Chobe & Linyanti: Botswana’s Wild Northern Frontier

Chobe National Park in Botswana’s Wild Northern Frontier

In the heart of Southern Africa lies a country where conservation is king and safaris are still wild. Welcome to Botswana—a land of pristine wilderness, epic landscapes, and some of the best wildlife encounters on the planet. While the Okavango Delta often steals the spotlight, its northern neighbors, Chobe National Park and the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, offer equally spectacular experiences—with fewer crowds and untamed beauty.

Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor looking for authenticity and adventure, Chobe and Linyanti deliver the kind of magic that only Africa can offer.

Chobe National Park: Elephant Kingdom

📍 Location: Northeast Botswana, bordering Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

🐘 Famous For: Massive elephant herds, riverfront safaris, predator sightings

Chobe National Park is Botswana’s first national park and remains one of its most iconic. Covering over 11,000 square kilometers, Chobe is best known for its incredible population of elephants—over 120,000 roam the area, the largest concentration anywhere in Africa.

🔥 Highlights:

• Chobe River Safaris: One of the best ways to explore Chobe is by boat. Cruise down the Chobe River, watching elephants bathe, hippos grunt, crocodiles sun themselves, and birdlife flourish in the reeds.

• Big Game Viewing: Expect lions, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, sable antelope, and more. The dry season (May–October) draws wildlife to the river in massive numbers.

• Birdwatching Paradise: Over 450 bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and rare migrants.

A luxury river cruise on The Chobe River is well worth including

Chobe’s accessibility—especially from Victoria Falls—makes it a popular safari add-on, but its sheer abundance of wildlife gives it standalone appeal.

Linyanti: The Untouched Wilderness

📍 Location: Northwest of Chobe, bordering the Okavango Delta

🦁 Famous For: Remoteness, exclusive game drives, predator sightings

Tucked away in Botswana’s remote northwestern corner lies the Linyanti region—a collection of private reserves and concessions that border Chobe but feel worlds away. The area includes Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Selinda Reserve, and Kwando Concession.

🌿 What Makes Linyanti Special?

Unlike national parks, Linyanti is made up of private reserves, which means:

• No self-drive tourists

• Limited number of lodges

• Off-road driving allowed

• Night drives and walking safaris permitted

This exclusivity results in intimate, high-quality safari experiences and extraordinary wildlife encounters.

🦓 Wildlife & Landscapes:

• Rich in predators: lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs

• Seasonal elephant migrations

• Diverse habitats: floodplains, woodlands, lagoons, and savannahs

• A paradise for photographers and serious safari enthusiasts

Incredible off the beaten track wildlife sightings

Our advice? Do both. Spend a few days on the Chobe River soaking in the elephant action, then fly into Linyanti for a remote, high-end safari that feels like your own private Africa.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (May – October): Prime time for game viewing, especially along water sources.

• Green Season (November – April): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great birdwatching. Predators are still active, but wildlife is more dispersed.

---

Final Thoughts: The Soul of the Safari

Chobe and Linyanti are two sides of the same coin: one vibrant and accessible, the other remote and exclusive. Together, they paint a complete picture of Botswana’s wilderness—raw, regal, and unforgettable.

If you’re dreaming of Africa at its wildest—with elephants around every corner, predators in the grass, and sunsets that make time stand still—look no further than Botswana’s northern frontier.

Ready to go where the wild things are? Chobe and Linyanti await.