Visit Jao Concession, Botswana

In the southwest reaches of the Okavango Delta is the Jao Concession which encompasses deep blue channels, glittering lagoons, emerald-green floodplains and palm islands.

The waters are covered in thousands of flowers, with carpets of orange river-lilies, pink waterlilies and water lettuce. Tiny reed frogs cling to papyrus, red lechwe splash through water, sending spray into the air against the backdrop of stunning scenery.

Wildlife of the Jao Concession

The rich floodplains are home to large herds of red lechwe, which are hunted by several prides of lion. It’s one of the best places in Africa to search for the sitatunga and on the islands it’s common to see elephant, baboon, tsessebe and bushbuck. At night, fruit-bats squeak and tiny bush babies leap from tree to tree. The birdlife is spectacular. Wattled cranes step through the lush grasses, saddle-billed storks hunt for frogs and slaty egrets catch tiny fish. From rosy-throated longclaws to Pel’s fishing owl, the list is endless.

Activities in the Jao Concession

There are a number of small camps on the reserve, ranging from luxury chalets to tree top houses. All offer a variety of activities including game drives, walks and night drives, as well as boating and mokoro trips which are superb. Drifting over twinkling water, with flowers and birds all around, is the ultimate relaxation.