Linyanti Concession Reserve

The four lodges in Linyanti Concession (also Linyanti Game Reserve) are run by the well-established Wilderness Safaris, which means exclusivity, impeccable service and superb guiding. There are no borders between the reserve and neighboring Chobe NP, and animals migrate freely across. The Linyanti Swamp system, created by a big bend in the Linyanti River, attracts large herds of animals, especially elephant.

Pros & Cons

Four of the Big Five easily spotted (rhino is absent)
Home to the zebra migration from November to April
Off-road driving is permitted, which facilitates quality sightings
Game drives, night drives, boat trips and walking safaris are available
Wildlife hides and fishing activities
Exclusive private reserve with great food and stunning lodges
Excellent guiding
Only expensive, all-inclusive packages available

This reserve is part of a big ecosystem, and most large safari animals are resident or migrate through. The park lies on an elephant migration route, and in the Dry season, elephant numbers are phenomenal. Lion, cheetah and the endangered wild dog all occur in good numbers. The water-loving red lechwe is abundant, and less common antelope species include roan and sable antelope.

Wildlife Highlights

During the wet months, from November to April, the area is home to the calving and migration of zebra. Night drives are part of the daily program in Linyanti, and some of the species that might be spotted after dark are the springhare, which favors the Kalahari sands, lesser bushbaby, aardwolf, serval, large spotted genet, and maybe even the elusive pangolin.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Linyanti has seasonal wildlife viewing. The dry months, from May to October, are the best time to see large concentrations of animals and the Wet season months, from November to April, are special for the zebra migration.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors should always be extremely cautious around wild animals as they are unpredictable.

When on an organized safari, you should always listen to the instructions of your guide. When on a self-drive safari, it is essential to remain in your car, aside from designated areas where it’s safe to get out of the vehicle.

For more information, please read the 'wildlife viewing safety precautions' below.

Further advice on limiting dangers and annoyances when traveling:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

• General Travel Safety Precautions

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

• Safety & Security – Botswana

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Botswana

Birding is outstanding in Linyanti, offering both Okavango specials, such as slaty egret and wattled crane, as well as the drier mopane woodland species, such as white-headed black chat, racket-tailed roller and coqui francolin. The Savute Channel, which lies partially within the concession, is famous for its high concentration of birds of prey, and this area is internationally recognized as an IBA (Important Bird Area). Night drives offer an opportunity to spot nocturnal species like owls, coursers and nightjars.

Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders

Best Time for Bird Watching

Linyanti Concession offers great bird watching any time of the year, but the best time is in the Wet season (November to April) when summer migrants are found in the concession. Many of the raptors are resident and can be seen throughout the year. Wildlife viewing is at its best in the dry months, from July to October.

Linyanti Concession can be visited any time of the year, but the best time for general wildlife viewing – elephant specifically – is in the dry months, from May to October. However, the Wet season is the time to see the zebra migration. In November, the zebras foal in Savuti, and they congregate around Linyanti between February and April.

Best Time May to October (Best general wildlife viewing)

High Season July to October (High season rates may apply; small exclusive lodges never get busy)

Low Season November to June (Low-season rates may apply)

Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day)

Worst Weather October (It gets extremely hot)

April to October –Dry Season

As the Dry season progresses, wildlife viewing gets better and better
Lodges charge high season rates from July to October
September and October are very hot

Wildlife Photos

November to March –Wet Season

Zebra calving and migration occurs in these months
Migrants are here, and many birds are breeding, making it the best time for bird watching
The scenery is lush and green
There is less general wildlife
It is very hot
Afternoon rains can sometimes restrict activities
Roads might deteriorate

The climate in Linyanti Concession is warm to hot. However, mornings can get very chilly in the Dry season, so pack some warm clothing for early game drives and boat trips. The climate can be broken into two major seasons: the Wet and the Dry.

Dry season–April to October

The coolest months are June and July, although temperatures start to rise in August, and peak in October. April sees the last of the Wet season’s rain.

April & May – It is mostly dry and sunny from the beginning of the Dry season. The vegetation remains lush. Daytime temperatures climb to 29°C/84°F, so it is hot in the middle of the day.
June, July & August – These months don’t see much rain at all. Conditions are cooling down, with afternoon temperatures reaching 26°C/79°F, on average. Early mornings have a high chill factor at about 7°C/45°F.
September & October – These months mark the completion of the Dry season. Until the rains break, it gets hotter and hotter. An afternoon average of 35°C/95°F makes October extremely hot, although it’s pleasant at night and in the morning.

Wet season–November to March

The first rains provide great relief. The pattern is afternoon storms, but it rarely rains all day. It remains hot until the end of the season, with afternoon temperatures of about 31°C/88°F. Morning is a pleasant time.

November & December – It only rains every now and then, and it mostly comes as a relief, usually it is hot and mostly sunny. Early mornings are the best time of day, with average temperatures of around 19°C/65°F.
January & February – There are showers most afternoons (lasting a few hours) in these months, which are the wettest point of the season. Heavy thunderstorms are common.
March – It still rains every couple of days, but it mostly comes in the form of a thunderstorm, though overall rainfall is dwindling. Mornings are slightly cooler at 18°C/64°F.

The only way to visit the Linyanti Concession is by charter plane. Wilderness Safaris, which runs the camps in the reserve, includes flights in its package. You can fly from either Maun or Kasane (or other camps in Botswana).

