Linyanti Concession: An Exclusive Wilderness

A Private and Exclusive Safari Experience

The Linyanti Concession is a large private reserve located in the northern part of Botswana, on the border with Namibia. The concession is known for its pristine wilderness, its abundant wildlife, and its exclusive and luxurious lodges. A safari in the Linyanti is a chance to experience the African bush in privacy and comfort. For more on exclusive safari destinations, explore our guide to southern Africa.

A Haven for Elephants and Wild Dogs

The Linyanti is famous for its large herds of elephants, which congregate along the Linyanti River during the dry season. The concession is also one of the best places in Africa to see the endangered African wild dog. The open woodlands and floodplains of the Linyanti are the perfect habitat for these wide-ranging predators. Our safari operators can help you plan a trip that focuses on seeing these incredible animals.

A Wide Range of Safari Activities

Because the Linyanti is a private concession, it is possible to enjoy a wide range of safari activities that are not permitted in the national parks. These include night drives, guided bush walks, and boat cruises on the Linyanti River. This freedom and flexibility allow for a more immersive and varied safari experience. For more on safari activities, visit our knowledge center.

Planning Your Linyanti Safari

The Linyanti is a year-round destination, but the best time for game viewing is during the dry season, from May to October. The concession is home to a number of small and exclusive lodges, which offer a high level of personal service. To get an idea of the costs for a safari to the Linyanti, use our cost calculator. Our team can help you plan a luxurious and unforgettable safari in this exclusive wilderness.

A Detailed Guide to Seasonal Wildlife Movements

The Linyanti Concession offers a superb safari experience year-round, but the character of that experience changes dramatically with the seasons. Understanding these shifts is key to planning the perfect trip. While the dry season is often lauded as the best time to visit, the green season has its own unique magic and offers incredible value for the savvy traveler.

The Dry Season: May to October – A Time of Abundance and Drama

As the inland waterholes of northern Botswana evaporate under the winter sun, the permanent water of the Linyanti River and its associated marshes becomes a critical lifeline. This triggers a massive influx of wildlife from the surrounding mopane woodlands, creating the incredible densities for which the Linyanti is famous.

• May and June: The transition months. The landscape is still holding onto some of its green luster, but the air is dry and cool. Game viewing is excellent and grows better by the day. This is a wonderful time to visit before the peak season crowds arrive.
• July and August: Peak season. The concentration of elephants is staggering. Large breeding herds and bachelor groups congregate along the river, providing endless entertainment. Predator action heats up as lions, leopards, and wild dogs take advantage of the concentrated prey. The nights are cold, so be sure to pack warm layers for early morning game drives.
• September and October: The hottest and driest months. The landscape is stark and bare, which makes for phenomenal game viewing as animals are exceptionally easy to spot. This is when the drama of the bush is at its most intense. The heat can be considerable, but for those willing to brave it, the wildlife rewards are immense.

> Expert Insight: October is often considered the best month for predator sightings in the Linyanti. The lack of water and vegetation puts immense pressure on prey species, forcing them to take risks and creating prime hunting opportunities for lions and other carnivores. It's a raw and powerful display of nature's cycle.

The Green Season: November to April – A Time of Rebirth and Splendor

The arrival of the first rains in November transforms the Linyanti into a lush, green paradise. While the game is more dispersed due to the abundance of water, the green season offers a different, equally captivating safari experience.

• November and December: The "shoulder season." The first rains bring dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, clearing the dust from the air and creating spectacular sunsets. This is the birthing season for many antelope species, and the sight of wobbly-legged young is a delight. It's a fantastic time for photographers.
• January to March: The heart of the wet season. The landscape is at its most beautiful, and it's the best time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive in their thousands. While you may have to work a bit harder to find the big game, the sightings are often more intimate and exclusive. This is also the time of year when you can find the best deals on lodges.
• April: The rains begin to subside, and the landscape starts to dry out. The game viewing begins to pick up again as the water sources recede. This is a lovely, temperate month to visit, with beautiful light and a sense of tranquility before the dry season rush begins.

For more information on planning your safari, visit our knowledge center or speak to one of our safari operators.

Beyond the Game Drive: Unique Activities in the Linyanti

One of the greatest advantages of a safari in a private concession like the Linyanti is the wide range of activities on offer. Unlike in the national parks, operators here have the flexibility to offer experiences that go beyond the traditional game drive, allowing for a more immersive and multi-faceted exploration of the wilderness.

• Night Drives: As the sun sets, a whole new world of nocturnal creatures emerges. Night drives offer the chance to see species that are rarely active during the day, such as genets, civets, and porcupines. It is also a prime time to find predators on the move, their eyes glowing in the beam of the spotlight.

• Walking Safaris: To truly connect with the African bush, there is nothing quite like a walking safari. Accompanied by a highly trained and armed guide, you will learn to read the tracks and signs of the wild, and experience the thrill of encountering wildlife on foot. It is an intimate and educational experience that will heighten all your senses.

• Boating and Mokoro Safaris: The Linyanti River and its associated waterways provide the perfect opportunity for water-based activities. A boat safari offers a different perspective on the landscape and its inhabitants, allowing you to get up close to hippos, crocodiles, and a vast array of birdlife. In the shallower channels, a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) safari is a serene and peaceful way to glide through the water, propelled by a skilled poler.

> Traveler's Tip: Water-based activities are typically offered during the wet season and the early part of the dry season when water levels are high enough. If this is a priority for you, be sure to check with your safari planning guide when planning your trip.

• Helicopter Safaris: For the ultimate bird's-eye view, a scenic helicopter flight over the Linyanti is an unforgettable experience. From the air, you can truly appreciate the vastness of the landscape and the intricate network of waterways. It is also a fantastic way to spot large herds of elephants and buffalo from a unique vantage point.

These diverse activities, combined with the exclusivity of the private concession, make the Linyanti a truly exceptional safari destination. To start planning your adventure, plan your safari with us.

Conservation and Community: A Sustainable Model for Wilderness

The Linyanti Concession is more than just a premier wildlife destination; it is a shining example of how sustainable tourism can support conservation and empower local communities. The private concessions in the Linyanti operate on a low-volume, high-value tourism model, which ensures that the wilderness remains pristine and the wildlife is protected.

By visiting the Linyanti, you are directly contributing to these conservation efforts. The revenue generated from tourism is reinvested into anti-poaching patrols, wildlife monitoring, and habitat management. This funding is crucial for the long-term protection of this vital ecosystem and its inhabitants.

Furthermore, the lodges in the Linyanti are committed to working closely with the local communities. They provide employment opportunities, support local businesses, and invest in community development projects such as schools and clinics. This partnership ensures that the local people benefit from tourism and have a vested interest in the conservation of their natural heritage.

> A Vision for the Future: The Linyanti is a key component of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA), a massive international initiative that aims to create a network of protected areas across five southern African countries. By supporting the Linyanti, you are contributing to this ambitious vision of a future where wildlife can roam freely across vast, unfenced landscapes.

Your safari in the Linyanti is not just a vacation; it is an investment in the future of Africa's wildlife and its people. To learn more about how you can make a difference, visit our destinations page or plan your safari with us.