About Linyanti Ebony
Set within the private Chobe Enclave on the edge of the Linyanti Marshes, Linyanti Ebony is a small, intimate ...
... camp with comfortable but traditional tented accommodation. Although operated independently, it sits side by side with its slightly larger sibling, Linyanti Bush Camp, and the two can be combined to accommodate larger groups. Both camps benefit from the area's mix of wet and dry terrain, which attracts a variety of wildlife.
Linyanti Ebony will suit those looking for a small, traditional tented camp combining comfort with adventure. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service warm, the activities varied and the guiding usually excellent. Note that while there’s wildlife here throughout the year, densities increase considerably between May and October (Botswana’s dry season), when game is attracted to the permanent waters of the Linyanti River.
Our view
Linyanti Ebony will suit those looking for a small, traditional tented camp combining comfort with adventure. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service warm, the activities varied and the guiding usually excellent. Note that while there’s wildlife here throughout the year, densities increase considerably between May and October (Botswana’s dry season), when game is attracted to the permanent waters of the Linyanti River.
Botswana expert
Accommodation
4 Meru-style tents
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Linyanti Ebony
5 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
African Jacana Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An adventurous introduction to Botswana blending prolific wildlife, incredible landscapes and varied activities staying at relaxed camps in the Chobe Enclave, a community-owned reserve bordering the Moremi, and Makgadikgadi Pans.
Visiting Kalahari Salt Pans, Moremi & Surrounds and 1 other area
US$8,550 - US$12,280 per person
Linyanti Ebony: Our full report
Set within the private Chobe Enclave on the edge of the Linyanti Marshes, Linyanti Ebony is a small, intimate ...
... camp with comfortable but traditional tented accommodation. Although operated independently, it sits side by side with its slightly larger sibling, Linyanti Bush Camp, and the two can be combined to accommodate larger groups. Both camps benefit from the area's mix of wet and dry terrain, which attracts a variety of wildlife.
Both camps are owned by African Bush Camps, which is run by Beks and Sophia; passionate and knowledgeable professionals who have considerable experience of tourism in Zimbabwe and Botswana. In addition, Beks is one of the best safari guides in the industry, his Zimbabwean Professional Guides Licence linked to a wealth of experience. Their enthusiasm and knowledge is infectious, and you can expect to find it mirrored among the predominantly Botswanan staff at Linyanti Ebony.
Linyanti Ebony’s tented main area, which serves as a dining room, lounge, bar and meeting point, is very similar to that of Linyanti Bush Camp, with simple but comfortable furnishings designed to lend a traditional feel. Steps lead from a sunny wooden deck to a firepit surrounded by chairs, and a small swimming pool offers respite in the heat of the day.
While the four Meru-style tents at Linyanti Ebony are also very similar to those at Linyanti Bush Camp, Ebony’s tents are set up on wooden platforms and have a wooden porch, kitted out with a couple of chairs overlooking the marshes. Mesh windows serve to keep out insects while allowing a through breeze, while canvas flaps can be rolled down for protection against the elements should the need arise.
Inside each tent, neutral colours and sisal-mat flooring are offset by polished wooden furniture, including a sleigh-style bed flanked by bedside tables, a writing desk and a comfortable sofa. Thoughtful extras include a cooling fan, mosquito coils, insect spray and repellent, wildlife magazines, bathrobes, drinking water, and a tea/coffee station. Note there are no plug points in the tents (batteries can be charged in the main area). For families, Linyanti Ebony offers a family tent with a second, twin bedroom.
At the back of each tent, a wardrobe and a canvas partition help to screen the en-suite bathroom from the bedroom. Twin washbasins with overhanging mirror are largely open to the room, while behind the partition are a canvas rain-shower cubicle and a flush toilet. A laundry basket, fluffy towels and toiletries complete the picture.
Following heavy rains in 2008, the Linyanti River flooded onto the surrounding marshes, creating the reed- and grass-filled swamps that stretch out in front of the camp. It’s an open outlook, and while it’s not intrinsically beautiful, it’s just one among a variety of habitats here, attracting everything from colourful birds and hippos to lions and leopards and browsers such as sable, roan and kudu antelope.
