Tucked into the northwestern corner of Botswana, bordering Chobe National Park, lies the Linyanti – a wildlife-rich paradise teeming with lions, elephants, and a vibrant array of other animals. This remote region offers some of the most exceptional safari experiences in Africa, known for its breathtaking beauty and unforgettable encounters with nature.
The Savute Channel flows out of the Linyanti system and travels for about 100 kilometers (roughly 62 miles) before disappearing into the sands of the Kalahari. The channel is famous for being an ephemeral river, flowing for many years and then mysteriously drying up for decades at a time, before returning again. This cycle creates a dramatic and ever-changing landscape in this unique area.
It is here that the Linyanti lions rose to fame in the 1997 National Geographic documentary “Eternal Enemies: Lions and Hyenas.” This film delves into the fierce rivalry between the Savuti Pride of lions and hyenas within the region, highlighting their ongoing conflict over resources, notably during periods of drought, and their struggle for survival.
In particular, these lions became known for hunting elephants, having developed a reputation for preying on the young or weak, a behavior that is rarely seen in other lion populations. Despite the challenges of their environment, these lions have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, providing valuable insights into how wildlife populations cope with dynamic ecosystems.
30 years later, there are now two main prides roaming the area: the Channel Pride, comprised of 16 lions and two dominant males; and the DumaTau Pride, a breakaway pride from the original Channel Pride. The lion dynamics are likely to go through a state of some disruption due to the arrival of a coalition of five or six male lions called the “Army Boys”. These new challengers are likely to set the Linyanti alight with some incredible lion viewings in the coming year!
A stay in the Linyanti is a perfect addition to a southern Africa itinerary and combines well with other locations in Botswana, such as the Okavango Delta, as well as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia. Use the free flight special offer above or ask us for other great deals to make your Botswana adventure dream come true!
Check out our sample itinerary here!
