Beagle Expeditions is a small, owner-run mobile safari outfit operating on the exclusive Abu Concession (NG26) in the western Okavango Delta — also known as the Kweene Trails. Founded by acclaimed guide Simon Byron, it offers one of the most authentic and adventurous safari experiences in the Delta, with access limited almost exclusively by helicopter due to the area’s remote, untouched terrain.
Rather than chasing luxury trappings, Beagle Expeditions focuses on the quality of guiding and the wildness of the experience. Guests stay in spacious walk-in Meru-style tents, each with an en-suite bucket-shower bathroom and bush loo, accommodating up to 14 guests on request. Camps are lightweight and mobile, allowing the operation to move with the seasons and the game.
Walking safaris are at the heart of every Kweene Trails experience, complemented by 4×4 game drives (including night drives), boating and mokoro excursions when water levels allow. Operating in a private concession rather than a national park gives guests rare freedoms: off-roading, night drives and walking that simply aren’t possible in most other parts of the Delta.
Dining is simple but excellent, usually taken under the stars, with wholesome seasonal fare and fine South African wines. With a maximum of around ten safari expeditions run each year, Beagle Expeditions prioritises quality and exclusivity over volume.
Location
Quick Facts
- Location: Abu Concession (NG26), southern reaches, western Okavango Delta
- Rooms: Walk-in Meru-style tents with en-suite bucket showers, up to 14 guests on request
- Getting there: Helicopter access only, given the concession’s remote, limited road network
- Facilities: Mobile camp, mess tent dining, no WiFi, no air conditioning
- Open: Year-round, on request (minimum 4 guests)
- Children: Enquire with reservations
ACTIVITIES
- Walking safaris
- 4×4 game drives, including night drives
- Mokoro excursions (water levels permitting)
- Boating (water levels permitting)
Personal Thoughts on Beagle Expeditions
This is one seriously cool operation. Beagle Expeditions is run by an old friend called Simon Byron (a native from Botswana like me) and his wife Marleen. They are an awesome couple doing some seriously awesome things. Beyond Beagle Expeditions the couple are also responsible (in part) for bringing the world Okavango Gin.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend time with Simon and Marleen out in the Abu Concession, and what they have set up is an excellent and unique take on the Okavango. Operated under Kweene trails, a journey with Beagle Expeditions involves spending a couple of nights at Kween River Camp, guests are invited to walk to their second camp – called Magwegwe. The walk is about 11km long, and is some of the wildest walking I have done anywhere. We spotted a leopard about 40 meters away from us on my last trip there. The experience of walking in that area, with experienced guides, is just breath taking. I cannot recommend this Okavango option enough.
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