Linyanti waterfront in Botswana became one of my favorite places for the wildlife photography. Anyone that would like to read more on the ecosystem and the habitat of these marshes I invite to follow Destinations on this site. The remoteness of the place, the pure wilderness and incredible wildlife are the key aspects, that have me returning year after year. Linyanti always delivers and never disappoints.
There are several possible concessions/camps in the region. I found Kwando on the western side of Linyanti to offer the best value and never disappoint in terms of sightings. The place is known for big cats, elephants, buffalos, sable, roan, general game but also rarities such as brown hyena, aardwolf or pangolin. In fact on my last trip we have had a very nice sighting of the young aardwolf lying peacefully by the den... Hold on, the blog supposed to be about the lions! 😊
Last couple years Kwando became a true lions heaven – at any time there are some 60 lions in the concession, and prides can reach up to 25 individuals! In 2019/20 during overall 10 days I spent in the concession between June and January, my guests and I were able to see many cats. Sightings included a large (21 cats) Wapoka pride with two dominant males, and the Holy pride with two, very pale males and some 17 females and cubs. Finally this past January, my group of photographers have followed a coalition of very beautiful, some 7-8 years old brothers, two young females and a female mother on a hunt. That is a lot of lions! And a lot of photo opportunities.
The green season is especially rewarding as one can have big cats to themselves only. There is something to be said about totally relaxed animals, not bothered by tens of moving vehicles. In addition, there is nothing more rewarding for photographers than ability to position for a ‘shot’, with the right angle and light to one desires. Jockeying for the best position simply doesn’t exist! The only challenge is to find the good spot, anticipate lions movements and of course…look out for those high grasses.
The top sighting of the January trip was the hunt of the lioness and the catch of a baby impala. It all revealed in front of our eyes – the cruelty of nature, when the massive lioness ‘played’ with the impala before she finally snapped her neck and devoured small animal…as a snack. But, this was a perfect example of the circle of life – baby died so babies can live…yes, the lioness gave birth to cubs and needed to eat to provide for her own offspring’s.
Linyanti marshes always deliver, regardless of the season. It is also a permanent stop on our Green Season and June itineraries to Botswana. You need to experience it to believe it!
