About Linyanti Bush Camp
From its vantage point on the edge of the forest, Linyanti Bush Camp looks out across the seemingly endless Linyanti Marshes.
Take it all in from the central area, the swimming pool, or the veranda of your spacious wood-framed tent, whose dark furnishings lend an old-world safari appeal: comfortable yet solid. But that’s not to say it’s old-fashioned. There’s hot water aplenty in the shower (with a view!), a cooling fan to temper the extremes of summer, and a great big sleigh-style bed with crisp linen and good bedside lights.
But to focus on the camp, however appealing, is to miss the point. This is an environment that invites exploration – by 4x4, by boat, on a mokoro, on foot, even from the air: between April and October, a helicopter flight is included for every guest. And it’s not to be missed. As you whirr over the water-strewn landscape, it’s hard not to hold your breath at the sheer beauty of the spectacle.
A guided dawn walk, or – water levels permitting – a lazy mokoro trip, puts things back into perspective. Take time to tune into the silence, and you may be rewarded by the far-off trumpeting of an elephant.
Our view
Linyanti Bush Camp will suit safari enthusiasts looking for an authentic tented camp offering understated comfort and an emphasis on adventure. Intimate and relaxed, it offers warm, homely service with varied activities and usually first-rate guiding. There's wildlife here year round but densities increase greatly in the dry season (May to October) when transient game congregates around the permanent waters of the Linyanti River.
Accommodation
6 Meru-style tents
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Linyanti Bush Camp
40 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 13 Aug 2022, 3 nights
"Linyanti Bush Camp review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 18 Jul 2022, 2 nights
"Great first camp for out 10 days in Botswana"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 23 Oct 2018, 3 nights
"First lodge in Botswana"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 21 Oct 2018, 3 nights
"Linyanti "
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 2 Oct 2018, 3 nights
"Disappointing eperience at LInyanti Camp"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 7 Nov 2017, 3 nights
"Linyanti Bush Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 21 Sep 2016, 3 nights
"Linyanti Bush Camp review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 28 Oct 2015, 2 nights
"Linyanti Bush Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 20 Jul 2015, 3 nights
"Boyds at Linyanti"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 4 Nov 2013, 4 nights
"Linyanti Bush Camp review"
Overall rating: Good















