Linyanti Swamps

The Linyanti is where the Kwando river turns east and spreads into papyrus and floodplain along the Namibian border, and the Botswana side is mostly private concession rather than national park. That is the defining feature: vehicle numbers are strictly limited, night drives and walking are permitted where they are not in the parks, and a sighting is usually yours alone. Elephant concentrations in the late dry season are among the highest anywhere, and wild dog use the area heavily.

What you actually see

• The elephant concentrations - very large numbers coming to the river late in the dry season.
• The wild dogs - one of the more reliable areas in the region for denning packs.
• The papyrus channels - the Linyanti spreading into reed and floodplain.
• The concession rules - night drives and walking safaris, not permitted in the parks.

When to go

May to October is the dry season and the peak for elephant at the water. The wet season from November to April disperses animals and some camps close. Nights are cold from June to August.

Honest expectations

This is expensive country: concession camps are among the priciest in Botswana and there is no budget option. Self-drive access is limited and much of the area is closed to non-guests. Camps book out a year ahead in peak season.

Nearby

Savuti is east, and the Selinda spillway runs southwest.