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Linyanti Wildlife Reserve: Botswana's Untamed Jewel

Discover Botswana's best-kept secret: Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, a pristine wilderness offering unparalleled safari experiences and abundant wildlife.

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Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, a hidden gem in northern Botswana, offers a secluded and authentic safari experience. This private concession boasts diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a must-visit for discerning travelers seeking an escape from the crowds.

A brief summary to Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (May to October) for optimal wildlife viewing, especially for large elephant herds.
  • Pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
  • Consider a night drive for a chance to see nocturnal animals like bush babies and servals.
  • Respect the environment and follow your guide's instructions to ensure a safe and sustainable safari experience.
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Getting There

  • Light Aircraft

    The most common way to access Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is by flying into one of the airstrips located near the safari lodges. Maun Airport (MUB) and Kasane Airport (BBK) are the main gateways for flights to the Linyanti area. From either airport, you can connect on a light aircraft charter flight to the airstrip closest to your chosen lodge. These flights typically cost between $200 and $500 per person, depending on the distance and the operator.

  • 4x4 Vehicle (Dry Season Only)

    During the dry season (May to October), it is possible to reach Linyanti with a 4x4 vehicle, but it is a challenging journey that requires experience and careful planning. The roads are sandy and rough, and it is essential to have a reliable vehicle and good navigation skills. From Kasane, take the A33 towards the south. After approximately 60km, turn west onto the Chobe Forest Reserve. Follow the signs to the Mababe Gate, which is the southern entrance to the park. From Mababe Gate, continue north towards Savuti and then onto Linyanti. Park entry fees are approximately $20 per adult per day for international visitors, plus a vehicle fee of approximately $5 per day. Campsite fees within Linyanti range from $50 to $70 USD per night. Be aware that fuel is not readily available within the reserve, so it is essential to carry enough for the entire journey.

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Discover more about Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, a 1,250-square-kilometer private concession in northern Botswana, presents a unique and secluded safari experience. Situated south of the Linyanti River, the reserve's diverse landscape encompasses grasslands, riverine forests, winding lagoons, and the famous Savuti Channel. This varied terrain supports a remarkable array of wildlife, making it a haven for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Unlike the more frequented Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta, Linyanti offers a sense of exclusivity and unspoiled wilderness. Its remote location ensures fewer tourists, allowing for more intimate and personal encounters with the African bush. The Linyanti River acts as a natural border between Botswana and Namibia, adding to the reserve's unique appeal. The reserve is renowned for its high concentrations of elephants, particularly during the dry winter months when they congregate along the Linyanti River. Buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and various antelope species are also abundant. Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs roam the area, offering thrilling wildlife sightings. Birdlife thrives in Linyanti, with over 400 recorded species, including carmine bee-eaters, martial eagles, and wattled cranes. Visitors to Linyanti can enjoy a range of safari activities, including game drives, night drives, walking safaris, and mokoro safaris. The private concession allows for off-roading, providing closer access to wildlife. Fishing expeditions are also available, offering the chance to catch the infamous tiger fish. The Linyanti's history is intertwined with the traditions of the BaTawana and BaYei peoples, who have long lived in harmony with the environment. Their cultural knowledge and practices continue to influence conservation efforts in the region.

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