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 26 pictures of Linyanti Bush Camp to get the candid view.
View galleryLinyanti Bush Camp: Our full report
On the edge of the Linyanti Marshes, Linyanti Bush Camp stands in a private reserve known as the Chobe Enclave, ...
... bordering the western boundary of Chobe National Park. Like its adjacent sister camp, Linyanti Ebony, it offers comfortable tented accommodation in a traditional style that evokes the early explorer camps. The two are usually operated separately, but with their adjacent locations they can be combined for larger groups.
The Linyanti Marshes were largely dry when Linyanti Bush Camp was built. Then, in 2008, heavy rains in the Kwando and Linyanti river catchments, combined with the suspected shifting of fault lines, caused the Linyanti River to flood onto the marshes. As a result, the Chobe Enclave is now a mix of wet and dry terrain. Reed- and grass-filled swamps stretch out in front of the camp, creating an open, though not particularly idyllic, outlook.
Watery lagoons and permanent river channels are popular with hippos and colourful birdlife; open grassy floodplains attract grazing herds; riparian woodland and thickets are ideal for lions to lay ambush; cathedral mopane forest conceals shyer animals like leopard; and dry scrubland interior suits browsers such as kudu, sable and roan. Then, between May and October, the area is frequented by large herds of elephant and buffalo.
Linyanti Bush Camp's founders, and current joint-owners, Beks and Sophia, have worked in tourism in Zimbabwe and Botswana for many years. Beks holds a Zimbabwean Professional Guides Licence, which combined with ample experience, makes him one of the best safari guides in the business. Their passion and knowledge filters through to their predominantly Botswana camp staff, so you'll usually find knowledgeable and enthusiastic managers and guides here.
Linyanti Bush Camp's intimate tented main area comprises a large, custom-made tent secured by wooden framework and raised on wooden flooring. Incorporating a dining room, lounge, bar and meeting point, it's simply furnished with comfy seating, bookcases, a dining table and a help-yourself drinks fridge behind the bar. A few local artefacts, old-fashioned pieces and worn travel chests add to the early-settler feel. To the front, a wooden deck provides a sunny spot to sit, and steps take you down to a sandy clearing with an open firepit encircled by chairs. Separately, a small swimming pool partially surrounded by sturdy poles is a delicious place to cool off while keeping an eye out for wildlife on the marshes.
Sandy paths lead from the main area to Linyanti Bush Camp's six walk-in tents, whose wooden decks – topped with a couple of chairs – front the Linyanti Marshes. Upgraded in 2016, and now entered through solid doors, each large tent offers understated comfort, with tasteful décor in pale neutrals, laminate flooring, and polished dark-wood furniture. There's a writing desk, comfortable sofa with footstool, and a sleigh-style bed decked with pillows, duvets, crisp linen and an overhead mosquito net. Bedside tables and lamps, a wooden chest-cum-luggage rack, a chest of drawers and a free-standing wardrobe with hanging space and a safe complete the set up. Guests are provided with mosquito coils, insect spray and repellent, chitenje bathrobes, drinking water, and a tea/coffee station. Note, however, that there are no facilities in the guest rooms for using hairdryers or charging electronic equipment (items can be charged in the main area).
Mesh windows help keep bugs out and the canvas flaps can be rolled up to let a cooling breeze through. Ventilation is enhanced by small windows in the roof, with a free-standing fan helping to cool the tents during the hotter months.
The en-suite bathrooms are set through a doorway in the canvas wall. To one side of the wooden washstand and basin with overhanging mirror is a flush toilet, which can be screened by a free-standing partition; to the other, a large rain-head shower with plenty of hot and cold water takes in the view. There's also a laundry basket, fluffy towels and toiletries, including shampoo, shower gel and body lotion.
Linyanti Bush Camp benefits from an unusual and flexible range of activities, led in our experience by excellent guides. Along with 4WD game drives (day and night) and guided walks there are – when water levels are permitting – mokoro trips. And if you stay for 3 nights between April and November, there’s the real bonus of a helicopter flight!
Unfortunately, on our July 2016 trip, the water was too low to try any of the water-based activities, as the Linyanti Marshes did not flood. Nevertheless we had some enjoyable sightings with plenty of elephant, zebra, waterbuck and baboons, and dozens of fish eagles that had gathered to take advantage of the catfish bonanza in the muddy marshes. And during a later stay, in October 2017, a mokoro trip proved to be a magical way to spend an early morning on the marshes.
The 4WD excursions reveal a range of habitats within the Chobe Enclave, and day trips to the Savuti Marsh are also available on request for guests staying three or more nights. The walks offer a closer look at flora and fauna and the thrill of seeing wildlife on foot, under the watchful eye of an armed guide.
One of the real highlights of our stay here was the helicopter flight over the marshes. To be able to see the habitat from an aerial perspective offers new insight into the surrounding ecosystem as well as some great game-spotting opportunities – we saw elephant, buffalo, giraffe, a couple of large pods of hippo lying in the mud and some very big crocodiles. This is a totally different kind of safari experience and we loved it! A helicopter flight is included for all guests of Linyanti Bush Camp staying a minimum of 3 nights between April and November.
Geographics
- Location
- Kwando-Linyanti area, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend a three-night stay at Linyanti Bush Camp to experience the mixture of activities and the varied terrain.
- Directions
- Linyanti Bush Camp is reached by light aircraft into Saile airstrip (1 hour from Maun and 35 minutes from Kasane). It’s then roughly an hour’s drive to camp, depending on time spent game viewing on the way.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- We found the food at Linyanti Bush Camp to be simple, wholesome and very tasty. Meals are served as a buffet or set menu and guests generally dine together.
On our last visit we arrived in time for lunch – a light but satisfying mix of tempura beef goujons, a delicious noodle salad, green salad, cheeses with homemade chutney and fresh bread, and fresh fruit for dessert.
Before the afternoon activity afternoon tea is served in the main area. We had a fabulous banana bread and tempting Mexican quiches, served with tea and coffee.
A couple of times a week dinner is a very sociable affair that combines guests from both Linyanti Bush Camp and Linyanti Ebony. This is often for a traditional night or braai (barbecue).
As it happened, our last visit coincided with the traditional evening, where we enjoyed a buffet of beef seswa (a thick shredded beef stew), chicken stew, rice, semp (pounded corn), braised cabbage and green salad. Dessert was a milk tart.
Breakfast was a range of continental options from the buffet plus a hearty full English breakfast to order. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- A good selection of drinks is included in the cost. Exotic or premium brands and champagne must be arranged in advance, and will be charged extra.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Highly knowledgeable guides and a mix of wet and dry environments makes Linyanti Bush Camp an excellent addition to a birdwatching holiday. We noted a particularly wide variety of raptors and owls, in addition to bee-eaters and kingfishers.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Linyanti Bush Camp welcomes children from the age of 7 years. However, children under 16 years are not permitted on mokoro trips or walking safaris (though they can join nature walks around camp). Families with younger children may wish to consider Linyanti Ebony, which is adjacent and has a family tent.
- Special activities & services
- No special activities or services are provided for children.
- Equipment
- No equipment for children is provided.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would recommend Linyanti Bush Camp for children aged 7 and over, with a genuine interest in wildlife.
- Notes
- The camp is unfenced and wildlife does occasionally pass through; hence children must be under the constant supervision of their parents.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Linyanti Bush Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Linyanti Bush Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

