The Botswana Series - Part II

After an incredible first half of our trip in Botswana, it was time to head deeper into the heart of the Okavango Delta. This next leg of the journey took me into the central region, where I visited three very different but equally special camps: Jao, Jacana, and Vumbura Plains.

Jao Camp

We flew from Savuti to Jao Airstrip in a tiny bush plane, and just as we were about to land, a pride of lions had to be chased off the runway! I thought to myself...only in Botswana... it was one of those moments that immediately reminded me just how wild this part of the world really is.

Jao Camp itself completely blew me away. I have honestly never seen anything like it. The design is a dream for any interiors lover. Every corner is beautifully thought out, with natural textures and architectural touches that feel both artistic and organic. From above, the camp looks like a giant bird’s nest hidden in the trees, blending perfectly into the Delta.

The food at Jao was next level. Every meal felt like something out of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Emile, the South African chef, is a bit of a legend and clearly loves what he does - you could taste it in every bite.

I did my first ever mokoro experience here with OT, a legend in his own right. He’s been poling since he was seven years old and is now the oldest and most experienced poler in the Delta. Gliding through the water with him felt like stepping into another world, completely still, just the sound of birds and the water lapping against the mokoro.

Jacana

From Jao, we made our way to Jacana, a small island lodge with only 5 rooms, that you can only reach by boat. Jacana is all about being on the water. We spent our days on mokoro and boat trips, weaving through papyrus channels and lily-covered lagoons. One of my favourite moments was stopping for sundowners beneath an ancient baobab tree to celebrate my mum’s birthday. With champagne in hand, we watched the pinks, oranges, and golds of the sunset ripple across the water.

On the animal front, we spotted sitatunga and red lechwe, both semi-aquatic antelope you rarely see elsewhere, as well as loads of birds, from kingfishers to a very lucky sighting of Pel’s fishing owl. Hippos were never far off, their grumbles a constant reminder of who really owns this place.

There are no vehicles here, and that added to the sense of complete remoteness. Jacana gave me a totally different perspective on safari life, one that is slower and gentler.

Vumbura Plains Camp

I ended my Botswana trip at Vumbura Plains, and what a finale it was. The camp sits right at the water’s edge, and from the moment we arrived, it felt completely connected to the Delta. We could hear hippos grunting, and every direction offered a clear, open view of the water and reeds - no filters, no crowds, just nature.

The suites were spacious, airy, and absolutely beautiful with private plunge pools and massive decks.

Game drives here were action-packed. The water levels were high, so we often drove through flooded areas, adding a real sense of adventure to each outing. One morning, we set off while the mist was still rising off the water which was pure magic.

And then came a highlight of the trip, a pack of wild dogs on the hunt. We watched them for ages as they chased and took down their prey.

Evenings were slow and soulful - good wine, crackling fires, and stories shared under the stars.

Looking back, it’s almost impossible to choose a favourite. Each camp gave me something different: Jao’s jaw-dropping design and luxury, Jacana’s peaceful water world, and Vumbura’s heart-racing wildlife. I guess that’s the beauty of Botswana, no two places are ever quite the same, and every stop has its own rhythm and magic.

Until next time,

Nina

P.S. Monique has just returned from an incredible trip through Zambia, and we cannot wait to share her stories with you soon. Get ready for more behind-the-scenes lodge discoveries coming your way soon!