Maun Airport (MUB) or Kasane Airport (BBK) are the entry points into the country for most visitors on their way to Linyanti, although this is dependent on their itinerary.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner, or for multiple-destination flights check Expedia, to see which airlines can take you Maun Airport (MUB) or Kasane Airport (BBK), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

www.expedia.com

Domestic Flights

There are no scheduled flights close to Linyanti. Chartered flights into the concession are organized by Wilderness Safaris, who also run the lodges.

Safety

Botswana is a safe African country to visit in our opinion. Concessions such as Linyanti are particularly safe, as there are very few crime issues in Botswana’s wildlife-tourist areas.

Linyanti Concession is a fly-in destination. Flying around from lodge to lodge is obviously very safe. Remember to lock up your valuables, which is no different here than anywhere else in the world.

Seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic on which vaccinations you need before visiting Botswana. Linyanti Concession lies in a high-risk malaria zone, and this is probably the biggest health concern for most visitors. It is advisable to take antimalarial medication, use insect repellent (ensuring it contains at least 30% DEET) and cover up in the evening. The malaria risk is highest in the rainy season.

Botswana is in our opinion a very safe and politically stable country. If you are traveling on an organized trip and staying at lodges and camps, safety problems are very rare. As is the case all over the world, most crime occurs in the cities, and basic safety precautions (such as locking away your valuables at your accommodation) is advisable.

Below are tips on staying safe in Botswana.

Staying Safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities

To stay safe on safari, just follow your safari guide’s instructions. When on a self-drive safari, get familiar with the rules of the parks and reserves, never approach animals too close and don’t leave your car outside designated safe areas. For additional tips:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Staying Safe in Cities and Towns

Although crime is rare in Botswana, there are incidents of petty theft and pickpocketing in the cities. You are mostly sheltered from any risk on guided activities. When going out in the city unguided, you can easily avoid problems by following simple safety precautions: seek advice from your hotel before heading out; only take the money you need with you and never wear any valuables; take a taxi after dark. For more safety tips that apply to African cities in general:

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

Other Tips on Staying Safe

Please read the pages below regarding malaria and vaccination information for Botswana and general travel safety precautions.

• Botswana: Malaria & Vaccinations

• General Travel Safety Precautions

Malaria – Botswana

The information on this page is just a brief guide and should not be used to replace a consultation with your travel doctor.

Malaria Risk

High risk in central and northern Botswana and low risk in the rest of the country. The highest risk of transition is in the rainy season, from November to June.

Wildlife viewing is generally very safe in our opinion. A professional guide will ensure your safety on a guided safari. Self-drive safaris are safe as well, as long as you treat animals with respect and follow all park rules. It is extremely rare for incidents to occur. Below are some general safety guidelines and tips.

Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines
Always keep your voice down when close to animals
Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out
Don't stand up in the car, hang out of the window or sit on the roof
Don’t drive too close to animals if you are on a self-drive safari and back off if the animals seem disturbed
Don’t drive between elephants in a herd, especially females and their young
Stay together as a group close to your guide on a walking safari and always walk in single file
Never run or jog in a wildlife area as it entices predators to attack
Never walk between a hippo and water; it may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked
Never leave food in your tent; it will attract wildlife
Cover your arms and legs in the evening and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes
Wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water
Don't wear bright and colorful clothes or too much perfume – especially on walking safaris
In tsetse-fly areas it is recommended not to wear dark-colored clothing – such as black or dark blue – since it attracts these stinging flies
Bring warm clothes for morning game drives in open vehicles

African safaris are generally safe in our opinion. Especially if your visit is primarily an organized tour. Your tour operator and guide will ensure your safety at all times. Self-drive safaris are generally safe as well, but it is recommended to seek advice about the safety of the areas you intend to visit. Below are some general safety tips:

Buy good travel and health insurance
Check the passport and visa requirements for your destination
Get all the required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and insect repellent (those containing DEET are most effective)
Lock all your travel bags and keep all valuables in your hand luggage
Make duplicates of important travel documents or keep copies online
Bring appropriate clothing to protect against the sun, mosquitoes and to stay warm on open vehicle game drives
Check luggage restrictions on all your flights (including domestic flights)
Don't drive at night
Put your valuables in the safety deposit box of the hotel
Always be polite and respectful to police officers and military personnel. In the rare instance that you might get asked for a bribe (on a self-drive safari only), a light attitude and a joke might well get you off the hook.

Travel in Africa is generally safe in our opinion. Especially if on an organized tour or safari. However, as is the case all over the world, there is an increased risk of crime in large cities and urban areas. Visitors on guided activities are mostly shielded from these risks and their guide will ensure their safety. When unguided, normal safety precautions and common sense should keep you safe. Below are some general tips:

Ask at your hotel if it is safe to walk around the local area; when new in a place it’s always good to seek local advice on safety issues
Don’t wear jewelry when walking in cities and leave all valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel
Avoid walking alone in a large, unfamiliar city
Don’t walk around at night; take a taxi
Avoid getting engaged with people approaching you in the street
Be careful when drawing money from an ATM; go elsewhere if you suspect people hanging around
Always lock your car doors and close windows when driving in busy towns
Never leave a car unattended with valuables or luggage visible