The grasslands, lagoons and forests of Savuti Linyanti are home to a staggering amount of wildlife - the area is particularly famous for its predators, particularly resident lion and spotted hyena populations, as well as wild dog.
If you allow yourself adequate time here (a minimum of three to four days is recommended), you will probably see nearly all the major species: giraffe, elephant, zebra, impala, tsessebe, wildebeest, kudu, buffalo, eland and accompanying predators including lion, hyena, jackal, bat-eared fox and possibly even cheetah and wild dog.
The Linyanti’s private concessions - or reserves - contain some of the best lodges in Botswana. Peak viewing season is during the dry winter months when great concentrations of elephant, buffalo and zebra congregate along the river, with giraffe, impala and roan antelope being seen in the forests. The birdlife is diverse, if not overwhelming in its numbers; waterbirds, including pelican, are common.
Geographically, Savuti is an area of many unknowns. One of the greatest mysteries is the Savuti Channel itself, which has over the past 100 years inexplicably dried up and recommenced its flow several times. To the north of the Okavango Delta and the far west of Chobe National Park, the Linyanti is a forgotten paradise – a 900 square kilometre strip of swampy river frontage reminiscent of the Okavango’s permanent waterways with papyrus-lined lagoons, reed-beds and a towering canopy of trees.
For those seeking a remote and peaceful environment, with spectacular dry season concentrations of elephant, Linyanti is the place to go. This area makes an excellent addition to a safari in the Okavango and a superb substitute for the busier Chobe waterfront further north.
Ideal for viewing: lion, wild dog, African elephant, red lechwe, spotted hyena
Where: Northern Botswana, Botswana
Wildlife trips
This
wildlife location
is featured in the following itineraries:
Flying from camp to camp is one of the most exciting ways to experience Botswana’s stunning wilderness. From the rich vistas of Savuti-Linyanti, to the stunningly beautiful Moremi Game Reserve and the renowned Okavango Delta, this trip includes safaris by vehicle, on foot and by mokoro (canoe).
Find out more about Wings Over Botswana
Destination: Botswana
Price
(inc. flights): 11 days
from £5,795
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
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This 37-day comprehensive itinerary, which visits no less than seven countries, delivers the ultimate African safari experience and a wealth of contrasts. Travel to some of Africa’s best National Parks and stay in a range of classic lodges, hotels and tented camps on this wildlife trip of a lifetime.
Find out more about Classic Africa Explorer
Destination: Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa
Price
(inc. flights): 37 days
from £16,495
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
When to go:
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This small group trip incorporates prime wildlife areas, starting in the Okavango Delta, one of the ecological wonders of the world and home to predators such as lion, hyena, wild dog and leopard. Continuing on to Chobe National Park, you will find here one of Africa’s highest remaining concentrations of wildlife.
Find out more about Highlights of Northern Botswana
Destination: Botswana
Price
(inc. flights): 13 days
from £4,595
Trip type:
Group Tour
Tailor-made can be arranged
When to go:
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Suggested accommodation is shown below.
Please
contact us
for further recommendations.
With unparalleled 180 degree views across the savannah, Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge offers 11 spacious tented suites, each with its own private viewing deck. The suites, main area and swimming pool all look out over a natural waterhole which attracts wildlife all year round.
Find Out More about Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge