Linyanti

About Linyanti

The Linyanti region lies to the West of the Chobe National Park and is bordered to the North by the Linyanti River and Namibia's Caprivi Strip beyond that. It is connected to the world-famous Okavango Delta by the Selinda Spillway where some fantastic safari options are available. It is relatively small compared to some of Botswana's other areas at only 1,250km2, however, the game viewing is outstanding and the concentration of predators is especially impressive.

The topography and habitats change rapidly as you move through the reserve, changing from open grasslands to riverine forest and mopane woodlands, making it a haven for a wide range of animals. As one moves East towards Chobe, there is a myriad of pools and river channels, ideal resting spots for hippo and crocodile.

Game viewing here tends to be concentrated around the predators, especially the African wild dog which den in the reserve and can often be seen when on game drives. There are a number of breeding herds of elephant, which make for wonderful sightings when they take their calves to drink in the evenings. Bird watching is also very good here, with the banks of the Linyanti River dotted with the nests of Carmine bee-eaters who resident during the green season.

The real beauty of the Linyanti is that it is made up of very few camps on large, private concessions, making for a wonderfully exclusive game viewing experience. Duma Tau and Savuti Camp are both very popular and offer excellent value for money in Green Season, whilst Zarafa and Kings Pool offer some of the best accommodation Botswana has to offer. For the more adventurous, Selinda Explorer Camp offer the chance to camp out on small islands and explore by canoe and on foot - a truly magical experience.

If you are looking for a private, truly luxurious Botswana experience, then the Linyanti has to be high on your list for places to visit - a very special safari destination indeed.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk

Seasons

• November to April - The Green Season is a lovely time to be here, with many camps offering reduced rates and the variety of water sources making this a paradise for bird watchers
• May to October - The dry season safaris here are truly superb. The waters around the Selinda Spillway are easily navigable, making canoe safaris a fantastic option

Wildlife

Lions spend 16-20 hours of the day sleeping or resting

Leopards can see seven times better in the dark than humans

The scientific name for the African Wild dog means “painted wolf”

Hyenas live in large clans that can consist of up to 80 members

The fastest land animal in the world, a cheetah can reach 70 miles per hour in 3 seconds

African elephants can currently be found in 37 African countries

African Buffalos have a symbiotic relationship with many African birds such as the Oxpecker

The pattern of a zebra's stripes are unique to each individual zebra

The wildebeest weighs between 300 and 600 pounds

Klipspringers weigh just 22 to 40 pounds and stand 20 inches tall at the shoulder

In The Know

• If you are adventurous and want to really explore the bush, try the Selinda Canoe Trails or Selinda Explorer Camp, they offer a truly unique perspective on the bush and leave lasting memories
• This is an especially good area for seeing African wild dog. Ask your guide to spend some time outside their den and you might be lucky enough to spot them with their new pups
• This is a fantastic location for families, especially as most camps are on private concessions so restrictions on children doing activities tend to be less stringent