On the Southern banks of the Linyanti River, forming a natural border between Namibia and Botswana, is the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. This private concession boasts splendid scenery of untouched grasslands, riverine forest and meandering lagoons. In comparison to its neighbors in the East, Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta in the South, Linyanti remains wonderfully underused with a high concentration of game. Due to its remote location each corner of this 1,250 sq km protected sanctuary is bursting with game which is simply mesmerising in both the wet and dry seasons. Avid bird enthusiasts will be in awe as thousands of exotic birds migrate to this region during the green season. Carmine bee-eaters can often be seen nesting on the banks of the Linyanti river.
Wildlife sightings include elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena, and many other wildlife species.
January is traditionally the rainy season in the Linyanti area, but this should not be seen as a negative as the rains bring life to the wilderness. Migrant birds are in full breeding plumage, there are lots of baby animals around and the vegetation is bright and green making it ideal for photographers. The larger herds of elephants and buffalo have moved further into the Mopane woodlands, but the older bulls remain in the area where there is good food and lots of water. In general this is a great time for birders and photographers.