Activities at Linyanti Ebony, as at Linyanti Bush Camp, make the most of this variety, and benefit from a similarly high level of guiding. The camp’s location in a private reserve means that they can offer both night drives and guided walks, which are not be permitted within the adjacent Chobe National Park (or any of Botswana’s national parks). With water levels permitting, there are also gentle excursions in a mokoro (a traditional dug-out canoe). A massive draw card here is a scenic helicopter flight, based on minimum 3 night stay, between April and November (1 flight per stay); additional scenic helicopter flights are available at an extra cost. Not many camps offer these and it really is a truly spectacular way to view the area and its wildlife.
Geographics
- Location
- Kwando-Linyanti area, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend that guests spend three nights at Linyanti Ebony so that they can experience the range of activities.
- Directions
- Linyanti Ebony is reached by light aircraft into Saile airstrip (1 hour from Maun and 35 minutes from Kasane). From there, it about an hour’s drive to camp, depending on time spent game viewing on the way.
- Accessible by
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- As at the larger Linyanti Bush Camp, meals at Linyanti Ebony are served as a buffet or set menu, with simple, wholesome and tasty food.
For breakfast you can expect a continental buffet augmented by the option of a full English breakfast to order.
Lunch usually comprises home-made bread, cold meats, cheeses and salad, followed by fresh fruit. Then there’s afternoon tea before the day’s second activity, featuring a selection of sweet and savoury snacks alongside hot or iced tea and coffee.
The day is rounded off by a three-course dinner, with guests coming together around a large table. - 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
- Family holidays
- Linyanti Ebony’s spacious family room is a good accommodation for Botswana family safari holidays, particularly with slightly older children. Combine this with the ‘Young Explorers’ programme to have a specialist family guide travel with you.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Botswana
- Birdwatching
- Noteworthy for species of raptors and owls, plenty of water birds and a range of land birds such as ground hornbill and colourful Acacia pied barbets. The camp also has great guides and a mix of wet and dry environments for birding.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Like many of the African Bush Camps' properties Linyanti Ebony welcomes families. Note, however, that children under 16 years are not permitted on mokoro trips or walking safaris (though they can join nature walks around camp).
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Special activities & services
- There is a private deck attached to the well-appointed family room and the camp will happily arrange a private dinner for families there. An added bonus is that the camp does not require families to book a private vehicle. They also run a number of activities specifically for children, as part of their 'Ngwana Club'.
- Equipment
- No equipment for children is provided.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would recommend Linyanti Ebony for older children; the camp is too open, and potentially dangerous wildlife too plentiful, for us to recommend it for younger children.
- Notes
- The camp is unfenced and wildlife does occasionally pass through, so all children must be under constant parental supervision.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Linyanti Ebony
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Linyanti Ebony 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
100% success
67% success
67% success
33% success
33% success
33% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Communications
- There is no telephone or internet, though those with roaming may pick up a weak cellphone network from Namibia. In an emergency, radio contact can be made with the head office.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- A comprehensive first-aid kit is kept in camp, and both managers and guides are first-aid trained. In an emergency, guests can be airlifted 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
- Guests are escorted to their rooms after dark due to the presence of potentially dangerous wildlife. Whistles are provided in the rooms for use in the event of emergency.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the common areas and outside each room. There’s also a firebreak around camp as a precaution against bush fires.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service - Included
- Money
- The camp does not offer any money-exchanging facilities and there are no safes in the rooms. Valuable items can be secured in the office safe.
Everything is pre-paid and included so no payments are required at the camps and there are no credit card facilities.
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Linyanti Ebony's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Linyanti Ebony.
Excursions from Linyanti Ebony
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Linyanti Ebony. 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.
Linyanti Bush Camp
An increasingly rare find in Botswana, Linyanti Bush Camp blends relative simplicity with numerous activities and very good guiding.
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 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 Ebony 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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