Charming tented camp

Prepare yourself for a true water based camp: Jacana Tented Camp is situated on an island, surrounded by seasonal Okavango Delta floodplains and papyrus swamps. A tiny speck of African paradise, located within the 60,000 hectare private Jao Concession, close to the Panhandle in the Okavango Delta’s northwest and on the boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve. Remote, charming, tucked away – these are just a few words that pop in your head as you sail into the camp. The staff, including managers Henk and Marelize, will give you a warm welcome when you arrive.

As a remotely secluded camp, Jacana offers five Meru-style tents including a family tent. They are constructed on raised wooden decks with walkways on the ground. Each tent has en-suite facilities, which are enclosed but roofless, allowing you to stare up at the deep African sky, totally free from light pollution. You will also find a pedestal fan, mosquito net, fluffy towels and a private veranda with spectacular views over the floodplains (could a sky get any more purple and pink?). At night, under canvas, enjoy the nightly chorus of Bell Frogs (bright green and not your usual croaking frog). Awake by the beautiful sounds of fish-eagles: open your tent and you may witness one catching breakfast with his claws. The main dining area is on an elevated wooden deck between two enormous sycamore trees, the bar and lounge are located downstairs with a large deck boasting landscape views. There is an open area for sitting around the fire, a gazebo with hammocks, a pool in the main area and curio shop. Meals are best enjoyed outdoors in the traditional African boma.

Activities at Jacana Camp

Guides are knowledgeable on about both water and land. If you dare, fish for the dangerous tiger fish (some can weigh up to seven kilos), or peek at enormous crocodiles lying in the delta, quiet as tree trunks. It is no accident the camp is named after a bird (the jacana is tropical wading bird with floppy feet), since birdlife here is so abundant. Enthusiasts can spot Pel's fishing-owl (a large species of owl in the Strigidae family) as well as other Okavango Delta species such as Slaty Egret and African pygmy-goose. And while you glide through the reeds in a traditional canoe, look for the tiny frogs. Only 1.5 centimeters long, they cling to the reed, and provide a beautiful croaking concert each day. Looking for some sporty action? Hop in a motorboat and, like the birds surrounding you, feel like you are flying over the water. Afterwards, relax in the spacious swimming pool, take an outdoor shower or kick back in a lounge chair (with a cold drink) and look at elephants splashing in the delta. This camp is a small paradise, floating in clear Okavango Delta waters.

Tripadvisor comments Jacana Camp

A 'wet' camp - a small island in lagoons alive with birdlife, water lilies, and just beauty. Game drives start with a boat journey to pick up the jeep (at this time of year when waters are high) and then the delightful TH showed us all there was to see in terms of antelope and game. On other occasions a slow and leisurely cruise around the lagoons in canoes was a different pace at which to view the beauty of the Okavango. The team providing the hospitality was outstanding. Gracious, attentive and above all charming and fun. For a couple of nights our 2 friends and we were alone in the compound and the staff provided some delightful surprises - e.g. a picnic lunch on a nearby island. Of the 4 camps we visited this was without doubt the most charming.

nickcambridge from Cambridge, UK

This was our second stay at Jacana and it was superb again we stayed in 2014 and again in late May 2015. This is a very relaxing and beautiful camp on the Delta heaven to just sit and watch the water, birds, hippo, elephants and otter family frolicking in the water. Wonderful staff. Great food and plenty of it. Highly recommend this camp.

Dasa1414