Linyanti and Kwando – Secret Chobe
The immense Chobe National Park is renowned for its huge numbers of elephant, which at 50,000 is the largest single population remaining in Africa. The park runs across the northern edge of Botswana, following the course of the Chobe River westwards from its confluence with the Zambezi until it becomes the Linyanti, and south into the Kalahari sands that cover most of the country.
Exploring on the river from King’s Pool Camp
Kasane at the park’s north-eastern tip is one of Botswana’s larger towns and very much a gateway into the park, which with its proximity to the Zambia and Zimbabwe borders and Victoria Falls is an appealing place to visit. There are plenty of large hotels and lodges close to Kasane, some with riverfront settings, which are great for anyone who wants a low cost safari in Chobe without being too concerned about the quantity of vehicles and boats they will encounter.
Lion cubs spotted on a vehicle drive from Lebala Camp
Our top tip is to head west, away from Kasane, where little gems like Chobe Under Canvas offer peaceful wildlife viewing in wonderfully wild surroundings. The camp is deliciously authentic, with a twist of real sophistication.
Tented accommodation at Chobe Under Canvas
A bit further west again, Linyanti Bush Camp is perched on the bank above the river, which has by now morphed from the Chobe into the Linyanti – still the same river, but for some unknown reason a different name. North of the river is an endless expanse of marsh stretching off into Namibia. To the south is prime wildlife habitat, and you have all of it to yourselves.
Stunning views from Linyanti Bush Camp
Even further west is the Linyanti Reserve, where DumaTau and Kings Pool have riverfront locations, and Savuti Camp which sits beside the Savute Channel that connects the river to the Savute Marsh. The wildlife viewing here is similarly superb, and private too, and it does feel like one of the wildest and most remote places in Africa.
Red lechwe splashing through the water near DumaTau
The river then kicks north changing its name again to become the Kwando River, before leaving Botswana to cross Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and on into Angola. The Kwando concession is one of Botswana’s largest, and has just two camps: Lebala Camp and Lagoon Camp. Even travelling between the two takes more than two hours in a safari vehicle so the wildlife viewing here is seriously exclusive. Wild dog are regularly seen here and also honeybadgers and aardwolf can be spotted in this remote area.
Kwando Lagoon Camp sunset
Any questions?
If you’ve got this far and not found an answer to a question you have on safari in Botswana, please ask in the comments section below, or pop us an email. We’ll be sure to reply and may amend the article to include our answer.
What next?
We would be delighted to help you plan a holiday that includes Botswana or simply answer any questions if you’re at an earlier stage. The wildlife here is dense and we can keep you away from the crowds. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa and know the differences between the Okavango Delta, Kwando and Linyanti concessions and being in the west or east of Chobe National Park. They can offer expert advice on all these destinations and recommend the right one for you. If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.
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