Situated on an island within a private reserve in the northern region of the Okavango Delta, Jao Camp is the height of luxury and offers an excellent all-round wilderness experience. The nine suites have living areas, private bathrooms and a wall of glass that peels away to open onto a deck overlooking the delta. Private salas surrounded by the dense riverine forest and hammocks on the decks demand a sensuous escape in the remote wilderness of the delta.

The living area, accessed by lantern-lit walkways, comprises a welcoming lounge and bar with a large viewing deck beneath a thick canopy of trees. The dining area is as mobile as you are and the open-fire is a fine place to put your feet up. The lodge has a full-time spa therapist offering a range of revitalising treatments – or you can make extensive use of their wine cellar.

Jao Camp: all-round wilderness encounter all year round

Surrounded by water and savannah woodland, Jao offers an excellent wilderness experience including mekoro (dug-out pole canoe), water safaris, guided walks, game drives, night drives and bird watching. The wildlife is as diverse as the range of activities and the birdlife is spectacular with delta specials like Pel’s fishing owl, wattled crane, slaty egrets, pink-throated longclaws, African skimmers and jacanas. The rare lechwe and sitatunga are resident in this area and receding water levels bring the plains game: elephant, wildebeest, tsessebe, lechwe and zebra. Lion, leopard and cheetah are often seen on the floodplains.