Beyond Bateleur Camp
Beyond Bateleur Camp : It doesn’t get much more decadent than this. Guests staying at &Beyond Bateleur Camp can enjoy sweeping views of the Mara, even from the comfort of their own bed. Thrilling night and day game drives, meals served by the Olooloo Escarpment or along the banks of the Mara River and of course an abundance of wildlife, are all within reach during a stay at this very accommodating safari camp.
This intimate, full-service tented safari camp is nestled in the far reaches of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp is just 20 – 30 minutes from some of the best places to watch the wildebeest river crossings during the Great Migration. Tanzania’s border and the Serengeti are just an hour’s drive away. The safari camp is idyllically situated at the foot of the towering rock walls of the Olooloo Escarpment and on the edge of an ancient riverine forest overlooking the Mara plains. &Beyond’s Bateleur Camp offers its guests a classic safari feel with all of the modern comforts you would expect of a modern and exclusive safari camp. The camp is divided into two separate camps, each with its own refreshing infinity pool and nine spacious tented suites, of which one family suite, hidden among the trees. An extensive gin bar, warthogs and monkeys scurrying across the grounds and an ideally situated deck with comfortable armchairs overlooking the African plains – this place is an absolute Masai Mara delight.
Each of the safari camp’s tents is stylishly furnished with polished hardwood floors, overhead fans, comfortable large beds and comfy leather armchairs in each corner. A private bar stocked with your favorite drinks, a coffee corner, a lovely writing table, beautifully handcrafted artefacts, fine antiques, leather buttoned Chesterfield sofas, crystal and candlelight add to the romantic atmosphere of each tented suite. Each tent has its own shaded private deck complete with table and comfortable chairs. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious and outfitted with copper free-standing star-gazing bathtubs, indoor and outdoor rain showers and the camp’s own toiletries. All of the creature comforts are lovely and appealing, but this camp’s biggest highlight is the view. Each tent looks out upon the grasslands and passing animals on the Masai Mara plains… and comes equipped with a complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars to use during the length of your stay.
The safari camp also offers two spacious family tents, one in each of the two camps. Each family tent comes with a twin and a double room complete with adjoining interior hallway. Each family tent has its own en-suite bathroom, a private front deck and a seating area. A Family Tent is suitable for two adults and two children (accommodation for a third child is available upon request).
&Beyond Bateleur Camp food experience
Delicious hearty bush breakfasts in the wild, luxurious lunches, chilled sundowners in the sunset and brilliant bush dinners by bonfire beneath the stars. Fabulous meals are served al fresco at the boma area in the southern camp, at the extended deck in the northern camp, by either of the two infinity pools or in the privacy of the tented suites. For an added touch of exclusivity, private butlers are available for hire. All meals are prepared with fresh produce, most of which is grown in the camp’s own organic vegetable garden. Mealtimes are flexible. Menus are non-existent. The safari camp’s chef greets guests and tells them about their dining options.
Many guests choose to eat their breakfast out in the wild, for instance during a game drive. Eggs cooked on a gas stove, beans, potatoes, pancakes, yogurts, cereals, juices, tea and coffee. Whether you like your breakfasts light or hearty, there’s something for everyone. Lunches are served on wooden planks and are a tasty selection of salads, chutneys, veggies, meats, cheeses and freshly baked focaccia. When it comes to dinner, on most days there’s a hearty soup (perhaps carrot and ginger), salad, a deliciously grilled fish or meat dish (grilled red snapper, beef filet, you name it) and a lovely dessert. During a bush dinner all guests gather on the banks of the Mara River for fine cuisine, drinks by fireside and performances by local Masai warriors.
Activities at &Beyond Bateleur Camp
&Beyond Bateleur Camp is more than just a pretty face, it offers a very comprehensive selection of safari activities led by professional Masai guides and trackers. The most common animals in the area are wildebeest, zebras, elephants, hippos, giraffes, buffalos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals and gazelles. There are several trails in the area that lead through the Masai Mara’s savannah grasslands and riverine forests. The trail leading up the Olooloo Escarpment runs all the way to the slope where you’ll have an excellent view of the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Mara River. Here’s a short overview of the activities offered by the camp. Surcharges may apply for some activities.
