Jacana Camp is situated relatively close to Jao camp within the same concession area and belongs to the Jao Collection portfolio. While it is close, Jacana operates in almost total seclusion. Accommodation is spacious, and five canvas tented rooms with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers provide a truly comfortable experience in the Okavango. The tented rooms are built on raised platforms and provide wonderous views over the Jao plains.
The communal area consists of an elevated deck between two spectacular sycamore trees. Surrounded by greenery, guests are served meals with some of the most striking sights to be seen in the Delta.
Surrounded by water, Jacana camp makes use of motor boats for game viewing as well as mokoros. It’s also a great lodge option for bird enthusiasts.
Location
Quick Facts
- rooms: 5 tented suites, elevated with en-suite facilities, set on a small teardrop-shaped island
- location: private concession within the Jao Reserve, Okavango Delta — a true water/land camp, often boat-access only during flood season
- activities: mokoro excursions, boating, guided walks, private game drives (especially during low-water season when floodplains dry out), catch-and-release fishing (seasonal), birding, scenic helicopter flights
- facilities: swimming pool, 100% solar powered, fire deck, lounge and dining areas
- known for: exceptional birding (Pel’s fishing owl, wattled crane, African jacana) and an intimate, slow-paced water-based safari experience
Personal Thoughts on Jacana
Jacana Camp is a special lodge. The Kays family that run the camp, along with Jao, Kwetsani, Pelo, and Tubu Tree are well known in Botswana and old friends. They have been rooted in this part of Botswana since the 19th century, running the reserve themselves rather than through an outside operator. Wilderness Safaris used to manage their marketing, but a split emerged in 2025 that was well publisized, and the Kays family decided to go it alone. And I am glad they did. Since the Wilderness split, that personal, family-run character really comes through at Jacana. It’s a small, intimate 5-tent camp on a teardrop-shaped island, and it delivers one of the most genuine water-based Delta experiences you’ll find, especially during flood season when the camp is only reachable by boat. I love recommending it to guests who want that classic, slow-paced mokoro-and-birding experience rather than a big-ticket luxury showcase.Following the Wilderness split, the Kays family now have full control of the guest experience without an external marketing partner putting the brakes on everything. It’s an amazing camp, and it has really flourished.
Jacana Lodge Layout
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