67% success

33% success

33% success

33% success

33% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Communications
- For all intents and purposes you should consider yourself out of contact here. There is no telephone or internet, though those with roaming may pick up a weak cellphone network from across the Namibian border. In an emergency, radio contact can be made with the head office.
Sustainability

The Kachikau Sewing Factory in the Chobe Enclave
Representing the African Bush Camps Foundation (ABCF) in the Chobe Enclave, Linyanti Bush Camp is committed to empowering local communities through education, trade and conservation.
In Kachikau, members of the village started a uniform-making factory to overcome the challenges Chobe Enclave Community is facing in acquiring school uniforms for children. These need to be ordered in Kasane and collected in approximately 3 weeks. Locals are determined to set up their own factory, a project that will be supervised by a committee of nine people from the village and supported with technical expertise from the foundation and other key stakeholders in the Enclave. In making their dream come true, two skilled seamstresses have already offered their help and ABCF is raising funds to purchase the first 5 sewing over-locking machines and related equipment as well as assisting with initial training of the staff. Additional to school uniform, the new factory will also manufacture the traditional Tswana dress which will be sold to visitors.
The Vuche Vuche Craft Project Mabele is another initiative by the Vuche Vuche Basket Weaving Co-operative which began in 2011 and aims to create employment for women.
There are currently 20 women engaged in the program and profits go towards building their first craft shop as well as covering basic necessities such as food and education for children.
See more great sustainability projects in Botswana
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Managers and guides are first-aid trained, and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept in camp. In an emergency, the camp can arrange medical evacuation to Maun. Please note that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight hours as the bush airstrips do not have any lighting at night.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Due to the presence of potentially dangerous wildlife, guests are escorted to their tentsafter dark. Whistles are provided in the tents to raise the alarm in case of an emergency.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the common areas and outside each tent. There’s also a firebreak around camp as a precaution against bush fires.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is included.
- Money
- There is a small safe in each tent. The camp does not offer any money-exchange facilities.
- Accepted payment on location
- Everything is pre-paid and included; no payments are required at the camp and there are no credit-card facilities.
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Linyanti Bush Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Linyanti Bush Camp.
Excursions from Linyanti Bush Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Linyanti Bush Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Helicopter Flight - Botswana
Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.
Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.
More about Helicopter FlightOther lodges in Kwando-Linyanti area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Lagoon Camp
Within the vast Kwando Reserve, renowned for its wild dogs, Lagoon Camp offers excellent game viewing that focuses on predators.

