The Kays family
Meet David, Cathy, and Martin Kays, the long-term leaseholders of the Jao Reserve, who have been intrinsically linked with the Okavango Delta for generations. The Kays are one of Maun's oldest families, their roots stretching back to a time when the land was untamed, and the echoes of the wild were louder than the hum of human civilisation.
David's great-grandfather first set foot in Ngamiland in 1887, drawn by the allure of the untouched African landscape. The family planted their roots in Tsau in 1908, where the Batawana tribe, the predominant inhabitants of the region, had their headquarters. The Kays lived in harmony with the Batawana, their lives interweaving with the rhythm of the tribal people. When the Batawana decided to establish a new village at Maun around 1915, the Kays were a part of this historic migration, moving alongside the tribe they had grown to respect and admire.
David's father, Ronnie, played a significant role in shaping the region's future. He served as an advisor to the Batawana Tribal Authorities, guiding them in the formation of Moremi Game Reserve. His understanding of the land and its biodiversity was instrumental in demarcating the reserve's boundaries, a testament to his dedication to preserving the region's natural heritage.
Before their foray into tourism, David and Cathy operated Riley’s Garage, while also working as cattle ranchers in the Hainaveld. However, in 1998, when the opportunity arose to tender for a tourism lease in the Okavango Delta, they seized it, starting a new chapter of their lives. With their bid successful, they began to etch their legacy into the heart of the Delta.
In 1999, they built three camps – Jao, Jacana, and Kwetsani. Wilderness Jao was the first of its kind in the Okavango Delta, a premier safari lodge that put Botswana on the global map of high-end tourism. This was followed by the construction of Tubu Tree Camp in 2002 on the western side of the Jao Reserve, further expanding their presence.
Generations at Jao
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