Jao Concession

The Jao Concession (NG25) is one of the most renowned private wildlife concessions in the Okavango Delta, located in the northwestern part of the delta, south of the Okavango Panhandle and bordering the eastern edge of the Moremi Game Reserve. The concession covers approximately 60,000 hectares (600 km²) of diverse wetland and dry-land habitats.



Location

Country: Botswana

Region: Northwestern Okavango Delta

Concession Code: NG25

Adjacent to: Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Panhandle.

Landscape



Jao is famous for its mix of:



Permanent waterways and lagoons

Papyrus and reed-lined channels

Floodplains known as the Jao Flats

Palm-fringed islands

Dry woodland areas, especially around Hunda Island, which becomes an important wildlife refuge during annual floods.

Wildlife



The concession supports a remarkable diversity of species, including:



African elephant

Lion

Leopard

Spotted hyena

Red lechwe

Tsessebe

Blue wildebeest

Zebra

Giraffe

Hippopotamus

Nile crocodile

Sitatunga (occasionally)

Spotted-necked otter.

Birdlife



Jao is one of Botswana's premier birding areas, with species such as:



Wattled crane

Slaty egret

Pel's fishing owl

Lesser jacana

Rosy-throated longclaw

Meyer’s parrot.

Safari Activities



Because it is a private concession, visitors can enjoy activities not normally permitted in national parks:



Game drives

Night drives

Guided walking safaris

Mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions

Boat safaris (water levels permitting)

Birdwatching.

Camps and Lodges in Jao Concession



Notable safari camps include:



Jao Camp

Kwetsani Camp

Jacana Camp

Tubu Tree Camp

Little Tubu

Pelo Camp.



Jao is often regarded as one of the finest concessions in the Okavango because it offers an exceptional combination of classic delta scenery, water-based activities, and outstanding wildlife viewing throughout much of the year.