First Peek: Jack's Private Camp
A relic of one of the world's largest super-lakes, the Makgadikgadi dried up thousands of years ago as a result of the continued shifting of the earth's crust. Jack's Camp is sited in this prehistoric setting offering just ten bedouin-style suites. Here, in the cool interiors of your private deck, the striking desert contrast is truly appreciated.
A trailblazer in desert aesthetics, Jack's Camp has designed this Private Villa for families, complete with a private deck and pool, creatively aligned to harmonize with the sun's trajectory and gentle breezes. This strategic orientation, coupled with ample shade and continuous airflow, offers a blissful escape from the Kalahari's sizzling temperatures.
Yet, the ultimate luxury at Jack's lies in disconnecting from the world, relishing the serene companionship of the desert's tranquil silence.
The color palette of Jack's Private Camp draws inspiration from the vibrant hues of desert life, reflecting the rich tapestry of the environment, its people, and the surrounding landscapes.
Dry season photography
There's always some mystery unfolding in the light of the African plains. Skittish zebra approach the swelling pans, their spell of caution broken as a vast cloud of dust erupts when a herd of Cape buffalo charges across the floodplains of the Okavango.
These majestic creatures play a crucial role in shaping the landscape, as their grazing and movement through the undergrowth maintain open spaces for predators to thrive and hunt.
Dry periods and droughts are natural occurrences that help stabilize ecosystems and wildlife populations. Just as wet cycles characterized by increased rain benefit specific wildlife, dry periods bring advantages for others such as African Wild Dog, Hyena, Lion and Vultures. The shorter grasses result in more visible game viewing, perfect for photography.
On safari at Jao
Drifting over the Okavango Delta's flooded plains, a tranquil spirit embraces you. Elephants and graceful red lechwe wade across azure currents and nature’s myriad hues.
As the dry winter season unfolds, Botswana basks in the aftermath of abundant rainfall, leaving a lush green tapestry enveloping the Jao concession. Stepping off the vehicle, you're greeted by a mesmerizing sight: a labyrinth of wooden walkways adorned with verdant palm fronds overhead. The warmth of smiles and heartfelt greetings from the Jao family invites you into this verdant sanctuary with open arms.
There's an ethereal quality to the design of Jao Camp, where lofty ceilings and organic materials seamlessly merge with the surrounding wilderness. Owner Cathy Kays recounts the meticulous planning behind the camp's conception, revealing an exhaustive mapping endeavor that meticulously cataloged every tree on the land. This careful approach is reflected in the architecture, where walkways and structures gracefully intertwine with the natural landscape, honoring the presence of the trees rather than overpowering them.
Star beds on safari
Sleep under the starry canopy of Africa, lulled by the symphony of nature's melodies and the magic of the untamed wilderness. Nestled within the embrace of our magnificent treehouses, you'll encounter nature in its purest and most extraordinary form.
Our star beds across Africa provide a prime vantage point over a bustling waterhole. Each treehouse is set up high in the canopies, a traditional way to seek safety, cool shade and enjoy the vantage of stunning African landscapes. These special locations often attract a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, elands, zebras, and more, offering exceptional game viewing directly from the safety of your treehouse platform.
Savor afternoon tea in the privacy of your raised hideout while enjoying magnificent wildlife sightings. A dining platform complete with campfire offers a refreshing place to relish canapés and sundowners, dinner, and aperitifs. Our chefs excel in preparing delicious meals over the campfire.
Offering a truly unique way to spend time in the bush, this is no ordinary safari camp experience. Instead, each "room" is usually a three-story raised platform, overlooking the wildlife-spotted plains. Charmingly rustic yet perfectly stylish, you'll find a bathroom on the first floor, a dressing area in the middle, and the ultimate cherry on the top floor, an enormous double bed, draped in white linens and a feather duvet, and completely open to the stars. Looking up, the sky is your very own celestial theatre.
First Peek: Sitatunga Camp
The design ethos of Sitatunga Camp is a tale of the Okavango, presenting a setting enveloped by water reminiscent of a Robinson Crusoe-like adventure.
The camp's heritage dates back over two centuries to the presence of indigenous fishermen in the area, who fashioned fishing baskets and traps from reeds shaped like funnels. Drawing inspiration from this historical reference, the suites were conceptualized as suspended within the colossal bamboo fisherman baskets. As a result, the interiors are adorned with a palette echoing the hues of the Okavango, featuring misty greens and sun-bleached woods.
Sitatunga Private Island is designed for a 'slow safari' experience, reconnecting guests with nature. Explore the Okavango Delta's permanent channels by canoe for a unique perspective of wildlife and birding. Guided nature walks bring you up close to the smaller things in nature and track the great wildlife of Botswana on foot. Boating and fishing are a few more excursions to immerse in the magic of the Okavango Delta.
Other Stories
VIP lounge at Maun Airport
Enjoy the Signature Guided Safaris® VIP Arrival services in Maun Airport with pre-immigration fastrack assistance and special lounge access.
A warm welcome awaits for safari guests with fresh pastries and canapés, a selection of award-winning wine from the cellars and a convenient safari boutique to stock up on small necessities.
With executive-configured King Air 200s and Cessna Grand Caravan EXs, the Guided Safaris® Signature journeys offer both scheduled flights and private jet charters across Southern Africa. The twin-engined turboprop Beechcraft King Air B200, renowned for its safety, performance and efficiency, offers a quieter more comfortable pressurised cabin, seating up to 7 passengers in an luxurious air-conditioned interiors at speeds of up to 280 miles per hour.
Tata Harper Spa in Africa
Launching for the first time in Africa, Tata Harper's signature spa treatments are enhanced by an exclusive collection inspired by the Okavango Delta, creating holistic rituals that provide guests with a complete sensory retreat.
Crafted to showcase stunning vistas of the changing floodplains and verdant riverine forests, the Tata Harper spa at Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Channelling the natural healing powers of the wilderness, the Tata Harper spa is complemented with an air conditioned fitness centre at Xigera with state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym and a tranquil pool deck overlooking the river.