Linyanti Wetlands and Wildlife: Hidden Gem of Botswana
North of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, you’ll find the Linyanti Wetlands. A beautiful area, rich with game, that extends up to Namibia’s border. Linyanti is unique as it blends two scenic landscapes: the winding floodplains of the Okavango and the Chobe’s dense woodland.
As a result of this fusion of different habitats, Linyanti, Botswana is teeming with magnificent wildlife, flora, and fauna. A safari in this region grants you the opportunity to hear the deep grunts of hippos, throaty calls of lions, and giggles of hyena.
If you’re looking for a memorable safari experience, Linyanti Wetlands is a must-visit. Keep reading to find out more about these wetlands, the wildlife, and how best to experience them.
What Is the Linyanti Wetlands?
Interestingly, the Linyanti region shows quite clearly the tectonic activity in the area. It is a common belief that the Zambezi, Kwando, and Okavango rivers originally flooded most of Botswana.
In more recent times, the Kwando River moves through Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and flows towards south Botswana. The water then reaches a higher elevation, which causes a slight obstruction and dams the river. This forms the Linyanti Wetlands.
From here, the Linyanti Wetlands move in a sharp easterly direction before becoming the Linyanti River. It then flows into the Chobe River at Kasane followed by the great Zambezi River.
The Linyanti Wetlands also connect to the Okavango Delta via the Selinda Spillway, an overflow system of the Delta.
Where Can You See the Linyanti Wetlands?
Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan on Unsplash
The Linyanti Wetlands are a hidden gem of Botswana as they offer secluded tranquillity with no crowds. This makes it possible to explore the marshy wilderness with intimate game drives and walking safaris. With no one else around, you’ll feel as if you’re the last people on earth!
The remote serenity of Linyanti comes from this region having only a few tented camps, which privately manage the wetlands. Each camp has its own concession and offers guests exclusive safari experiences coupled with comfort and luxury.
It’s important to know that Linyanti is remote and that most people arrive here via light aircraft. This is definitely a worthwhile option as the Linyanti Wetlands offer an unrivalled authentic safari adventure. Just you and the Wild!
Linyanti Wildlife: What to Expect
Photo by Wynand Uys on Unsplash
Linyanti Wetlands is a remarkably diverse area. Thanks to its many habitats, such as marshes and woodland, you will see an incredible array of animals, birds, and plants.
Similar to the Chobe Riverfront, Linyanti is known for its many rumbling elephants as well as herds of tawny red lechwe and stunning sable antelope.
Besides what we’ve already mentioned, you could be lucky enough to see any of the following on a Linyanti Wetlands safari:
- Leopards
- Aardvark
- Zebra
- Cheetah
- Wild dogs
- Giraffe
- Eland
- Pelicans
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! To make sure you get the best of your safari experience, take a look at our tips below.
Best Way to Experience the Linyanti Wetlands in Botswana
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
As the Linyanti Wetlands is quite a remote area, the best way to experience it is to fly in and book a stay at one of the private tented camps in the area.
If you’re looking for a deluxe stay, you can’t go wrong with the Selinda, Zarafa or Lebala tented camps. You’ll get the best of the secluded location while enjoying luxury accommodation and world-class game viewing.
If you want to explore the bush by foot, take a look at Linyanti Expeditions. It’s a small camp that provides an authentic Linyanti safari experience. If you’re all about getting up close and personal with the wild, this one is for you.
Of course, if you’re really looking to make the most of your Botswana trip, we recommend making a few different stops in this beautiful country. You can always cap off your trip with a scheduled flight over the Okavango Delta!