Situated on a palm-spotted island in the Okavango Delta within the Jao Private Reserve, Jacana Camp is a standard Wilderness Safaris lodge with a suitably stunning location. Five Meru-style safari tents on raised wooden platforms; private decks overlooking the intricate waterways and floodplains; an elegant living area beneath ancient fig trees and an elevated dining area overlooking the marshy floodplains. Downstairs, the cosy pub, open fire and plunge pool make for a relaxing break from all the activity.

The water level in the delta rises and falls with the seasons and in summer – the low water season - you can venture onto land for game drives. Year-round activities include fascinating walking safaris; stealthy meanderings through the lagoons and islands on a traditional mokoro; water safaris in delta boats; and the reserve has two long-stay hides for excellent birding and general wildlife studies.

Rare and fascinating wildlife

The endless marshy islands, papyrus-plugged lagoons and reed-filled marshes make for fantastic bird watching with specials like Pel’s fishing owl, wattled crane, slaty egrets, pink-throated longclaws, African skimmers and, the camp’s namesake, greater and lesser jacanas. The red lechwe and the sitatunga are some of the rare wetlands animals that your mokoro guide will tell you all about while you slide in silence through the water. Receding water levels bring the plains game: elephant, wildebeest, tsessebe, lechwe and zebra. Lion, leopard and cheetah are often seen on the floodplains.