenas all made memorable appearances. Slightly scary, but utterly exhilarating.
Our guide was outstanding – deeply knowledgeable about wildlife, birds, plants, and geology, with expert tracking skills that consistently led us to the best sightings. They positioned the vehicle perfectly for photography, respected the animals’ space, and made us feel safe and cared for throughout. The camp staff were a formidable team, attentive and respectful, with thoughtful touches like hot water bottles in bed and inventive meals despite the challenges of cooking in the bush. The tented setup was surprisingly luxurious and deeply comfortable.
Game viewing was phenomenal: wild dogs, lions, cheetahs, leopards, bat-eared foxes, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a spectacular murmuration of queleas at sunset. We even explored the majestic Baobab trees in Mababe reserve – an unforgettable moment. Thank you to the entire team for a truly exceptional safari. We’re already planning our next trip.