Thanks to Hollywood, our children perceive a swamp to be a muddy place that belches toxic gasses from its murky depths. It’s a place where green beasts, Shrek in particular, emerge irritable and anti-social.

And then there’s reality, where swamps actually make up some of the most beautiful places on earth and where the locals are only too happy to welcome you in.

Across the northern border of South Africa, to the right of Namibia, lies Botswana, home to one of the world’s largest swamps, or as they like to call it The Okavango Delta. This prime African destination is essentially a tropical oasis surrounded by the barren Kalahari Dessert and expanding more than 17 000 square kilometres — the largest inland delta in the world.

The network of watery channels, often some so small they are barely noticeable, flow behind walls of papyrus reed, into an ever-expanding network of smaller waterways. All finally flow into the larger lagoons, which surround the islands, open grasslands and flood plains. This place is a magnet for wildlife, all dependent on the pure delta water for survival.

The clean water comes from the December rains which fall on the Angolan highlands and which slowly makes its way down the Okavango river, creating a flood-tide of water, which finally arrives at the Delta a couple of months later.

The lush, indigenous forests of the Delta are home to more than 400 species of birds, while on the mainland and islands, larger beasts and predators, such as lion, elephant, hyena, wild dog, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles happily reside. And with all this joie de vivre comes safari seekers!

Botswana boasts approximately 50 000 tourists to the Delta each year but you would never say so because most of the privately owned lodges here only accommodate a small number of guests at any one time.

Our “Best Beyond The Border” lodge in is Jao Camp, located on a large, remote island on the west of the Moremi Game Reserve and in the heart of the delta.

Jao has just nine spacious tents, but each has been individually designed and handcrafted and offers unmistakable luxury in the heart of an African… swamp! All the accommodation is raised up on large wooden decks that rest beneath a canopy of large, shady trees. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with both an inside and an outside shower.

Each also offers an outdoor lounge area for lazy afternoon siestas with wonderful views of the surrounding floodplains.  The rooms are linked to the main area by decked walkways and Joa has an impressive wine cellar and spa, with full time therapists to pamper you.

Besides the well-appointed dining room and lounge or pub area, there is also an open-air boma for fireside drinks and true African dining.

And when you do experience a spurt of energy, you can try an exciting mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursion to get you up close and personal with the resident hippos and crocs. Fishing is also big here and so are the day and night game drives and guided walks.

For those who love nature but who are less energetic, bird and antelope watching is the way to go. Keep an eye out for the large herds of red lechwe (antelope) who pass by and who often have leopard and lion following in their tracks.

Jao Camp

In the heart of the Delta, rests the wonderful Jao Camp. This is a place where distinctive luxury meets the wild outdoors.

Accommodation

Everyone wants to be at one with nature, but not many are willing to give up the hot water and double vanities. At Jao you don’t need to! All the modern luxuries come wrapped up in the African bush.

Sala

There is an outdoor 'sala' for guests to enjoy midday siestas. It is also a great place to down a drink and catch the aromatic bush breeze while spotting the wildlife below.

Mokoro Time

There is so much do to here. Besides the boating and fishing, the day and night game drives will teach you much about the African bush. During an unusually high flood season, game drives begin by boating out to Hunda, a nearby island, where your sundowner-laden safari vehicles lay in wait.