Jacana Camp
news: 16 Dec 2021
Despite but perhaps also because of the circumstances of 2020, the Sanctuary was able to proceed with the construction of the Jacana Camp, a multipurpose facility designed primarily to accommodate visiting conservationists, researchers and scientists, but also for use by government officials, potential and existing investors and consultants to The Sanctuary. The facility is critical to our ongoing status as a key player in the conservation and ecotourism arena in both the Bazaruto Archipelago and in Mozambique.
Resurrected from the original builders’ camp established when The Sanctuary was first proclaimed, Jacana Camp is located within walking distance of the Sanctuary’s office complex in an established, shaded forest overlooking an open grassland and freshwater pools frequented by plentiful plains game and water birds. The camp now comprises 6 twin bedroom chalets, a central open-plan kitchen and dining room, and a spacious office and research laboratory where professional work can be undertaken by visitors. All these facilities are fully weather-proof.
Two thatched, open-air outdoor leisure areas have been created for recreational use and to accommodate group and community meetings. All facilities have been comfortably furnished and equipped with practical amenities such as ceiling fans, mosquito nets and room safes for valuables. Much thought has been given to ensuring that the furnishings are practical and utilitarian, while also being comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. A separate bathroom block houses four toilets with hand basins and four separate showers, serviced by two generous solar geysers. Facilities are further complemented by a pantry, a separate laundry and linen store.
Jacana is powered by a solar array, with generator backup when required. WiFi hotspots have been installed in the office, kitchen and viewpoint lapa, serviced by the Vodacom 4G network. The Sanctuary has employed a Camp Attendant / Chef who oversees the daily management and maintenance of the facility and cares for guests’ needs when in residence. The Camp is financially self-sustaining, charging a reasonable daily rate to guests to cover operational costs and ongoing improvements to the facilities.
The construction of Jacana Camp was made possible through the generous donations of Oppenheimer Generations, Steven and Maggie Lansdown, and an anonymous donor. The furniture, décor, linen, kitchen, laundry, network and solar equipment were donated by the owners of Sites 26, 28, 29, 34 and Pambele, and the Gilroy family. We are immensely grateful to all who have made this wonderful project possible.
Please click here to download our Jacana Camp brochure: Jacana Lodge – Sanctuary