Jacana Camp
Hotel
The Jacana Camp lies about 25km west of Mombo, outside the Moremi Game Reserve in the Jao region and belongs to the group of Okavango "water camps", which means it is located in an area, which is under water throughout all of the year.
The region where the camp is located belongs to the Jao Concession. This game reserve is roughly 60,000 hectares in size and is in the northwestern area of the Okavango Delta. The Moremi wildlife reserve forms the eastern border.
As it lies in the heart of the read more » Delta, the Jao Reserve offers visitors the entire palette of different Okavango habitats. Narrow waterways cut through the papyrus and reed beds, offering an ideal environment for the shy Sitatunga or Marshbuck and the rare Pel's fishing owl.
One of the highest concentrations of the Sitatunga and Lechwe Antelope are found in the area surrounding the Jacana Camp. However, better-known wild animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes are also here in abundance.
The endangered Wattled Crane inhabits this area in large numbers. In general, the region is a paradise for those with a special interest in birdlife.
A further highlight is the lion population: the proud beasts that inhabit the Jao Reserve have been intensively studied over the last five years, allowing guests detailed insight into their habits and behaviours.
This region is one of extreme splendour: at the centre of the region lie wide-open floodplains, which are broken up by beautiful palm-studded islands. Jacana Camp is located on one such island.
Indulge in the calm atmosphere of the Delta, comfortably resting beneath one of the many huge, shady maples. There are river safaris and Mokoro boat safaris available throughout the entire year. From September to May, game drives in open all-terrain vehicles are another option.
The camp consists of only eight Meru-style tents, which sit on wooden platforms and offer a heavenly view out over the surrounding floodplain.
The restaurant is built on a wooden platform between two enormous fig trees. It nestles among thickly growing wild date palms. A small and cosy bar with a relaxing lounge offers the chance to recount the day's highlights around the open fire under the starry heavens of Africa.
Living
The Jacana Camp features only eight tents - it is a luxurious accommodation that offers privacy in a secluded setting. Two of the tents are outfitted as Honeymoon Tents. They are located in especially
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beautiful surroundings: perfect for the newlyweds!
Let us know if the trip you plan is your honeymoon and INTOSOL will automatically book the Honeymoon Tents for you.
All the tents are very spacious and equipped with two large beds (except for the Honeymoon Tents, which feature one king-size bed). The bathroom is designed open-air and it is a magic experience to shower under the bright African sky.
Jacana's tents are real tents: no extra wooden framing, no doors, just a zip between you and nature. Fans of the real Africa prize the chance to live so intertwined with the unspoilt environment.
But don't worry, there's no shortage of refined comforts. You will feel right at home in these cosy and relaxing surroundings. Naturally, the tents’ bathrooms offer hot and cold water.
The magical Delta casts an inescapable charm on visitors. Even having returned home, you will still feel the African sun caressing you skin, the energising air filling your lungs and the incomparably serene atmosphere embracing your soul - that's a promise.
Activities
It goes without saying that extraordinary safaris are the principle activity at the Jacana Camp. There is so much to discover, whether on land (September to May) or on the water.
Do not pass up the read more » chance to join a Mokoro safari - the nature, the silence, the whole ambience of such a trip is a sublime experience, unavailable anywhere else in the world.
There are so many animals to see. At Jacana you will find the highest concentration of Sitatunga and Lechwe Antelopes. The classic safari highlights also inhabit the park in abundance: elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes all frequent Jacana.
Above all, bird lovers will be in heaven at Jacana. The chance to observe rare and rarely seen birds such as the Wattled Crane and Pel's Fishing Owl are quite high. And keep your eyes peeled for rare Rails, Crakes, and Gallinules between the reeds.
Things to know about Jacana:
Cathy and David Kays hold a very long lease for the Jao Concession. The Kays were one of the first families to settle in the Okavango Delta. David's great-grandfather first came to Ngamiland in 1887. In 1912, the Kays family settled in Tsau at a time, when the headquarters of the Batawana tribe, Maun, had not yet been founded.
When the Batawana tribe decided to establish a new village at Maun and move its headquarters there in the mid-twenties, the Kays family moved with them.
David's father, Ronnie, was instrumental in advising the Batawana Tribal Authorities to form the Moremi Game Reserve and assisted with defining the reserve's boundaries.
Like all families raised in and around the Okavango, wildlife was in their blood and they spent most of their lives out in the bush. When they won the rights for the Jao Concession, they were determined to lay down the basis for one of Botswana's finest nature reserves.
Even though hunting rights were originally included in the concession statute, the Kays never exercised their right, becoming only the second reserve to favour preservation. They have decided to focus all their efforts on developing Jao into a superb photographic reserve, even though this meant they lost about US$300,000 in hunting revenues each year.
By these means, they strive to ensure great game viewing and a superb wildlife experience, hopefully, for many years to come.
