
7 active safari ideas
Keep your heart rate high
A protected wildlife area in northern Botswana, the Linyanti region is a veritable haven for animals. Massive herds of elephants call this area home, particularly along the permanent water sources in the dry season, as well as lion, hyena, leopard and plenty of zebra. Alongside fabulous game viewing, the region is characterised by its varied and incredibly beautiful scenery, from swampy marshlands and lagoons to glittering waterways, open grasslands and green forests. The Linyanti is one of the more remote regions in Botswana, with just a few outstanding camps and lodges to choose from, so you're guaranteed an authentic and very special safari experience.
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With such a varied and mesmerising landscape of waterways and lagoons, enormous forests and palm-dotted islands, the Linyanti sets the scene perfectly for a classic Botswana safari. The area is famous for its large herds of elephants, big cats and the elusive African painted dog and game drives offer the highest chance of seeing them all, especially as off-road driving is permitted. Drives depart in the morning and afternoon and night safaris are often available, ideal if your wishlist holds bushbabies, genets or leopard. For the intrepid, a walking safari through the wilderness hits the adventure nail on the head. On the water, things are just as interesting. Try a traditional mokoro (dugout) canoe safari from April to October when the water is at its highest and enjoy floating along the papyrus-lined channels, spotting wildlife on the banks and in the water. Boat safaris are also possible in the deeper channels and some lodges offer catch-and-release fishing. The focus is of course the shimmering bream below, but it’s also a great chance to watch the birdlife overhead.
One of the more remote and lesser travelled regions of Botswana, the Linyanti is (in our eyes) one of the best places on the continent to see the elusive African wild dog, especially in July and August when the young pups come out to play.
Journey like a true explorer and access previously undiscovered areas on a canoe and walking safari down the seasonal Selinda Spillway. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but boy does it provide life-long memories and tales that you’ll dine out on for years!
Although not to be sniffed at, the wildlife perhaps isn’t as concentrated or as varied in other regions of Botswana. If you have time restrictions, but regard seeing as much as possible as a high priority, another area may provide more abundant sightings in a shorter amount of time.
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Wet Season
Weather is characterised by high temperatures, a drop in humidity and relatively high rainfall.
A month of high excitement, due to the many newborns afoot, predator hunts are a frequent occurrence.
A wonderful time for photography, vegetation is green and in bloom, migratory birds are present and in breeding plumage, the animals are all in prime condition.
Make sure the mosquito repellent is packed during this time of year.
Wet Season
Weather is characterised by high temperatures, a drop in humidity and relatively high rainfall.
A month of high excitement, due to the many newborns afoot, predator hunts are a frequent occurrence.
A wonderful time for photography, vegetation is lush and in bloom, migratory birds are present and in breeding plumage, the animals are all in prime condition.
Make sure the mosquito repellent is packed during this time of year.
Wet Season
Temperatures are still quite hot, with the number of rainy days decreasing, expect the occasional afternoon shower.
Although wildlife is still more spread out than the dry months, wonderful diversity more than makes up for this.
An interesting time for photography, vegetation is green, migratory birds are present and the animals are all in prime condition.
Make sure the mosquito repellent is packed during this time of year.
Wet Season
Temperatures begin to cool, the average daily sunshine hours begin to climb and rain is relatively rare.
Some of the animals will still be spread out, however lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah usually add to the safari excitement .
Enjoy the last opportunity to view the migratory birds before they head North for the dry winter months.
This is the last opportunity to capture a lush green wilderness before the dry winter months set in, changing the landscape drastically.
Dry Season
A transition month from wet summer to dry winter, offering moderate temperatures and little to no rain.
The "emerald season" is coming to an end, vegetation will slowly begin to thin and animals will migrate into the area following the year round water sources.
Improved visibility will increase your chances of spotting the rare and endangered Sable and Roan antelope.
A great time of year to star gaze, with relatively few clouds and no ambient light, enjoy a sky twinkling with a blanket of stars.
Dry Season
Temperatures drop considerably in the morning and evenings, with the daylight hours being comfortably warm.
Animals return to the region as water becomes scarce elsewhere, leading to increased interactions between species, as they compete for the limited resources.
This is usually the best time to view the elusive wild dogs of the region as they begin their denning period.
Vegetation has started to thin, improving chances of spotting the rare and endangered Sable and Roan antelope.
Remember to pack a winter jacket, as frost can occur on particularly cold June mornings.
Dry Season
The best time to visit, with warm daytime weather, low humidity and not a cloud in the sky.
July offers ideal photographic conditions, the low humidity and sparse vegetation means wonderful image clarity and no shortage picture perfect moments.
Vegetation is thin due to the lack of rainfall, causing animals to cluster around the remaining water sources and the Savute Channel.
This is usually the best time to view the endangered wild dogs of the region as they den over this month.
Be sure to pack a warm jacket for the early morning and late evenings, as temperatures can get chilly.
Dry Season
The best time to visit, with warm daytime weather, low humidity and not a cloud in the sky.
Vegetation is thin due to the lack of rainfall causing, animals to cluster around the remaining water sources and the Savute Channel.
August offers ideal photographic conditions, low humidity and sparse vegetation means wonderful image clarity and no shortage of picture perfect moments.
This is usually the best time to view the wild dogs of region as their denning period slowly approaches an end.
Be sure to pack a warm jacket for the early morning and late evenings, as temperatures can get chilly.
Dry Season
The best time to visit, with warm daytime weather, low humidity and not a cloud in the sky.
Be sure to pack a warm jacket for the early morning and late evenings, as temperatures can get chilly.
Vegetation is thin due to the lack of rainfall causing animals to cluster around the remaining water sources and the Savute Channel.
September offers ideal photographic conditions, low humidity and sparse vegetation means wonderful image clarity and no shortage of picture perfect moments.
A great time for landscape photography with the crisp mornings ensuring views for miles around.
Dry Season
October is also a transitional month with temperatures being hot and humid preceding the arrival of the wet season.
This is the harshest month of the year, water and food is scarce causing animals to congregate along water sources.
Game viewing is still very good with vegetation sparse, ensuring quality sightings of a wide variety of wildlife.
Make sure to drink plenty of water during the day to avoid dehydration in this month.
Wet Season
Temperatures and humidity are still high with the arrival of the summer rains, expect afternoon showers only.
The arrival of the rains causes animals to spread out once more, enjoying a time of plenty as water sources are replenished for the coming months.
Migratory birds begin to return, creating a hive of activity and colour in the tree tops.
Make sure to drink plenty of water during the day to avoid dehydration in this month.
Wet Season
Weather is becoming less hot and humid, with afternoon showers providing solace from the African heat.
The birthing season kicks off towards the end of the month, causing a buzz of predator excitement.
The "emerald season" is the perfect time for photography, plants are green and in bloom, migratory birds are in full breeding plumage and the animals are all in prime condition.
A wonderful time of year to get out on foot, experiencing all the smaller details often missed during game drive.