Linyanti Reserve holidays

In the furthest corner of the Chobe National Park lies Linyanti. Secluded and uncrowded, this short strip of swampy river frontage is reminiscent of the Okavango’s permanent waterways with papyrus-lined lagoons, reed beds and a towering canopy of trees. The Linyanti Swamp covers an area of almost 900 km2, which follows the river and fills the area between the converging courses of the Kwando and Linyanti rivers.

The wildlife is plentiful, especially in the dry winter months when great concentrations of elephant, buffalo and zebra congregate along the river, with giraffe, impala and the unusual roan antelope being seen in the forests. The bird life is diverse. Water birds, including pelican, are common while you are likely to hear, if not see, Pel’s fishing owl

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Top things to do in Linyanti Reserve

Boat based safaris

The Linyanti river is a great base for water-based safari experiences, with a huge variety of wildlife to be spotted from boats and barges on offer at the different lodges and camps. Such cruises are particularly interesting during the dry winter months when wildlife congregates near the river, one of the few remaing sources of water. Relax in the company of a wildlife expert as you drift down the river sighting many bird and mammal species with drinks and snacks on offer.

Canoeing including The Selinda Trail

Some of the lodges and camps offer guided canoeing experiences on the canals and spillways close to the Okavango delta. The Selinda canoe trail, which links the Linyanti region with the Okavango delta is a particularly well-known canoeing experience that involves a four-night expedition at a leisurely pace through the beautiful surroundings of the Selinda spillway. The trip includes tented-accommodation under the stars on secluded islands and impromptu wildlife walks. Canoe trips are a great way of seeing river-based wildlife as well as taking in the scenic and remote marsh surroundings.

Guided bush walks

Lodges and camps in the Linyanti may offer guided bush walks as part of the schedule of activities. Where they are not on offer, they can often be done on request and are worth enquiring about. Nature walks with skilled, armed guides are a unique way of getting close to wildlife and looking out for the small intricate details of the landscape that can often be missed when in a safari vehicle. Guides will teach you the many techniques of wildlife tracking during your walk, offering an insight into the skills required to track animals.

Horse riding safari

A horseriding safari in the Linyanti and more specifically at Motswiri Camp, is a superb experience not to be missed by those wishing for a unique safari experience. Conducted in small groups and accompanied by professional guides, set off in search of the wildlife on the reserve, a mixture of open flood plain, dry savannah and riverine bush.

Wellbeing in the bush

If you are feeling less active or want to relax in between safari activities you can make use of some great spa and wellbeing facilities on offer at many of the camps and lodges in the Linyanti. Take in the vast floodplains whilst enjoying your treatment or massage or if you choose to, some lodges and camps have the facility to offer treatments in the privacy of your own tent or room.

Wildlife drives including night drives

Chobe wildlife drives offer the opportunity of sighting a large variety of wildlife either in the morning, afternoon or as a full-day experience in the company of expert guides. Game drives are timed to offer the best chances of sighting active predators in the cooler temperatures of the early morning or late afternoon. Some of the lodges on the Chobe Forest Reserve side also offer special night drives, using spotlights to search for rarer nocturnal wildlife.