Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero
- Moremi Game Reserve, BotswanaA luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the bush on the edge of Chobe National Park, home to the world's largest remaining population of elephants.
Providing the ultimate Delta water experience in the heart of the Okavango, luxurious Jao Camp is set in an area where islands fringed with riverine forests meet vast productive floodplains. Shaded by a canopy of trees, the nine spacious and beautifully-designed tents offer en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor showers. Expansive views from the private sala at each tent make for a sumptuous setting for afternoon siestas. In addition to the main lounge and dining area, there are two plunge pools and a 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 and a gym for the more active. The camp itself perfectly mirrors the beauty of the Delta and allows an effortless entry into the wonders of this pristine wetland paradise.
There is no better way of viewing the Delta and its wildlife than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). At Jao we have a number of these – as well as two glass-bottomed mekoro for an entirely out of this world experience!
Trips in our eight-seater boats in the waterways to the east of camp allow for good game viewing in the channels further away.
Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 Land Rovers each accommodating a maximum of seven people allowing each guest a window seat.
A 45-minute boat ride from Jao Camp, you can enjoy a full-day game drive, along with a picnic, on wildlife-rich Hunda Island.
Night drives with spotlights allow you to find those nocturnal animals you wouldn’t see during the day.
A raised hide located about 20 minutes from camp is a great place to watch the comings and goings of wildlife. The hide can also be used for sleep-outs for a maximum of two people on a queen-size bed with a large mosquito net. The hide is equipped with a long-drop toilet.
Tucked under magnificent African ebony trees overlooking lush waterways, the Jao Spa is an enchanting setting where you can rest and feel utterly restored. Here, we offer a full menu of therapies from facials to manicures, and a range of massage options.
Our gym is equipped with a cross trainer, rowing machine, stationary bike, yoga mats, exercise ball and free weights - and beautiful views over the water.
Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment (spinner rods and a small range of lures) is on offer seasonally on a catch-and-release basis.
The entertainment room is furnished as a lounge and dining area. It is suitable for private dining, children's entertainment, watching wildlife documentaries and conducting lectures.
The game viewing at Jao is superb. Huge herds of red lechwe can be seen, followed by their primary predator – prides of lion. Other game typical of the area includes elephant, buffalo, leopard, tsessebe, zebra, hippo and crocodile as well as the uncommon sitatunga and spotted-necked otter. Many bird species are resident such as Meyer's parrot, African harrier hawk, black heron, coppery-tailed coucal, and black crake being some of the avian treasures found at Jao Camp.