Linyanti Wildlife Reserve Travel Guide
Adventure off the beaten track with a safari to explore the remote waters and remarkable wildlife of the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.
Situated on the southern banks of the Linyanti River, forming the border between Botswana and Namibia.
Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is a private wilderness concession of 275 000 acres, world-famous for its high concentration of wildlife, as well as its incredible scenery.
Within this vast wilderness just a handful of lodges offer an unforgettable discovery of one of Africa’s most memorable wild spaces.
The centrepiece of the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is the Linyanti Marshes – sometimes called the Linyanti Swamps – a remarkable tract of watery wilderness home to a vast array of wildlife.
The lush vegetation here supports enormous herds of elephant and buffalo, who congregate at the marshes in their hundreds during the dry winter months. Along with a diversity of antelope species, lion and leopard are often sighted here and the region is famous for its population of endangered wild dogs.
The intimate lodges in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve offers a wide array of activities, particularly during the dry winter months. This is when the floodwaters from Angola have filled the marshes, making motorised boat safaris and memorable mokoro excursions possible. There is also little rain during this time, so bush walks are possible on the banks, and game drives make the most of the pristine grasslands and lush forest.
Due to the remote location you’ll enjoy all of your meals at your chosen safari lodge. But don’t worry: you certainly won’t go hungry!
Safari lodge chefs are renowned for keeping their guests well fed, from hearty breakfasts after a morning game drive; to elegant al fresco dinners by lamplight come evening. Need a snack in-between? The chefs will be only too happy to whip something up.
When the weather allows, look forward to the popular ‘boma’ dinners, where traditional African dishes and barbecued meats are served outdoors in a traditional ‘boma’ enclosure close to the lodge. During dinner, local staff will entertain guests with traditional songs and dance.
The dress code in Linyanti lodges is casual, and with much of the day spent outdoors you’ll find light cotton clothing most comfortable. It’s important to pack for wearing layers, transitioning from a warm fleece to airy shirts as the heat builds through the day. Though there’s certainly no swimming in the Linyanti River, you’ll want a swimsuit for the lodge pool. And remember to pack plenty of sunscreen.
Lodges typically offer a safari boutique stocking personal hygiene basics, branded clothing and souvenirs, but don’t forget your camera, spare memory cards and specific charging cables.
Due to the remote nature of the Linyanti lodges, ensure you have sufficient supplies of any required medication before arrival.
With rain-free days and pleasantly warm temperatures, winter (May-September) is the best time to visit the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. The ‘green season’ months of summer (Nov-March) are marked by lush landscapes and wonderful birding opportunities, but expect high temperatures, extreme humidity and plentiful rain.
The Linyanti region is a low-risk malaria area, but anti-malarial prophylactics are recommended year-round. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure.
Discover this little-known corner of Botswana with our useful safari maps…
Private charter flights connect the Linyanti with both Maun and Kasane. Maun offers direct scheduled connections to international hubs at Cape Town (2h35m flying time) and Johannesburg (1h30m), while Kasane has direct services linking to Johannesburg (1h45m flying time) and Gaborone (1h30m).
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