2 Best Hotels in Linyanti Reserve, Botswana

Completely rebuilt in 2021 when it was catapulted into the premier ranks of Wilderness Safaris’s properties, this lavish, solar-powered camp boasts a spectacular location on the banks of the broad Linyanti river. The entrance is dominated by an imposing square bar, decorated with a tiled antique map of the concession—ideal for retracing the day's adventures—which separates the open-plan dining and lounge areas, shielded beneath a series of peaked canvas roofs. Rattan and leather chairs, and weathered trunks complement the lounge's predominantly neutral tones, beyond which a curiosity room houses a handful of natural exhibits and a fireplace. À la carte meals are served on separate tables on the split-level dining deck where you can watch elephants swim across the sapphire ribbon of water that stretches out beneath you. At night, descend to the floating bar, where pre-dinner entertainment is provided by a glockenspiel frog orchestra. Wooden walkways­—with sporadic gaps to allow crossing warthogs and hippos—lead to your luxury room, featuring a phone (for contacting staff), tablet (pre-loaded with guest information), Nespresso machine, bar fridge, and a bed cooling/heating system. A corridor links the bedroom to your private lounge, where you can sink into a leather couch or peruse the collages of wildlife-related sketches and facts that hang on your wall. Take a siesta on the daybed on your outdoor deck or cool off in the plunge pool. Rooms are identical at the more intimate four-room Little Duma Tau, which lies on the other side of the dedicated spa. In addition to the ubiquitous elephants, the concession has a good reputation for predators while boat trips provide a welcome break from game drives. If you can't get enough of the river, you can even have brunch or dinner on the barge, which must be booked in advance. 

Despite its traditional thatched roof and African artifact adornments, a handful of modern design elements distinguish this regal camp overlooking the Linyanti River. Monochrome geometric prints line the dining area walls and next door, copper leaf-shaped light shades are suspended above a marble-topped bar. A double-sided fireplace separates the cozy library—complete with antique-style maps and lamps—from the lounge's tan-leather sofas. Below, two sunken, semicircular alcoves, filled with earth-color cushions and each set around a fire, inevitably delay diners before they finally succumb to the appetizing smells from the à la carte menu emanating from the individually laid, bleached wood tables above. Chill by the pool or take a break from your game viewing to relax on a couch (or eat brunch) aboard the Queen Silvia barge (only when the water is high) as you watch elephants swim across to Namibia. Alternatively, take a guided bush walk, go fishing, or visit the sunken hide where you're eye-level with splashing elephant feet. The massive hand-carved door of your mega-size thatched chalet leads into an entrance hall with a dressing table and minibar, bedroom with four-poster bed, a huge bathroom with double tiled showers, and twin wing-back armchairs with access to your private outside deck.