Jao Camp
Jao Camp is surrounded by open seasonal floodplains dotted with small islands. With a fusion style of Balinese and African décor, Jao is an imposing and luxurious camp which sprawls over roughly a kilometre among tall shady leadwood, African mangosteen and ebony trees.
Jao Camp is one of the original ‘premier’ camps of Botswana, designed to make it a cut above most others. Yet despite it’s opulence and grandeur, the camp’s very friendly team create a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Jao’s central area is arranged over two levels. The lower level features an intimate and tucked away sitting area, a small library and a richly stocked curio shop. This opens out onto a large deck surrounding the firepit – a traditional gathering spot to swap stories after dinner – and decorated with quite probably the biggest wind chimes seen in these parts. From here, wooden walkways lead to not one but two separate plunge pools.
From this lower level, a large polished rosewood staircase leads to the upper deck, incorporating a large bar and lounge to one side and a dining area to the other, complete with cappuccino machine. The original artworks and African wood sculptures (some by local carvers) are a real feature.
A winding wooden walkway, about 3m off the ground, connects to Jao’s nine luxury suites, which are spread out on either side of the main building.
Not too far from camp is a sleep-out platform in the ‘bush’, which offers a pretty rustic experience and really does put you close to nature. Accessible when water levels are low enough (generally from September to May), it is a wonderful contrast to a night in the suites, but it is not for everyone! It is advisable to book this in advance, preferably if you have a three-night stay at Jao.
*For a full list of available activities, the best time of the year to visit, and any other relevant enquiries, please contact a Sister Hippo Travel Consultant!