Linyanti Bush Camp
Linyanti Bush Camp stands on the edge of the Linyanti Marshes in a private reserve known as the Chobe Enclave, bordering the western boundary of Chobe National Park. Like its adjacent sister camp, Linyanti Ebony, it offers comfortable tented accommodation in the traditional style of early explorer camps. The two are usually operated separately, but with their adjacent locations they can be combined for larger groups.
The Linyanti Marshes were largely dry when Linyanti Bush Camp was built. Then, just less than a decade ago, heavy rains in the Kwando and Linyanti river catchments, combined with the suspected shifting of fault lines, caused the Linyanti River to flood onto the marshes. As a result, the Chobe Enclave is now a mix of wet and dry terrain. Reed- and grass-filled swamps stretch out in front of Linyanti Bush Camp, creating an open outlook.
Watery lagoons and permanent river channels are popular with hippos and colourful birdlife; open grassy floodplains attract grazing herds; woodland and thickets are ideal for lions to lay ambush; cathedral mopane forest conceals shyer animals like leopard; and dry scrubland interior suits browsers such as kudu, sable and roan. Then, between May and October, the area is frequented by large herds of elephant and buffalo.
Linyanti Bush Camp’s intimate tented main area comprises a large, custom-made tent secured by wooden framework and raised on wooden flooring. Incorporating a dining room, lounge, bar and meeting point, it’s simply furnished with comfy seating, bookcases, a dining table and a help-yourself drinks fridge behind the bar. A few local artefacts, old-fashioned pieces and worn travel chests add to the early settler feel. A wooden deck provides a sunny spot to sit, and steps take you down to a sandy clearing with an open firepit encircled by chairs.
Sandy paths from the main area lead to the six Meru-style tents, supported by wooden frames on concrete bases, with a sandy porch at the front where two chairs overlook the Linyanti Marshes. Entered through zipped doors, each large tent offers understated comfort, with tasteful décor in pale neutrals, laminate flooring, and polished wooden furniture. There’s a writing desk, comfortable sofa with footstool, and a sleigh-style bed decked with pillows, duvets, crisp linen and an overhead mosquito net. Bedside tables and lamps, a wooden chest-cum-luggage rack, a chest of drawers and a free-standing wardrobe with hanging space and a safe complete the set up. Guests are provided with mosquito coils, insect spray and repellent, chitenje bathrobes, drinking water, and a tea/coffee station.
Mesh windows help keep bugs out and the canvas flaps can be rolled up to let a cooling breeze through as the tents can get warm during the heat of the day, particularly those less shaded by trees.
*For a full list of available activities, the best time of the year to visit, and any other relevant enquiries, please contact a Sister Hippo Travel Consultant!