Linyanti Reserve

The Linyanti region sits perfectly positioned between two of Africa's most celebrated wilderness areas, the Okavango Delta to the southwest and Chobe National Park to the northeast. This 2,600 square kilometer stretch of northern Botswana forms part of the massive Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, one of the world's most important wildlife corridors.

What makes this area truly special is its intricate network of waterways. The Kwando River flows down from Angola, forming the border between Botswana and Namibia's Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip). As it meanders southeast, it feeds the Linyanti Swamps, a permanent wetland of lagoons, reedy channels, and small islands that acts like a giant sponge in the landscape.

The region's water systems have their own fascinating personalities. The Selinda Spillway creates an enigmatic connection between the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti system, flowing when conditions align. Meanwhile, the Savuti Channel tells one of nature's most unpredictable stories.  This ephemeral river can flow for decades, then suddenly stop due to underground tectonic shifts, only to resume years later.

During the dry season from May - October, these permanent and seasonal waterways become magnets for wildlife, creating some of Africa's most dramatic concentrations of elephants, buffalo, and predators along their banks.

The Kwando, Selinda, and Linyanti concessions form one of northern Botswana's most exciting safari regions. These private reserves span over 4,800 km² along the borders with Namibia and Zimbabwe, creating a massive wilderness area where wildlife moves freely between different habitats.

What sets these concessions apart from the national parks is the flexibility they offer. You can enjoy night drives to spot nocturnal predators, take walking safaris with experienced guides, and venture off-road to follow wildlife action. The low visitor numbers mean you'll often have incredible sightings all to yourself.

The region's defining feature is its relationship with water. The Selinda Spillway is particularly fascinating – this natural channel mysteriously started flowing again in 2009, connecting the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti wetlands. Depending on flood levels, water can actually flow in both directions.

The Savuti Channel adds another layer of unpredictability. This ephemeral river has a mind of its own, flowing for decades then stopping completely. It started flowing again in 2010 after nearly 30 years dry, dramatically transforming the landscape and wildlife patterns.

During the dry season May - October, the elephant concentrations here are remarkable. As water becomes scarce elsewhere, thousands congregate along the permanent rivers, creating some of Africa's most spectacular wildlife viewing. We particularly love visiting in August and September when the density reaches its peak.

The predator action is equally impressive. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs all thrive here, with the famous Savuti elephant-hunting lions being a particular highlight for many visitors.

The Linyanti region spans 1,250 square kilometers of pristine wilderness, hosting over 100 mammal species and 450 bird species across diverse habitats. The area is special as wildlife experience shifts with the seasons, creating two completely different but equally rewarding safari experiences.

During the dry season from May - October, the Linyanti River becomes a wildlife magnet. As temporary water sources dry up across the landscape, massive elephant herds converge on the permanent river, often numbering in the hundreds. These gatherings include some of Botswana's 130,000+ elephants, creating some of the most spectacular elephant viewing in Africa. Buffalo herds join this congregation, along with predators who follow the prey.

The Linyanti excels at predator sightings year-round. Lions, leopards, and wild dogs thrive here, with wild dog packs particularly active between June - August when they den in the area. The concentration of prey during dry months means predator activity intensifies around water sources, offering incredible hunting scenes.

The wet season from November - April transforms the landscape completely. Wildlife disperses as temporary pans fill with rainwater, but this brings its own rewards. Newborn animals appear across the grasslands, while over 200 migratory bird species arrive in breeding plumage. The lush green landscape and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms create a completely different photographic experience.

We particularly love visiting during the shoulder months May - October, when you get elements of both seasons, good wildlife concentration with beautiful lighting and fewer crowds than peak dry season months.

These three camps represent some of the finest safari experiences in northern Botswana, each offering their own distinct character within the wildlife-rich Linyanti ecosystem. Zarafa Camp and Selinda Camp are both operated by Great Plains Conservation and hold prestigious Relais & Châteaux status, while Kwando Lagoon Camp brings a more intimate approach under the Kwando Safaris banner.

The real magic lies in their location within private concessions. Unlike national parks, these reserves allow off-road driving, night drives, and walking safaris giving you access to experiences simply not available elsewhere in Botswana. The Linyanti region serves as a crucial wildlife corridor between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, creating exceptional wildlife densities.

Zarafa Camp offers just 4 spacious suites (each over 100m²) built around ancient Ebony trees, featuring copper bathtubs and handcrafted Zanzibari doors. The Zarafa Dhow Suite provides ultimate privacy for families or small groups.

Selinda Camp takes an elephant inspired approach with 3 uniquely designed villas featuring brass baths and interiors that pay homage to Livingstone's expeditions. The camp literally moulds around existing trees, creating an intimate connection with the environment

Kwando Lagoon Camp focuses on action-packed predator viewing with 9 rooms positioned perfectly for wildlife observation. Every vehicle comes with both a guide and tracker, maximizing your chances of exceptional sightings.

Private concessions offer something you simply can't get in national parks: freedom. While national parks stick to designated roads and require all vehicles to be off the road by sunset, private concessions let you follow the action wherever it leads. Your guide can drive off road to track a leopard through the bush or position your vehicle for the perfect sighting without worrying about park boundaries.

The real magic happens after dark. Night drives with red-filtered spotlights open up a completely different world. You'll spot nocturnal specialists like servals, genets, and honey badgers that remain hidden during daylight hours. We've had guests see their first aardvark on night drives, something virtually impossible during regular daytime game viewing.

Private concessions limit guest numbers, so you'll often have sightings to yourself. Instead of joining a convoy of vehicles around a lion pride, you might be the only group watching the action unfold. This exclusivity, combined with longer game drives and flexible timing, creates a slower, quieter, and far more rewarding safari experience.

Guided walking safaris take you deeper into the bush experience. With an armed professional guide, you'll learn to read animal tracks, identify different trees, and appreciate the smaller details that you'd miss from a vehicle. The thrill of encountering elephants or buffalo on foot creates memories that last a lifetime.

When water levels permit, mokoro excursions offer a peaceful alternative perspective. These traditional dugout canoes (now often made from fiberglass for conservation) glide silently through reed-lined channels. Your poler navigates while you observe water-loving animals, incredible birdlife, and the ecosystem's intricate details from this unique vantage point.

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