First peek 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.
Jao’s two private villas and four luxury suites are crafted with the untamed wilderness as their muse. Wherever you stand, the air is alive with birdsong and the gentle cadence of wildlife dotting the floodplains. Within this sanctuary, ample space invites reflection upon the captivating sights of your journey — from leisurely moments in your cozy reading nook to indulgent surprises like champagne breakfasts served on the swinging bed suspended from your deck. Out on the expansive deck, a serene plunge pool overlooks the sprawling floodplain, where avian companions and graceful impalas are your only guests. Inside, a lily-inspired bathtub awaits for cozy evenings.
Every corner of the camp is tailored for your private retreat, with secluded alcoves and two fireside circles offering vistas of the lush trees or the expansive floodplain. Yet, among the camp's distinctive features, the bird’s nest pool stands out as an oasis of tranquility. Nestled at the end of a bridge-like walkway, its white dome mimics the woven texture of a bird's nest, embracing a circular pool area on the floodplain. Here, you’ll bask in the golden hues of dusk or float amidst the water lilies, savoring the serene moments before embarking on exhilarating safaris.
| Step Inside: Jao Camp »
Safari Memories
Jao Camp exudes an innate tranquility, seamlessly weaving a tapestry that reconnects one's soul with the rhythms of nature.
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Savoir Faire
As the essence of a journey cannot be confined to a single day, travel resides in the memories and souvenirs we collect. Guided Safaris® have traversed the breadth of the continent, capturing these enchanting stories of remote adventure and wild beauty whispered by the winds of time.
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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.