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Experiences

What to do in Linyanti

With such a varied and mesmerising landscape of waterways and lagoons, enormous forests and palm-dotted islands, the Linyanti sets the scene perfectly for a classic Botswana safari. The area is famous for its large herds of elephants, big cats and the elusive African painted dog and game drives offer the highest chance of seeing them all, especially as off-road driving is permitted. Drives depart in the morning and afternoon and night safaris are often available, ideal if your wishlist holds bushbabies, genets or leopard. For the intrepid, a walking safari through the wilderness hits the adventure nail on the head. On the water, things are just as interesting. Try a traditional mokoro (dugout) canoe safari from April to October when the water is at its highest and enjoy floating along the papyrus-lined channels, spotting wildlife on the banks and in the water. Boat safaris are also possible in the deeper channels and some lodges offer catch-and-release fishing. The focus is of course the shimmering bream below, but it’s also a great chance to watch the birdlife overhead.

Track Linyanti's wildlife on a game drive

Within the protected and super remote Linyanti, you'll explore the grasslands and marshy plains on a game drive. As dawn breaks or dusk approaches, your expert guide will lead you on a journey across this wildlife haven. Traverse the landscape in search of big cats, even bigger elephant and the incredible African painted dog on the hunt (visit between July and August to see the scampering pups). Stop for a refreshing cup of something hot or a sundowner before you return to camp.
Track Linyanti's wildlife on a game drive

Witness huge herds of Elephants in Linyanti

Depart from camp as the sun peeps over the horizon or as the midday heat subsides to find the jaw-dropping herds of elephant Linyanti is famous for. Your guide knows the landscape like the back of their hand and will have no trouble finding the magnificent tuskers as they gather along the permanent water sources to cool off and rehydrate. This is especially true in the dry season from May to October! Explore the lush marshlands, open grassland and shimmering channels, with your binoculars at the ready to spot the tough-skinned giants of Linyanti. Before you head back to camp, sip on a warm cuppa or chilled cocktail!
Witness huge herds of Elephants in Linyanti

Glide along the water on a mokoro in Linyanti

It may not be the Okavango Delta, but Linyanti has some shining waterways to enjoy a mokoro ride. There is only a smattering of water-based lodges that offer a scenic ride on these traditional dugout canoes, so you won't be joined by crowds. Depart in the early morning or as dusk approaches to traverse the liquid passageways with your guide at the helm. No one knows the water better! Take this time away from the rumble of a 4x4 to spot the smaller creatures of Linyanti, from tiny, emerald frogs clinging to the reeds and vivid birdlife flitting between the papyrus. You'll also navigate round palm islands and see members of the Big Five drinking on the banks. The dry season months of July to October are when the waterways and lagoons are at their fullest.
Glide along the water on a mokoro in Linyanti

Gaze at wildlife from a boat safari in Linyanti

Leave your lodge in the soft morning light or as the heat of the day subsides to sail down the shimmering Linyanti waterways. Gently pass the wading pods of hippo and the sharp-eyed crocodile as your guide leads you on a scenic boat cruise. Spy massive herds of elephant and buffalo, and big cats who leave their shady turf for a drink, African painted dog panting after a chase and birdlife galore. This is the perfect time to whip your camera out! Clink your glasses before returning to the jetty - and spotting all the wildlife you can on the way.
Gaze at wildlife from a boat safari in Linyanti

Spot wildlife on a Linyanti bush walk

Join your all-seeing guide as you learn to follow the scent of trampled grasses and tracks imprinted into the earth on a captivating bush walk. Leaving camp in the coolness of the morning, there's no better way to take a deeper look at this microcosm of nature. Eye out in-the-process birds nests and spot their brightly coloured builders - don't miss the flight of a lilac breasted roller, watch the scuttle of a beetle amongst the bark of a Marula tree and learn how to follow the hoof prints of a warthog who may just burst out of its burrow. You could even spy an African painted dog scampering across the sand! As you explore the Linyanti on foot, cast your eyes to the shimmering tributaries where kingfishers may erupt from the lush banks to dive for a fish and red lechwe splashing through the water. Get a taste of the Linyanti wilderness on this short but sweet walk.
Spot wildlife on a Linyanti bush walk

Spot wildlife on a night game drive in Linyanti

Depart from camp under a clear, star-spangled sky for a sultry night drive. Your knowledgable guide will lead you with an infrared light (that doesn't disturb the wildlife), which picks up the glow of eyes peering out from behind trees. In the piercing quiet of the African evening, listen for the crack of a twig or growl of a big cat on the hunt. There is a cast of creatures you wouldn't see during the day including the cartoonish bush baby, shy serval and ultra rare pangolin (if you're really lucky!). Return to camp for a warming drink before bed.
Spot wildlife on a night game drive in Linyanti

More experiences

Helicopter safari from the sky in Linyanti

Helicopter safari from the sky in Linyanti

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