NG/15 Linyanti Reserve

A private concession bordering Chobe National Park, Linyanti is renowned for its exceptional predator sightings, particularly lions and wild dogs, and its...

NG/15 Linyanti Reserve at a Glance

Location
Chobe & Linyanti Wetlands, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-18.503230, 23.689913
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for the Okavango Delta floods and wildlife. November to March for birding and green season rates.

Getting to NG/15 Linyanti Reserve

Nearest airport: Chobe Airstrip (FBCH), 5 km away.

Nearest international airport: Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport (FRW), 493 km away.

Big Five in NG/15 Linyanti Reserve

4 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, African Buffalo, Leopard, Leopard Tortoise.

Weather & Climate in NG/15 Linyanti Reserve

The warmest temperatures in NG/15 Linyanti Reserve occur in October, averaging 28.8°C (up to 36.1°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 18.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 32.6%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 24.0°C (rainfall: 178.7mm)
  • February: 25.0°C (rainfall: 81.3mm)
  • March: 24.6°C (rainfall: 82.3mm)
  • April: 23.2°C (rainfall: 7.8mm)
  • May: 20.7°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • June: 18.3°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • July: 18.1°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • August: 21.8°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • September: 26.0°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • October: 28.8°C (rainfall: 3.4mm)
  • November: 27.8°C (rainfall: 29.9mm)
  • December: 26.1°C (rainfall: 91.8mm)

Best Time to Visit NG/15 Linyanti Reserve

The best months to visit NG/15 Linyanti Reserve are June, July, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 23.98°C, rainfall 178.7mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 73.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 25.02°C, rainfall 81.3mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 65.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.59°C, rainfall 82.3mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 64.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 23.18°C, rainfall 7.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 55.5%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.74°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 40.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 18.26°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 37.7%
  • July: Great, temperature 18.09°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 32.6%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.8°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 26.7%
  • September: Great, temperature 26.04°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 24.2%
  • October: Great, temperature 28.83°C, rainfall 3.4mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 25.8%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.82°C, rainfall 29.9mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 46.3%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.12°C, rainfall 91.8mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 60.8%

Wildlife in NG/15 Linyanti Reserve

Home to 119 recorded species including 35 waterbirds, 31 iconic birds, 27 birds of prey, 5 big herbivores, 5 antelope & gazelle, 5 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for NG/15 Linyanti Reserve

Based on average temperature of 23.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 46%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in NG/15 Linyanti Reserve

18 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Chobe & Linyanti Wetlands

Visitor Tips - NG/15 Linyanti Reserve

Linyanti is a true gem, a place where we consistently witness some of Botswana's most dramatic wildlife interactions, particularly around its life-giving waterways. The sheer density of elephants is astounding, and the sunsets over the lagoons are sensational, painting the sky in hues we rarely see elsewhere. We love that the private concessions here offer an incredibly exclusive and intimate safari experience.

Gate Times

Access to Linyanti's private concessions is exclusively for guests booked at the lodges within the area. There are no public gates or self-drive options, which contributes to its wonderfully uncrowded feel. Your lodge handles all necessary permits and access arrangements, ensuring a seamless, private experience from arrival to departure. We recommend confirming your specific lodge's transfer times, as these dictate your entry and exit from the concession.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a meaningful way to show appreciation for excellent service in Botswana. We recommend budgeting around USD 10-20 per guest per day for your guide and USD 5-10 per guest per day for general camp staff, which can often be placed in a communal box at the end of your stay. Trackers, if separate from your guide, might receive USD 5-10 per guest per day. We prefer to tip in local currency or USD at the end of your stay, often discreetly in an envelope.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

NG/15 Linyanti Reserve FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit NG/15 Linyanti Reserve for optimal wildlife viewing, especially for its renowned predators and large elephant herds?

The dry season, from May to October, is ideal for wildlife viewing in NG/15 Linyanti. During this period, water sources shrink, concentrating animals along the Linyanti River, making predator sightings more frequent and offering excellent visibility for the massive elephant herds as they gather to drink.

How does the safari experience in NG/15 Linyanti Reserve differ from the nearby Chobe National Park, particularly regarding exclusivity and activities?

As a private concession, NG/15 Linyanti offers a significantly more exclusive and less crowded safari experience compared to Chobe National Park. This allows for off-road driving, night drives, and walking safaris, which are typically restricted in national parks, providing unique opportunities for tracking elusive predators and observing nocturnal wildlife.

What are the typical travel arrangements and logistics for reaching NG/15 Linyanti Reserve and moving between camps within the area?

Access to NG/15 Linyanti is primarily by light aircraft transfers from major hubs like Maun or Kasane, landing at private airstrips within the concession. Once there, game drives are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles, and depending on water levels, mokoro excursions or boat cruises are common ways to explore the riverine environment.

What is the typical cost range for a safari in NG/15 Linyanti Reserve, and what factors influence the price?

Safaris in NG/15 Linyanti are generally considered high-end, with costs typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,500+ per person per night. Prices are influenced by the camp's luxury level, the season (peak dry season being more expensive), and whether it's an all-inclusive package covering accommodation, meals, drinks, and daily guided safari activities.

Besides traditional game drives, what unique activities or experiences can visitors expect in NG/15 Linyanti Reserve, especially given its riverine environment?

In addition to exceptional game drives, NG/15 Linyanti's riverine environment allows for unique activities like guided walking safaris, mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursions, and boat cruises along the Linyanti River. These offer different perspectives on wildlife and birdlife, enhancing the overall safari experience and providing close-up encounters with the ecosystem.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Bradt Guide: Botswana by Chris McIntyre - Gold standard for Okavango Delta and Chobe planning - self-drive routes, camp reviews, and detailed maps. Essential for anyone planning a Botswana safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Cry of the Kalahari by Mark & Delia Owens - Riveting account of wildlife research in Botswana's Central Kalahari. An adventurous tale of two young researchers living among the wild animals.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.