Chobe safaris & safaris in the Linyanti area offer very different experiences from safaris in the Okavango Delta and thus provide another view of Botswana’s abundant wildlife. The Chobe National Park has one of the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent. Its uniqueness in the abundance of wildlife and the true African nature of the region, make a Chobe safari an experience of a lifetime. In the furthest Northern corner of Chobe National Park lies the Linyanti Marsh, a private reserve considered a hidden paradise for safari enthusiasts seeking exclusive safari experiences.

 

Chobe Safaris

 

Situation

Lying in the North of the country with the Chobe river bordering Namibia, Chobe National Park is the second largest park in Botswana (10,698 km2) after the Central Kalahari, and one of the world’s last remaining true wilderness area, with a spectacular diversity of flora and fauna.

 

Habitats & wildlife

The park is divided into four distinctly different eco systems: Serondela with its lush plains and dense forests in the Chobe River area in the extreme north-east; the Savuti Marsh in the west about fifty kilometres north of Mababe gate; the Linyanti Swamps in the north-west and the hot dry hinterland in between. With an amazing variety of habitats, Chobe National Park has the most varied wildlife of all of Botswana’s parks. It is home to huge migrating herds of Elephants (estimated 120 000), Buffalo, Zebras and offers high densities of predators such as Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena and Cheetah. Other species to be viewed include Roan and Sable as well as other rare species of antelopes, Giraffes, Kudu, Warthog, Wildebeest and Impala. With its many river areas, Chobe also offers to the photographer many brilliantly coloured birds.

 

Best seasons to visit Chobe

Bird watching and game viewing can be considered all year around, with January and February making the peak of the rainy season and October the hottest month.

 

Safaris in Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

 

Situation

To the north of the Okavango Delta, in the furthest corner of Chobe National Park lies the forgotten paradise of Linyanti. Secluded and uncrowded, this short strip of swampy river frontage is reminiscent of the Okavango’s permanent waterways with papyrus-lined lagoons, reed-beds and a towering canopy of trees. Bordered by the Linyanti River in the north (at the Namibian border), and the Chobe National Park in the east, the Linyanti reserve covers 1,250 km2 of river, open floodplains and dense forests that protect high concentration of wildlife. The national park only touches the river for a short section on the far eastern edge of the swamp.

 

Exclusive safaris

One of the remotest and most inaccessible parts of Africa, the private reserve may be called a hidden paradise for safari enthusiasts. It offers more remote, private safari opportunities than the national parks allow, with walking and night drives, as well as off-road driving. Shared by a very small number of private camps, the enormous reserve is one of the least visited in Botswana, and ensures a very private and exclusive experience for those aiming to view abundant wildlife in a privileged context.

 

Wildlife seen in Linyanti

The magnificent area boasts of unparalleled wilderness with highlights of big herds of buffalo in the dry season and close encounters of unique wildlife species such as aardvark. Large herds of elephants can be viewed at the rivers and waterholes, and thousands of zebra concentrate in the winter before heading south. Other wildlife seen includes lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, eland, sable, hippo, hyena, aardvark and various other nocturnal species. The endless vistas of the Linyanti marsh makes an incredible playing field for the avid bird watcher combined with breath taking views of scenery carved by defiant forces of nature. Water birds, including pelican, are common.

 

Best seasons to visit Linyanti

Game is at its most dense during the dry season (May/June to October). The rainy season is hot and humid, propice for malaria.

 

Be our guest

 

Stay in Linyanti Bush Camp, a true-tented camp in the private concession on the edge of the great Chobe National Park, all year-round, or choose the new Linyanti Ebony camp for complete privacy. During the dry and shoulder seasons (May to October), come to Saile, a small and wild tented camp set up near the Linyanti Marsh, or embark on a 3-days expedition with Linyanti Walking Safaris and move wherever the wildlife takes you. Make Chobe National Park and Linyanti Area one of your destinations with our Botswana Mobile Safari, or choose one of our safari itineraries including Botswana hotspots.