Lebala Camp
With enthusiastic guides and trackers, Lebala – in a vast private reserve – is particularly well-placed for seeking wild dogs.

Selinda Camp
In an attractive area that is particularly rich in game between June and November, the luxurious Selinda Camp caters particularly well for photographers.

DumaTau
DumaTau, in the private Linyanti Reserve, offers game drives, seasonal boat cruises and walks. Wildlife safaris here are quite seasonal, and are at their best during the height of the dry season, between June and October.

Selinda Explorers Camp
The luxurious, traditional tented Selinda Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by really top notch guides in a game-rich area.

Savuti Camp
Set above the Savuti Channel, the refurbished seven-room Savuti Camp offers the potential for viewing large herds of elephant and significant lion encounters.

Zarafa Camp
Zarafa is an exclusive camp overlooking the scenic Zibadianja Lagoon within the Selinda Reserve, a particularly game-rich area between June and early November.

Kings Pool
King’s Pool is a top-end luxury safari camp with a price tag to match; the game viewing can be very good during the dry season.

Linyanti Ebony
Independently owned and run, the small Linyanti Ebony sits on the same site as Linyanti Bush Camp, with similarly high standards of guiding, and a strong emphasis on the wildlife experience.

Linyanti Expeditions
Tip-top guiding. In tune with the habitat. Down-to-earth, authentic camp comfort. A place of wilderness safari harmony.

