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Linyanti Wildlife Reserve
The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is one of the most remote and untouched areas of Botswana. It stretches across 275,000 acres of the northern part of the country. As it is difficult to reach, the limited visitors have preserved the spectacular, diverse landscape that it is famous for.
To the north, it is bordered by the Linyanti River, also known as the Kwando River. The river's meandering course creates pockets of lagoons and pools that are frequented by large migrating herds of elephants and zebras. The sharp 90 degree turn the river makes to the northeast along a volcanic fault creates a swamp similar to the Okavango Delta. As the river continues to the north, it disappears into riverine forests filled with giant Ebony and Marula trees. To the east of the reserve lies the Chobe National Park with its abundant wildlife.
This beautiful region of Botswana boasts a diverse landscape of papyrus-lined waterways, expansive grasslands, rich riverine forests and lagoons. Other common flora include Sausage and Jackalberry trees. Large populations of giraffe enjoy grazing on the Acacia trees while Leadwood and Mopane forests provide shade in the heat of the day.
In addition to the abundant elephant and zebra herds, this rich reserve attracts lion, leopard, cheetah, the endangered wild dog, hyena, bat-eared foxes and the small, efficient predator the serval. Many species of antelope are common in the area, including the less-seen species of roan and sable antelope. Large open grasslands provide perfect conditions for cheetahs to chase down their prey.
Exploring the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, one gets a feeling of truly being a smaller part of nature. At dawn, an almost overwhelming chorus echoes across the land from the abundant birdlife. Throughout the day, the grunting hippos in the lagoons and trumpeting elephants at the waterholes make their presence known. At night, the roaring lions and laughing hyenas create the atmosphere of "wild" Africa.
Visit the spectacular Linyanti Wildlife Reserve on our Wild Botswana Safari tour, The Great Wilderness Journey, and the Wings Over Northern Botswana tour.
