Beagle Expeditions

OVERVIEW:

Beagle Expeditions is a truly authentic and remote mobile camp owned and run by one of Botswana’s most recognised wildlife guides, Simon Byron. Accessible only by helicopter, the camp moves between two pristine wilderness locations along the Kweene River System within the exclusive, largely unexplored Abu Private Reserve. As the only mobile camp operating in this area, Beagle Expeditions offers a unique and exceptional product for those seeking adventure, solitude, and sensational wildlife sightings, combining helicopter, guided walks, and game drives. Rates are on a full-board basis and include accommodation, all meals, local drinks, all included activities, private guide, park fees and limited laundry.

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

Beagle Expeditions is located within Abu Private Reserve in the western part of the Okavango Delta, adjacent to the Sandveld tongue. From Maun (MUB) International Airport, it’s a 30-minute helicopter flight straight into camp. There is no road transfer or fixed-wing flight access.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT KARANGOMA: 

Beagle Expeditions comprises two camps: Kweene River Camp and Magwegwe Camp. Each camp features a maximum of six tents, which can accommodate ten guests at one time for a minimum four-night stay. Starting at the southern section of the Kweene River, the mobile expedition begins at Kweene River camp and moves northwards up the Kweene River system to Magwegwe camp, positioned in a seasonal swamp habitat that supports an abundance of spectacular wildlife. 

Simple yet comfortable explorer-style Meru tents provide airy accommodation on a twin or triple basis. Zip-up mesh keeps the tents open to the surrounding bush and its elements, while camp beds feature bed rolls with Egyptian cotton sheets. Each tent has a hanging wardrobe and en-suite facilities, including a private bucket shower with hot water and a compost loo. The focus is firmly on the bush and a return to nature rather than excess luxury while ensuring guests are extremely comfortable and well-fed!

The paired-down main area has a communal dining table under canvas, a chill-out corner with scattered cushions, and a tea and coffee station. The campfire is lit at night and early mornings, where guests congregate outside, surrounded by wilderness and the hypnotic sounds of nature. 

The chef cooks on an open fire using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and meals are paired with carefully selected wines from some of South Africa’s finest vineyards. 

Since the camp is off-grid, there is no electricity, and a solar battery system is used for lighting and charging. As there is no WiFi at camp, guests should be prepared to disconnect and switch off!

ACTIVITIES AT KARANGOMA:

The Kweene River system is a wonderfully remote, wildlife-rich part of the Okavango Delta and an area that few have the opportunity to explore. 

• Expertly guided game drives 

  – Located on a 30,000-hectare private concession within the Okavango Delta’s Abu Game Reserve, the area features seasonal swamp habitat and delta floodplains dotted with wooded islands. Its year-round surface waters draw abundant wildlife, showcasing characteristic Delta scenery. Except for rhino, guests can expect to see the Big Five and the resident pack of wild dog that often uses the camp to close in on their prey. An annual zebra migration takes place between December and March.

• Walking safaris

  – Much of this area is utterly pristine, with zero sign of human footprint, and a large portion is inaccessible to motorised transport. Led by an experienced private guide, walking safaris offer one of the most memorable ways to connect with the surrounding bush. These usually take place in the mornings when temperatures are milder.

• Mokoro boat excursions

  – Dependent on water levels (usually from May/June through August/September), the Kweene area is spectacular for traditional Mokoro (dug-out canoe) boat excursions when guests can explore the vast open floodplains. Few experiences compare to gliding along the water channels of the Okavango Delta with its colourful birdlife and the wildlife that congregates along the reed-fringed banks.

• Helicopter safaris

  – Scenic helicopter flights offer an epic doors-off aerial safari with a breakfast picnic stop (please note, this experience carries a surcharge).

• Full-day safari adventures

  – On the moving day between the two camps, guests travel the distance by vehicle, on foot, by mokoro, or a combination of all three. This full-day wilderness exploration includes a picnic lunch enjoyed outside while the team sets up camp in the next location.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.