Linyanti Wildlife Reserve camps newsletters – February 2025

Linyanti weather in February

With the recent heavy rains received in our Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, we have seen the entire concession transform. The rains also helped cool the temperatures, and we had minimal heat. 

We recorded an average minimum of 18° Celsius, and an average maximum of 36° C. 

Wildlife on the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

The rains in February provided some epic opportunities for animal viewing!  It’s truly amazing to see both the small and large predators in our area – from leopards to lions and cheetahs, as well hyenas. 

We also observed a sudden change in the elephant movement patterns, as they moved into the thickets during the heavy downpours. It’s only lately that we are seeing them coming back to the river in numbers – to swim, as well as cross over to the other side. 

Our guides tracked and found a lone male lion that was heard roaring and patrolling along the Fire Break Road – until he reached a large water puddle, and the guests got to observe this mighty predator taking a giant leap over it. One of our guests managed to capture the action and that was the hot topic of the day. 

Another lion encounter that was termed most memorable by both our guests and guides, was a sighting of one of the Namibian Coalition, known as Caprivi. This handsome brute was found on the western side of the concession, relaxing in the shade, and very reluctant to leave his comfortable spot – which provided some great photographic opportunities for our guests.

Still on the subject of lions, one of the local prides, well known as the Army Boys, has moved out of our camp area and has been spotted to the south-west of Wilderness Savuti on the concession. They were observed mating with the Channel Pride females. The DumaTau Pride, which consists of five sisters, is still doing so well, and they have managed to keep their remining five cubs safe in an area where competition is very high from males. 

While on a game drive one morning, our guests had a surprise visit from a coalition of four cheetahs on the eastern side of the concession. The four felids were very relaxed, and looking at their big bellies, one could easily guess they had just finished a kill. Even though cheetahs face a number of challenges in the ecosystem, especially encounters with lions and other bigger predators, they have developed good survival skills around their enemies. 

Leopards are well known to be territorial and solitary unless raising cubs. We witnessed first-hand evidence of this recently, as one of our resident females, known as Mma Dibuka, was seen chasing away, and splitting from, her now grown cubs.  

We were still welcoming new babies from most of the antelopes, and others, these past two months. Impalas, warthogs, and many others came in big numbers to show off their beautiful young. The antics displayed by these young ones made sure our guests were always entertained. 

Management in camp: Lopang Rampeba, Tumisang Phala, Joanna Mathomola, Karabo Samson, Phillistus Ngisi, Dolly Michael
Guides in camp: Ronald Masule, Segomotso (See) Oja, Tsholo Shandakao, Tom Satau, Moathodi (MP) Manyenyengwa, Nyatsang (Nas) Galebonwe, Kevin Welio (Trainee Guide)

Weather and landscape in February

February at Linyanti Tented Camp was a month of rain, as the country experienced heavy downfalls across all areas, with a maximum of 65 mm recorded. The vegetation is green with tall grasses, and the bush is thick. We also saw an increase in the water level in the Linyanti River system.

We also experienced lower temperatures because of the rains, with an average minimum of 20° C and a maximum of 30° C.

Summer wildlife in the Linyanti

Sightings-wise, we are experiencing lower numbers due to the thick bush and tall grasses. Plus there is drinking water in the woodland, which sees the animals spending time there rather than coming to the river. Despite this, a few elephants were seen in and around LTC.

We also had some great lion sightings, with a male and a female seen mating along the King’s Pool-LTC Road. Also, a male lion was spotted three times, relaxing in the shade at Croc Corner. Lion tracks were also seen in camp.

Camp news

The walkway project came to an end towards the end of the month as the construction company did its final touch-ups and handed over the project. We also hosted the Natural Habitat Adventures management team for two nights towards the end of the month.

Staff news

Staff numbers increased this month to allow us to get ready for the new season well in time. They spent their time cleaning the guest rooms and around camp, as well as getting ready for our year-end audit, and EMS assessment, which were scheduled for the last day of the month. 

Twelve members from the walkway project construction company were still with us during February.

Managers: Oscar, Alex

Newsletter compiled by Alex