Located in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, west of Little Mombo, just outside the Moremi Game Reserve, Jacana Camp has – since 2001 – focused successfully on marketing itself to individuals and groups as a camp with roots in the original safari enterprise: exploration, wonder and nature.
Overview
Situated in the shade of two giant sycamores, on what feels like the shores of a tropical island, Jacana Camp is a wood, canvas and thatch build, and consists of a main lodge and 6 Meru style sleeping tents. The 2 story main lodge includes an upstairs dining area, extended decking, a downstairs lounge, bar, and tea/coffee stations. Other shared areas include a small pool, shop, outdoor rest area (think hammocks) and fire pit.
Food & service
Having something of a Robinson Crusoe feel to it, the main lodge is open sided, cool, and beautifully designed; a mix of eclaimed floorboards, exposed beams, vintage seating and well-chosen artefacts. While it is not always reported as being excellent, the food at Jacana is more than adequate, and the service is both attentive and discreet.
Rooms
Accessed by wooden walkways, and beautifully positioned, each of the sleeping tents possesses a twin/double bed, a simply furnished veranda, seating, room to change, a writing desk and a host of mod cons.
To the rear is an al fresco bathroom – toilet, basin and shower. Like the main lodge, the style here is much in keeping with the location, and while the bed and amenities are very modern, the storage, bathroom and furniture give the tents an attractive rustic/safari feel. Please note there is no Wi-Fi at the camp.
Activities
Substituting hunting (for which, under Botswanan law, licences are still available) for photography and wildlife viewing, the Kays and Kingsley Mokalangwe – Jacana Camp’s owners and long term lease holders to the Jao concession – concentrate all their efforts on providing excellent tried and tested activities. They include mokoro and walking safaris (all year round), and wildlife drives (October – March).
Impact
Community
Wilderness Safaris supports Children in the Wilderness, a programme which provides educational life skills and environmental awareness for children who live in villages close to conservation areas. At this moment in time (2018) CITW has benefited over 10,000 children from seven African countries.
In addition, Jao Concession and the University of Botswana (under the auspices of the Biokavango Project) have formed a committee to encourage better engagement between local communities and the Jao Concession, specifically regarding curbing poaching and over-fishing.