The Linyanti area lies to the north-east of the Okavango Delta were the Kwando and Linyanti rivers meet at right angles, forming a swamp area within this triangle. The area is made up of the Kwando, Selinda and Linyanti private reserves which together make up possibly the best game viewing area in Botswana and one of the top safari destinations in Africa.
The area’s relative remoteness makes it a favoured safari destination of ours. The wildlife in the Linyanti area is spectacular and the region is famous for its enormous herds of elephant and buffalo which move down to the Linyanti area at the start of the winter months and only move back inland once the summer rains arrive in November.
The Linyanti is also known as one of the best wild dog areas in Africa. The dogs start denning anytime from June onwards after which they can usually be found with relative ease for 3-4 months afterwards as they hunt from their den. An abundance of cat species also frequent this area and the birdlife is rich with the best birding months being between October and January.
The best time to visit this area is most definitely the dry season with a large amount of game being drawn to the permanent waters created by the Linyanti and Kwando Riversand the Selinda Slipway. The overall area covered by these three reserves is larger than the Moremi Game Reserve, yet each of the three is very exclusive with the Linyanti having only three camps and the remaining two having only two camps each.
While the Linyanti is great year round it is best at the height of the dry season, the surrounding area has little permanent water and the rivers that run through the private concessions are a magnet for all kinds of wildlife making it one of the best game viewing destinations in the country.
It is possible to drive to some of the concessions from Chobe National Park, however, as part of a greater Botswana itinerary the best way to reach the more remote areas is by light aircraft.
Due to the density of wildlife here the primary activity is game driving and the advantage is that both night drives and off road driving is allowed. It is also possible to walk and the area is home to one of the best horse-back safaris on the continent.
Top Linyanti area camps
Lagoon Camp
Kwando Reserve, Botswana
Perfect for one of Botswana’s top safari orientated camps, strong game viewing backed up with great guiding a high standards of accommodation.
Selinda Explorers
Selinda Reserve, Botswana
Perfect for a real step back in time to when safari was for an outing for the adventurous yet sophisticated, a great camp offering a brilliant safari.
Motswiri
Selinda Reserve, Botswana
Perfect for exploring Africa on foot or on horseback, this camp is one of the best walking camps in Africa and is in a great location in the Selinda Reserve.
DumaTau
Linyanti Reserve, Botswana
Perfect for modern safari, luxurious with a nod to the classic as well as being solar powered and community focussed.
Top Botswana itineraries
Botswana Lodge and Mobile
Classic Safari
Duration: 10 nights
Guide price: £3,950