Explore the Linyanti
woodlands and wetlands
An area of permanent water as well as seasonal floodplains, Linyanti is surrounded by vast tracts of open woodland and scored by lines of thick riverine forest; diverse habitats for a wide variety of animals. The area is home to healthy numbers of Botswana’s signature wildlife species – elephant, buffalo, lion and hippo – as well as large populations of antelope, giraffe and zebra. At its best in the dry season, game viewing in Linyanti takes the form of morning and afternoon game drives as well as boating safaris at lodges located near permanent water. Mokoro safaris (in a traditional dugout canoe) are offered at some camps when water levels are high enough and lodges in private reserves are able to offer guests guided nature walks and spot-lit night drives too, delivering comprehensive wildlife experience.
LINYANTI BIG CATS
Lions are usually the most commonly seen big cat in the Linyanti region, hunting giraffe, buffalo and even hippopotamus in large prides. They are generally resident in the area, especially when the dry season brings increasing numbers of animals to Linyanti’s permanent water. But it is for the chance to see another big cat that many people visit Linyanti: it is especially good for leopard sightings, usually seen lurking in thick riverside vegetation. Cheetahs are occasionally seen on the more open floodplains and grasslands, often using termite mounds are vantage points to look for prey.
LINYANTI WILD DOGS
Home to around a third of Africa’s remaining wild dogs, Botswana is one of the best places to see this critically endangered carnivore and Linyanti is one of the hotspots. There are several packs in the region, often moving around their large territorial range while hunting antelope and zebra. But wild dogs also remain in one area when the alpha female is ‘denning’ – giving birth to a litter of puppies in safety of an underground den. Lodge guides are well experienced at finding these dens and can treat their guests to close-up views of these ‘painted wolves’ and – if they are lucky – their endearing puppies.
LINYANTI BIG GAME
There are healthy numbers of the heavyweights all through the year but it is during Linyanti’s dry season that its reputation for elephants and buffalo is most obvious. Drawn to the Linyanti’s permanent water, the great thirsty herds gather in increasing numbers at riverbanks and lagoons, rivalling the numbers seen at the Chobe River and Savuti. The Linyanti woodlands are also home to the more elusive sable and roan antelope while its open grasslands are studded with giraffe, zebra and wildebeest.
LINYANTI BIRDLIFE
Home to a mix of water and land habitats similar to those of the Okavango Delta, the Linyanti region is a top birding destination. Its floodplains are great places to see storks and cranes while a boat safari reveals the shyer wetland birds – lily-trotting jacanas and the exquisitely patterned pygmy goose. Linyanti has an especially good reputation for raptors – featuring unusually high concentrations of many types. Ask for a specialist guide for the wetland special – Pel’s fishing-owl, an enormous ginger-coloured owl that hunts fish and frogs at night. There is enough to see for the casual birder in Linyanti’s dry season but serious bird watchers will want to visit in the green season when summer migrants arrive.