Little DumaTau
Small and sophisticated, Little DumaTau lies adjacent to its larger sibling in the private Linyanti Reserve, overlooking a beautiful lagoon.
When to go to Kwando-Linyanti area
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Linyanti Bush Camp in Kwando-Linyanti area
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Kwando-Linyanti area in January
January marks the peak of the rainy season in the Kwando, Linyanti, and Selinda Reserves. Evening thunderstorms bring short but intense rains, cooling the air while temperatures remain warm. Wildlife disperses across the lush landscape due to the abundant water, making game viewing more challenging, though the southern and western parts of the Selinda Reserve still offer rewarding sightings.
The Kwando River and Linyanti floodplains attract water-loving species such as red lechwe, sitatunga, and waterbuck. Migratory birds thrive during this time, offering incredible birdwatching opportunities. The vibrant greenery creates stunning photography backdrops, and lower rates make January a great choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking a quieter, greener safari.
- Warm temperatures with occasional thunderstorms
- Spectacular birdlife, including migratory species
- Wildlife dispersed across lush floodplains
- Zebra and wildebeest migration in full swing
- Good availability at lodges and camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Kwando-Linyanti area in February
February continues the rainy season with heavy rains and a humid atmosphere. The landscape is vibrant and teeming with life. Insects and smaller animals become more visible, while many species are raising their young, making for fascinating wildlife encounters. The Selinda Spillway and Zibadianja Lagoon are magnets for diverse wildlife during this time.
Thick vegetation and tall grasses can make it harder to spot larger animals, but water-based activities like boat cruises along the Kwando and Linyanti rivers offer superb birdwatching. The reserves’ papyrus reed-beds are home to elusive species like sitatunga, while buffalo and elephants frequent the floodplains. With fewer visitors, February is perfect for those looking for a more intimate safari experience.
- Warm with occasional thunderstorms
- Young animals abundant across the reserves
- Dispersed wildlife across the lush terrain
- Birds thriving, many in breeding plumage
- Excellent camp availability and low visitor numbers
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Kwando-Linyanti area in March
March marks the tail end of the rainy season, with sunny days becoming more frequent and occasional afternoon thunderstorms still sweeping through. The landscape remains lush, with many animals finishing raising their young. Predators like lions and wild dogs are more active, taking advantage of plentiful prey.
Birdwatching is still rewarding, although some migratory species start to leave as the season progresses. The Kwando River and its channels provide excellent fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. As the rains taper off, game drives become more productive, particularly in open areas of the reserves.
- Variable weather with clearer skies and rains decreasing
- Wildlife well-fed and thriving in lush surroundings
- Birdlife remains spectacular, though migrants begin to leave
- Lower rates and fewer visitors at camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Kwando-Linyanti area in April
April is a transitional month in the Kwando, Linyanti, and Selinda Reserves, marking the shift from the wet to dry season. Rainfall becomes less frequent, giving way to clear skies and a verdant landscape. Night temperatures start to drop, especially in areas further from water.
As vegetation begins to thin, wildlife viewing improves, with increased predator-prey activity around water sources. The Selinda Spillway becomes a focal point for diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species. Predator activity starts to become more visible, particularly around permanent water sources. Walking safaris and boat cruises offer unique ways to explore the ecosystem. With the shoulder season starting, April provides good value and a mix of lush scenery and growing wildlife activity.
- Cooler evenings with occasional light rain
- Selinda Spillway ideal for diverse wildlife sightings
- Good predator-prey interactions observable
- Excellent conditions for walking safaris and boat trips
- Shoulder season rates make this a popular month
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Kwando-Linyanti area in May
May is one of the best months to visit the Kwando, Linyanti, and Selinda Reserves. With almost no rain, temperatures cool further in the mornings and evenings, increasing predator activity. Wildlife begins to concentrate around permanent water sources like the Linyanti and Kwando rivers, providing superb game viewing opportunities, especially of elephants and buffalo.
The Selinda Reserve’s diverse landscapes attract a variety of species, and walking safaris in the Kwando Reserve provide close-up wildlife encounters. Crisp, clear air enhances photography, capturing the vibrant wildlife and scenic beauty. May offers a balance of fantastic wildlife sightings, pleasant weather, and the final stretch of shoulder-season rates.
- Cool mornings and evenings, minimal rain
- Excellent predator activity and game viewing
- Crisp air perfect for photography
- Shoulder season rates - availability limited
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Kwando-Linyanti area in June
June signals the start of the dry season, with cool mornings and evenings and warm, sunny days. The clear skies and thinning vegetation make this an excellent month for photography and wildlife viewing. As surface water dries up, animals gravitate to permanent water sources like the Kwando and Linyanti rivers, where predators are often seen stalking prey.
Game viewing excels in the Kwando-Linyanti areas, with improved visibility as vegetation thins, and the Selinda Spillway becomes a wildlife hotspot, attracting elephants, buffalo, and other species. Boat cruises provide a peaceful way to observe water-dependent wildlife, while night drives offer glimpses of nocturnal predators and other species. June’s popularity means high demand for camps, so early bookings are essential.
- Warm days, cold nights—ideal safari conditions
- Excellent conditions for wildlife photography
- Animals congregating around water sources
- Vegetation thinning, improving visibility
- Peak season begins with higher rates
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Kwando-Linyanti area in July
