Linyanti Concession

Linyanti Concession is a private wildlife concession located in northeastern Botswana, situated just west of Chobe National Park with no fencing between them, allowing wildlife to move freely across both areas. This exclusive safari destination encompasses approximately 1,250 square kilometers of pristine wilderness featuring diverse landscapes including the Linyanti River with its riparian forests and open floodplains, the mysterious Savuti Channel, classic mopane woodland interspersed with waterholes, and stands of Kalahari apple-leaf trees on underlying Kalahari sands. The concession is renowned as one of Botswana's premier destinations for elephant viewing, particularly during the dry season when massive herds congregate around the permanent water sources. The landscape transforms dramatically between seasons—lush and verdant during the wet months from November to April, and increasingly arid during the dry season from May to October, creating distinct wildlife viewing experiences throughout the year. Wildlife viewing in Linyanti is exceptional, with the concession hosting abundant populations of large herbivores including red lechwe, plains zebra, blue wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, and buffalo, alongside impressive predator populations featuring lion, leopard, and the endangered African wild dog. The Linyanti River and Savuti Channel serve as critical water sources that attract enormous concentrations of animals during the dry months, making this period ideal for wildlife photography and observation. The concession is particularly famous for its wild dog populations and offers excellent opportunities for nocturnal wildlife viewing, with night drives revealing species such as bush baby, genet, aardwolf, serval, and occasionally the elusive pangolin. Birding enthusiasts will appreciate the area's outstanding avian diversity, with over 400 bird species recorded including Okavango specialties like slaty egret and wattled crane, as well as drier woodland species and numerous raptors. Accommodation in Linyanti Concession is exclusively high-end, with all lodges operated by Wilderness Safaris, ensuring exceptional service standards, expert guiding, and genuine exclusivity. The remote public campsite offers a more budget-friendly alternative while maintaining the wilderness experience. Activities center on guided game drives during early morning and late afternoon hours, supplemented by night drives, boat trips along the Linyanti River (particularly spectacular at sunset), and walking safaris. The concession's private status allows for off-road driving at predator sightings and greater flexibility in safari activities compared to national parks. The combination of pristine landscapes, abundant wildlife, exclusive accommodations, and professional guiding makes Linyanti Concession one of Africa's most rewarding safari destinations, though the mopane woodland requires more effort for wildlife spotting compared to more open ecosystems.

Diverse landscapes featuring the Linyanti River with riparian forests and open floodplains in the north, Savuti Channel along south and southwest, classic mopane woodland interspersed with waterholes and Kalahari apple-leaf trees, all set on Kalahari sand platform. Lagoons, marshes, and grasslands create varied terrain.

Linyanti Concession is a private conservation area with limited local community presence. Nearby Kasane town has local Botswana communities. Tourism operations employ local guides and staff, contributing to regional economy.

Best light during early morning and late afternoon game drives. Bring telephoto lenses for wildlife (400mm+). Polarizing filter useful for water reflections. Wet season offers dramatic storm photography. Night drives require high ISO capability. Boat trips provide unique river perspectives.