Ask experienced safari guides where they would go in Botswana in September, and many will say the Linyanti. Away from the busier parts of the Delta and the Chobe riverfront, this private reserve combines river, marsh and woodland in a way that pulls wildlife in from hundreds of square kilometres of dry country.
This guide explains what makes the Linyanti special, the wildlife you can expect, how to explore it, when to go, how it compares with its neighbours, and where to stay. For camps, ready-made journeys and 2026 prices, see our Linyanti safaris page.
Where Is the Linyanti?
The Linyanti lies in northern Botswana, wedged between the Okavango Delta to the southwest and Chobe National Park to the east. Its northern edge follows the Linyanti River, which forms the border with Namibia's Caprivi Strip and spreads into the Linyanti Marsh and a series of lagoons. From here the Savuti Channel runs southeast; roughly two-thirds of the channel lies within the reserve.
The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is a private concession leased to Wilderness, so only a few small camps share it. That low density is the heart of the experience: you rarely see another vehicle, and your guide can follow wildlife wherever it goes.
What Makes the Linyanti Special
- Elephants in astonishing numbers: as the woodland dries, well over 2,000 elephants can gather along the river in a season, drinking, swimming and crossing the channels.
- Predators: one of Botswana's strongholds for the endangered African wild dog, with lion prides, leopard in the riverine forest and spotted hyena.
- Freedom of a private reserve: night drives, off-road tracking and guided walks are part of everyday safari life here.
- Hides at water level: DumaTau's log-pile hide and King's Pool's underground hides put you eye to eye with drinking elephants.
- Variety of habitat: river, marsh, lagoon, riverine forest, mopane woodland and the open Savuti Channel.
Linyanti Wildlife
Elephants
The Linyanti's signature sight. From about June, breeding herds and bulls move in from the surrounding woodland as seasonal water dries up. By September and October, the river edge can feel like a procession: herds arriving in dust, drinking, then crossing the water in long lines.
African wild dog
Packs range widely across northern Botswana, and the Linyanti is one of the best places in Africa to see them. Packs often den from roughly June to September, which can make sightings more regular in those months.
Lion, leopard and hyena
Lion prides follow the herds to the water, and some have been recorded taking on young or weak elephants. Leopard favour the thick riverine forest, and spotted hyena are common, especially on night drives.
Antelope and plains game
Look for sable and roan antelope in the woodland, both rare and sought after, as well as red lechwe on the floodplains, sitatunga in the papyrus, kudu, zebra, giraffe and buffalo.
Birds
More than 450 bird species have been recorded, from African fish eagles and Pel's fishing owls to carmine bee-eater colonies and wattled cranes. Birding is best from November to March.
How to Explore the Linyanti
| Activity | Why do it | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Game drives | Cover the most ground and follow wildlife off-road | Morning drives often start at first light; bring a warm layer in winter |
| Night drives | See nocturnal species and hunting predators | Red-filtered spotlights are used to avoid disturbing animals |
| Guided walks | Learn tracks, plants and smaller creatures | Wear neutral colours and closed shoes; follow your guide's lead |
| Hides | Unforgettable, ground-level elephant photography | Midday in the dry season is often the busiest time at the water |
| Boating | Quiet time on the lagoons and channels | Depends on water levels; we check before you travel |
Photography Tips for the Linyanti
- Bring a zoom: a 100–400 mm (or similar) covers most situations; hides reward a wider lens too.
- Use the hide at midday: harsh light suits elephant texture and close, low angles.
- Dust is your friend: late-afternoon light through dust creates the Linyanti's classic golden scenes.
- Protect your gear: carry a dust cover and lens cloth, especially from August to October.
- Mind the weight: light aircraft allow about 20 kg per person, including camera gear.
When to Visit the Linyanti
| Months | Conditions | Wildlife | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | Green, warm, afternoon storms | Herds spread out; newborns; migrant birds | Value, birding, photography |
| Apr – May | Drying out, mild | Wildlife drifts back towards the river | Quiet camps, shoulder value |
| Jun – Aug | Cool, dry, sunny | Elephant numbers build; wild dogs often denning | Comfortable days and excellent viewing |
| Sep – Oct | Hot and very dry | Peak elephant gatherings and predator action | The classic Linyanti experience |
| Nov – Dec | First rains | Herds disperse; impala births | Lower rates (except festive weeks) |
For the whole country, see our best time to visit Botswana guide.
Where to Stay in the Linyanti
All are Wilderness camps, fully inclusive and reached by light aircraft. 2026 rates per person per night sharing:
| Camp | Style | Highlights | Jan–Mar from | Jun–Oct from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linyanti Tented Camp | Classic, explorer-style | Right on the Linyanti Marsh; two sections of four tents | US$604 | US$1,138 |
| Savuti | Classic | On the Savuti Channel, with a busy waterhole | US$984 | US$2,038 |
| King's Pool | Premier | Lagoon setting, spa, underground hides | US$1,257 | US$3,100 |
| DumaTau | Premier | Eight suites, log-pile elephant hide | US$1,806 | US$4,327 |
| Little DumaTau | Premier | Smaller and more exclusive | US$1,806 | US$4,327 |
Full camp profiles and journeys are on our Linyanti safaris page. For the Savuti side, see Savuti safaris.
Getting There
The Linyanti is the closest part of the Delta region to Victoria Falls and Chobe. From the Falls, a road transfer of about 80 km takes you to Kasane Airport; be there by 13:00 for the 14:00–14:30 light-aircraft departure into the camps. From Maun, guests on international flights depart at 14:45. Our Victoria Falls to Okavango Delta transfer guide explains every step.
Combining the Linyanti With Other Areas
- Linyanti + Savuti: follow the Savuti Channel from its source to the open savanna. See our Savuti Channel guide.
- Linyanti + Okavango Delta: elephants and night drives, then mokoro in the waterways. Compare areas in Linyanti vs Savuti vs Okavango.
- Linyanti + Moremi: finish at Mombo on Chief's Island. See our Moremi guide.
- Victoria Falls first: the Linyanti is the natural first stop after the Falls. See our Victoria Falls & Okavango journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Linyanti a national park?
No. The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is a private concession in northern Botswana, leased to Wilderness. Because it is private, camps can offer night drives, guided walks and off-road tracking, and only a few small camps share the area.
How big is the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve?
The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve covers about 125,000 hectares, or roughly 1,215 square kilometres, between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.
What animals can you see in the Linyanti?
The Linyanti is known for large elephant herds, African wild dogs, lion, leopard and spotted hyena, as well as sable and roan antelope, red lechwe, buffalo, zebra and more than 450 bird species.
When is the best time to see elephants in the Linyanti?
From about August to October, when the surrounding woodland is driest and well over 2,000 elephants can gather along the Linyanti River in a season.
How many nights should I spend in the Linyanti?
Three nights is a good minimum. Many guests combine three nights in the Linyanti with three nights in the Okavango Delta or at Savuti for contrast.
Is the Linyanti good for photography?
Yes. Hides at DumaTau and King's Pool give ground-level views of drinking elephants, and dusty dry-season light creates dramatic scenes. Light aircraft allow about 20 kg per person including camera gear.
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