July offers excellent game viewing conditions. Cool mornings and evenings are ideal for wildlife activity. The landscape is drier, concentrating animals around remaining water sources. The Kwando and Linyanti rivers become crucial for wildlife, attracting large herds of elephants and buffalo. Predator sightings increase, especially around waterholes. The Selinda Reserve's diverse habitats support a wide range of species, from big cats to rare antelopes.
It's one of the best months for walking safaris - cool and fresh in the mornings, with thinning vegetation enhancing visibility. Boat cruises provide serene views of the rivers and their surrounding wildlife. Night drives reveal fascinating nocturnal species, though temperatures can be chilly, so warm clothing is essential. July's popularity means camps are often fully booked, so early reservations are essential.
- Comfortable days, cold mornings and nights
- Excellent game viewing around waterholes and rivers
- Walking safaris and boat cruises highly recommended
- Peak season with camps often fully booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Kwando-Linyanti area in August
August is a peak safari month, with warm days and cool nights offering comfortable conditions. Wildlife is highly concentrated around water sources, providing exceptional game viewing. The Selinda Spillway becomes a focal point for predators and prey, with frequent sightings of elephants, buffalo, and big cats.
Boat cruises along the Kwando and Linyanti rivers offer a unique perspective on the reserves’ wildlife, while clear skies make for incredible stargazing at night – but it’s cold so bring warm clothes, hats and gloves. August's popularity for northern hemisphere travellers means limited availability and higher rates at most camps.
- Dry, warm days with cool nights
- Wildlife activity peaks around water sources
- Okavango floods usually reach Selinda Spillway
- Super stargazing on clear nights
- High rates and limited availability in camps
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Kwando-Linyanti area in September
September is a favourite for wildlife enthusiasts, with probably the best wildlife viewing of the year. Daytime temperatures are warming, but nights remain cool. The dry landscape concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources like the Kwando and Linyanti rivers, and along the Selinda Spillway. Large herds of elephants and buffalo are common on the floodplains, and predator sightings increase, with higher chances of witnessing dramatic hunting interactions.
The return of migratory birds like carmine bee-eaters adds a splash of colour to the reserves, enhancing birdwatching. The dry, hazy conditions create dramatic sunsets, while boat cruises and game drives offer rewarding, laid-back wildlife encounters. September’s popularity means high rates and limited availability at most camps, with early booking is essential.
- Warm days, cool nights—prime safari weather
- Exceptional wildlife viewing and predator activity
- Stunning sunsets and excellent birdwatching
- High season continues with limited availability
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Kwando-Linyanti area in October
October is the hottest and driest month in these reserves, creating some of the most concentrated and dramatic wildlife sightings of the year. Animals gather around dwindling water sources, leading to intense predator-prey interactions. The Selinda Spillway becomes a lifeline for both herbivores and carnivores.
Boat cruises offer relief from the heat and a chance to observe water-dependent species. Migratory birds continue to arrive, adding vibrancy to the parched landscape. The clear, hazy conditions create spectacular photographic opportunities, particularly at sunset. Night drives are not nearly so cold and can reveal fascinating nocturnal activities. Despite the daytime heat, October remains a favourite for game viewing.
- Hot days, with chances of rain late in the month
- Outstanding big game sightings around limited water sources
- Excellent birdwatching with arriving migrants
- Water activities limited as floods recede
- Final month of peak season - high demand at camps
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in October
Kwando-Linyanti area in November
Sometime in November usually marks the start of the green season as temperatures and humidity rise, leading to the first dramatic thunderstorms. The landscape begins to transform, with fresh greenery spreading across the reserves. Wildlife starts to disperse as waterholes refill, but predator sightings remain good near permanent water sources. The Kwando and Linyanti rivers remain important for the large herds of elephants, and the Selinda Spillway continues to attract wildlife.
This is a fantastic time for birdwatching, with migratory species arriving in abundance. Where available, boat cruises highlight the changing environment, while game drives still offer rewarding wildlife encounters. Early November sees lower rates, making it a good choice for travellers seeking great game viewing at lower rates.
- Hot days with increasing humidity and dramatic thunderstorms
- Green season begins transforming landscape
- Wildlife viewing less predictable but rewarding near rivers
- Migratory birds arrive, enhancing birdwatching
- Shoulder season offers lower rates and good availability
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Kwando-Linyanti area in December
December marks the height of the rainy season, bringing welcome relief from the high temperatures. While wildlife viewing becomes more challenging due to the dispersal of animals, skilled guides can still uncover remarkable sightings. The Kwando and Linyanti rivers remain vital habitats, and areas such as the Selinda Reserve offer rewarding game viewing, especially around Zibadianja Lagoon.
The landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation as fresh growth attracts herbivores. Migratory birds are plentiful, making this an excellent time for birdwatching. Although predator sightings are less frequent, they are often spectacular against the vibrant, lush scenery. Luxurious camps offer comfortable retreats during occasional rain showers, and lower-season rates make December an appealing choice for value-conscious travellers seeking a green-season safari.
- Warm with frequent rain storms
- Wildlife more dispersed across the reserves
- Green season in full effect, lush landscapes
- Low season rates make it a value-friendly option
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December

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