Mobile Safari Expeditions, Botswana

Beagle Expeditions

A two-camp river safari through the Okavango Delta

Inside a safari tent showing a bed with an animal print duvet and a person looking at the landscape with binoculars.

Expedition between two mobile camps along Botswana’s Kweene River system

Beagle Expeditions is a hosted mobile safari run personally by Simon and Marleen Byron, who draw on decades of guiding experience in Botswana. The expedition takes place in a remote part of the Okavango Delta’s Abu Private Reserve and follows the Kweene River system; a shifting network of channels, floodplains and palm islands that determine where wildlife gathers.

You arrive at the concession by light aircraft or helicopter and then move between two seasonal camps – Kweene River Camp and Magwegwe Camp – as part of a continuous, river-led exploration.

The walk-in, Meru-style canvas tents are set close to the water, keeping you immersed in the delta. Each tent is spacious with mesh windows that allow airflow while letting in the sounds of the bush. You will have a private bathroom and amenities designed for comfort. Both camps are mobile and intentionally small, enabling Simon and Marleen to position you in areas of high wildlife activity.

In the evenings, you gather around the fire for meals and conversation with the river audible in the background as the sun sets. During the day, venture out on game drives, foot safaris or take water excursions through the delta’s reed-fringed channels in mokoro – a traditional, slender dugout canoe used for navigating the Okavango’s shallow waterways. The Abu Private Reserve supports elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and red lechwe antelope, along with prolific wetland birdlife.

You can also take a helicopter flight to see the whole delta from above, appreciating the Okavango’s geometry of channels and islands with the chance to spot wildlife on the move.

Highlights

Travel with Simon and Marleen Byron on a private expedition through the Okavango Delta

Move between Kweene River Camp and Magwegwe Camp in the Abu Private Reserve

Explore the delta on foot, by mokoro canoe or in a game-viewing vehicle

Track elephants, lions, leopards and antelope across the floodplains

Access to 30,000 hectares of wilderness, shared by only two safari vehicles

Wide shot of people dining at a small table under a vast, brilliant starry night sky in the African wilderness.

Traditional mokoro boats being poled through calm wetland waters with tall grass and a clear blue sky.

Out of focus person in a safari hat watching a herd of elephants at a muddy waterhole in the distance.

Close-up of a long safari dining table with red lanterns and wine glasses set in a wooded campsite at twilight.

A large tan safari mess tent illuminated by a row of lanterns on the ground during a golden sunset.

Back view of two people in safari hats sitting in chairs looking out at a calm waterhole and trees.

Interior of a safari tent with a green bedspread, a small table with a lantern, and large mesh windows.

A group of people sitting in camp chairs around a small fire next to a river at sunset.

Large male lion walking through shallow, rippling water with a focused expression during the day.

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Places to combine Beagle Expeditions with

Johannesburg

The Saxon

The Saxon is the most elegant mix of class, quiet gardens, history and luxury service.

Even though this hotel is known for being Nelson Mandela’s home whilst he penned his ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ autobiography after being released from prison, it has been made famous by its attentive staff, excellent Spa, chic African style and for being an intimately smart sanctuary in this busy city.

Located in the upmarket business district of Sandhurst, the Saxon’s 24 suites are contemporary with definitive African influences and impressions throughout. The overall effect is a deluxe boutique one which never fails to remind you of the vibrant character and culture around you.

South Luangwa National Park

Chinzombo Lodge

A more contemporary and certainly deluxe addition to the safari lodges of South Luangwa, Chinzombo is an ambitious property that cleverly maintains its authenticity on a secluded bend of the Luangwa river.

Within sixty acres of private land, its six standalone and geometrically-designed villas are incredibly spacious and brings together modern innovation with the atmospheric style of camping. One of the villas can accommodate a family of five, and these are all connected by a winding path lined with Msikzi trees leading you towards the main lounge and dining area complete with firepit, spa facilities, yoga and exercise areas.

Enjoy day and evening game drives in this pristine wilderness, along with the signature walking safaris.

Lower Zambezi

Chiawa Camp

Sitting on the banks of the Zambezi River, an area that abounds with savannah wildlife, Chiawa camp is family owned and friendly safari camp experience in the idyllic surroundings of the Lower Zambezi.

The multi-award winning camp began as the first photo safari in operation in the park, today its reputation as a superior lodge for families and honeymoons is known afar. From the open-sided communal lounge to the tents’ private decks with outdoor showers, every feature of the camp connects guests to its stunning surroundings.

The plunge pool, luxury suites and wooden raised decks all boast remarkable views over the Zambezi River where the resident wildlife, from elephants to lions, gathers.

Accommodating a maximum of 18 guests, the camp has evolved over time and after a recent renovation offers an even higher degree of comfort and luxury.

Creative, seasonal menus are a highlight of any stay and meals are served in the alfresco dining area.

Linyanti

Wilderness Linyanti Tented Camp

Wilderness Linyanti Tented Camp overlooks the Linyanti marsh and floodplain, and with easy access to a range of habitats including open savannah and woodland, this is a great place for game viewing.

The camp operates on an exclusive-use basis and consists of four large en-suite tents, designed to evoke the spirit of the early explorers. The main area of the camp is built on a slightly raised desk and offers impressive views of the landscape and its inhabitants.

After a day in the wilderness, come back to camp to relax around the crackling fire or in the traditional boma. As well as game drives, guests can head out on a nature walk, visit the log pile hide and head out after dark to see a variety of animals that stay hidden during the day.