Recommended Accommodation in Botswana
 
 

Jao Camp, Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana

In the central region of the concession, vast open floodplains provide some of the most stunning scenery Botswana has to offer. Jao Camp lies in the southern side of the plains, an area with beautiful islands fringed with riverine forests.

Jao Camp has premier accommodation in nine beautiful and spacious tents each individually handcrafted. These twin-bedded canvas and thatched rooms are situated beneath a canopy of shady trees and have en-suite facilities, as well as an outdoor shower for the more adventurous. Built on raised decks, each has a private sala for afternoon siestas and offers wonderful views of the spectacular surrounding floodplains of Botswana.

In addition to the lounge and dining area, there are two plunge pools and an outdoor boma for dining under the stars, complemented by wines from an excellent wine cellar. Jao Camp also has a spa where a wide range of massage therapies are offered.

Mekoro, boat trips, fishing, day and night game drives and birding are usually on offer all year round due to the abundance of wildlife in Botswana. There are two platform hides in the concession. During an unusually high flood season, game drives begin by boating out to a nearby Hunda Island where the vehicles are waiting, and the drive begins from there. Huge herds of red lechwe can be seen, followed by their primary predator - prides of lion. Other game typical of Botswana include elephant, buffalo, leopard, tsessebe, zebra and wildebeest, hippo and crocodile.

Many bird species are resident such as Meyer's Parrot, African Harrier Hawk, Black Heron, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Malachite Kingfisher, Hamerkop and Black Crake being some of the avian treasures found at Jao Camp.

The living area also overlooks the open plain in front of the camp. Huge comfy leather sofas with velvet cushions often capture a tired guest who has intended to relax for a few minutes (Gin and Tonic left un-drunk on the sea grass coffee table!). The open fronted area is surrounded by polished mahogany floors that lead away to the bar and onto the camp's library - an area that provides the perfect respite to relax and shy away with a good book or recent game viewing report. Hidden away to the left of the main area is the camp's plunge pool; a welcome respite to escape the heat of the day

Activities at Mombo Camp include morning and afternoon game drives. Open 4x4s provide an excellent vantage for viewing the high concentrations of plains game and all the predators - including the big cats. Lion sightings are frequent. Guests at Mombo Camp can also expect to see leopard, wild dog, spotted hyaena, large herds of buffalo, elephant, white rhino, southern giraffe, blue wildebeest and Burchell's zebra.

Black and white rhino have been reintroduced to the region with outstanding success (albeit most are further away from Mombo Camp), thanks to the Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Programme.