The Jao Reserve

The Jao Reserve A family-operated collection of six camps in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Rooted in place. Different, by Nature.

The Reserve is a tranquil base for a wonderful Okavango Delta Safari experience.The Jao Reserve (Wildlife Management Area NG25) is 60 000 hectares in extent and is in the north-western area of the Okavango Delta below the panhandle. The Moremi Game Reserve forms the eastern boundary of the reserve. Lying as it does in the very heart of the Delta the Jao Reserve embodies all the magic and mystique

of the Okavango. Narrow water channels cut their way through the papyrus and reed beds in the permanent delta to the north and east of the reserve, providing the perfect environment for the elusive sitatunga and the rare Pel's Fishing Owl. Beautiful lush palm islands dot the water, begging to be explored. Further west the reserve gets progressively dryer and Hunda Island which is the tip of a large sand tongue is the largest area of dry land during the flood season.

The wait is over.Today we’re sharing the very first images of the new Kwetsani.Nestled amongst towering palms and overlo...
14/06/2026

The wait is over.

Today we’re sharing the very first images of the new Kwetsani.

Nestled amongst towering palms and overlooking the floodplains of the Okavango Delta, Kwetsani has been thoughtfully reimagined to honour its legacy while embracing the future.

For our family, this camp has always been a special place. Seeing it rise once again from the trees has been an emotional journey, and we’re incredibly proud to finally share a glimpse of what we’ve been building.

Welcome to the next chapter of Kwetsani.

Tucked away amongst the palms and trees, the Jao Spa offers a chance to slow down.After a morning in the bush or an afte...
12/06/2026

Tucked away amongst the palms and trees, the Jao Spa offers a chance to slow down.

After a morning in the bush or an afternoon on the water, it's a wonderful place to pause, breathe and simply enjoy the surroundings.

📷 Julia Kasnitz |

Young bulls are often the characters of the elephant world.Full of confidence, curiosity and just a little bit of mischi...
09/06/2026

Young bulls are often the characters of the elephant world.

Full of confidence, curiosity and just a little bit of mischief.

This mock charge was all show, but he certainly made sure he had our attention.

The first light of the day at Jacana.Before the boats leave, before breakfast, before the Delta fully wakes up.Just soft...
06/06/2026

The first light of the day at Jacana.

Before the boats leave, before breakfast, before the Delta fully wakes up.

Just soft morning light, open views across the water, and a moment of complete stillness.

Hidden amongst the trees, Jao has always felt like a camp that reveals itself slowly.The forest draws you in, the floodp...
03/06/2026

Hidden amongst the trees, Jao has always felt like a camp that reveals itself slowly.

The forest draws you in, the floodplains open out beyond, and before long you find yourself settling into the rhythm of the Delta.

Some places are seen. Others are felt.

📷 Julia Kasnitz |

Evenings at Pelo tend to gather people together.Stories, laughter, a drink in hand, and that easy feeling of being exact...
28/05/2026

Evenings at Pelo tend to gather people together.

Stories, laughter, a drink in hand, and that easy feeling of being exactly where you should be.

Simple, but special.

Let's connect at The Experience Africa Show in London! Excited to meet, network, and celebrate African culture together!...
26/05/2026

Let's connect at The Experience Africa Show in London! Excited to meet, network, and celebrate African culture together! See you there!

Up close with a leopard, and you realise how much you don’t see from a distance.Every movement, every glance… completely...
24/05/2026

Up close with a leopard, and you realise how much you don’t see from a distance.

Every movement, every glance… completely intentional.

Pure presence.

📷 Julia Kasnitz |

22/05/2026

Building in the Okavango Delta is never simple.

After heavy rainfall and an early flood, transporting materials to Kwetsani has become an adventure of its own with muddy roads, changing tracks and trucks disappearing into the mud.

Then came the swimming pool.

The first pool arrived cracked, so a new one was built and sent north from Johannesburg. But when it finally reached Hunda boat station, we discovered it was too wide for our barge.

So we came up with another Delta solution. We joined two 7-meter boats together, carefully positioned the pool across them, and slowly moved it 5.7km up the channel through the floodwaters until it safely reached the site.

Not always straightforward.

Never boring.

Meanwhile, Kwetsani continues rising through the trees, one challenge at a time.

Dinner at Jacana doesn’t need much.Good food, a small table, the sounds of the Delta around you.It’s these quiet, unhurr...
21/05/2026

Dinner at Jacana doesn’t need much.

Good food, a small table, the sounds of the Delta around you.

It’s these quiet, unhurried moments that guests remember most.

Address

Ngamiland Adventure Safaris
Maun

Telephone

+2676863777

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Jao Reserve posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Hotel

Send a message to The Jao Reserve:

Shortcuts

Share

Category