​Overview – Linyanti

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the Botswana & Namibia guide.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Botswana & Namibia Lonely Planet guide.

Anthony is the author of the Botswana & Namibia Lonely Planet guide.

The four lodges in Linyanti Concession (also Linyanti Game Reserve) are run by the well-established Wilderness Safaris, which means exclusivity, impeccable service and superb guiding. There are no borders between the reserve and neighboring Chobe National Park, and animals migrate freely across. The Linyanti Swamp system, created by a big bend in the Linyanti River, attracts large herds of animals, especially elephant.

Best Time To Go May to October (Best general wildlife viewing)
High Season July to October (Higher rates apply but not busy)
Size 1,210km² / 467mi²
Altitude 934-1,024m / 3,064-3,360ft

Pros & Cons

  • Four of the Big Five easily spotted (rhino is absent)
  • Home to the zebra migration from November to April
  • Off-road driving is permitted, which facilitates quality sightings
  • Game drives, night drives, boat trips and walking safaris are available
  • Wildlife hides and fishing activities
  • Exclusive private reserve with great food and stunning lodges
  • Excellent guiding
  • Only expensive, all-inclusive packages available

Linyanti Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

Wildlife

The Linyanti River and the Savuti Channel attract big herds of animals in the Dry season. Elephant are particularly prolific, but so are other herbivores, such as red lechwe, Burchell's zebra, blue wildebeest, impala, waterbuck and buffalo. Lion, wild dog and cheetah are regularly seen. Night drives give an opportunity to spot bush baby, genet and other nocturnal species.

Scenery

The main habitats in Linyanti Concession are the river with several lagoons and marshes, and the adjacent woodland. The Savuti Channel is usually a dry, sandy riverbed, but it flows occasionally. In the channel are permanent pools of water attracting many animals.

Weather & Climate

The Linyanti Concession, like other areas in the Okavango, is generally warm but sees a dramatic drop in temperature in the middle of the Dry season (April to October). Wrap yourself up in warm clothing if you’re going on early morning game drives or scenic boat trips. The temperature peaks in October, just before the Wet season (November to March) delivers some refreshing rain.

Best Time To Visit

Wildlife watching in the area is at its best in the Dry season (April to October), particularly when it comes to elephants. That said, the landscape is at its most lush during the Wet season (November to March). The rains also attract lots of migrating birds and, in November and February, herds of zebra.

Want To Visit Linyanti?

Linyanti Safaris

Linyanti Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
Most Helpful Expert Review
Expert
Anthony Ham  –  
Australia AU

Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and Lonely Planet, including the guides to Kenya and Botswana & Namibia.

Home of the Wild Dog
4/5

Just beyond the boundaries of Chobe National Park, east of the Okavango Delta, these private concessions have the best of Chobe’s wildlife and the pick of the delta’s scenery but with a far stronger sense of isolation. Luxury lodges...

Full Review

Latest User Review
Magone  –  
Latvia LV
Reviewed: Dec 2, 2023
5/5

Beautiful nature, many animals and birds.

Full Review