Beyond Kenya Safaris

Welcome to Bateleur Camp, where the golden age of safari meets the untamed beauty of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Nestled in a riverine forest beneath the Oloololo Escarpment—the rim of the Great Rift Valley—this intimate camp offers a front-row seat to the greatest wildlife show on Earth . For guests of Beyond Kenya Safari, Bateleur Camp is not just a place to stay; it is a portal to an era of classic exploration, where every sunset is a toast to the wild and every game drive a brush with history.

An Iconic Location with Unrivalled Views

Bateleur Camp occupies one of the most coveted positions in the Masai Mara. Set within the private Kichwa Tembo concession, it neighbours the Masai Mara National Reserve, offering exclusive access to pristine wilderness that few get to experience . Meaning “head of the elephant” in Kiswahili, this concession is leased from Maasai landlords and explored almost exclusively by &Beyond guests .

The camp is perched at the foot of the Oloololo Escarpment, a location made famous by the film Out of Africa, which took its final bow here . From this elevated vantage point, the sweeping savanna stretches to the horizon, providing uninterrupted views of the Mara plains and the wildlife that roams them . This is a piece of the Mara, just for you.

See our must Go 4 days Fly Me to Masai Mara

Camp Layout: North and South

Unlike conventional lodges, Bateleur Camp is designed as two intimate camps—North and South—each with just nine luxury tents . This split layout ensures a sense of privacy and exclusivity, with each camp boasting its own pool, main dining area, and bar .

North Camp is more tucked away and private, ideal for those seeking solitude, while South Camp sits closer to the gym, spa, and the famous gin bar . Both camps offer the same level of luxury and service, allowing you to choose the atmosphere that suits your style.

Old-World Safari Glamour

Bateleur Camp is a masterpiece of design, blending vintage elegance with open-air adventure. The suites are a nod to the 1920s safari era, featuring hardwood floors, polished silver, and copper bathtubs juxtaposed against the romance of the open plains . Inside, you will find crystal decanters, leather chairs, and curated artefacts that whisper of the past .

Every detail honours the local culture. From wedding skirt ottomans to beaded rungu door handles, the decor is woven with artefacts handcrafted by Maasai artisans . The tents themselves have a classic canvas structure with pitched roofs, while the modern, glass conservatory-style bathrooms add a touch of contemporary luxury .

Key Room Features:

• Private Veranda with sunken seating area overlooking the plains .
• En-suite Bathroom with twin hand basins, shower, and copper bathtub .
• Butler Hatch for discreet morning coffee delivery .
• Family Unit: A two-bedroom option connected via a covered walkway, perfect for families .

Wildlife and the Great Migration

The Masai Mara is renowned for its astounding year-round concentration of wildlife, and Bateleur Camp is perfectly positioned to witness it all . The Kichwa Tembo concession lies directly in the path of Africa’s spectacular Great Migration, where vast herds of wildebeest and zebra move across the Mara in search of fresh grazing .

From July to October, the drama unfolds as if staged for you alone . However, even outside migration season, the camp offers exceptional game viewing. Expect to encounter the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—alongside cheetah, hyena, giraffe, and hippo . The birding is equally brilliant, with over 570 migrant and resident species recorded .

Staying at Bateleur Camp is about more than just sleeping in a tent; it is about immersive experiences that connect you with the soul of the safari.

• Twice-Daily Game Drives:-Morning and afternoon game drives are the cornerstone of the safari experience. Guides at Bateleur are instinctive and deeply knowledgeable, often having worked in the region for decades . Because the camp is on private land, you can enjoy off-road driving and night drives—activities that are not permitted inside the national reserve . This flexibility increases your chances of spotting elusive nocturnal predators like leopards and hyenas.
• Walking Safaris:-Connect with the African bush on foot. Guided bush walks offer a different perspective, allowing you to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem. Explore the riverine forest, follow the Mara Hippo Trail, or trek to the top of the Oloololo Escarpment for spectacular views of the reserve 500 metres below .
• Hot Air Balloon Safaris:-Float above the sweeping plains at sunrise with a hot air balloon safari. Drifting silently over the savanna, you will witness the landscape awaken as wildlife moves below. The experience concludes with a champagne breakfast in the bush—a truly magical way to start the day .
• Cultural Encounters:-Engage with the local Maasai community. Visit a traditional village, learn about their customs, and enjoy the welcoming warriors’ dance. The staff at Bateleur, many of whom are Maasai and grew up in the region, bring an authenticity to every interaction that enriches the experience .
• Wellness and Relaxation:After a thrilling day in the bush, unwind in the massage sala or work out in the well-equipped gym, all while keeping the Mara in frame . The camp’s swimming pools provide a refreshing sanctuary, while the craft gin bar—offering over 16 gins—is the perfect spot for a sundowner as giraffes graze in the istance .
• Dining Under the Stars:-At Bateleur Camp, meals are a celebration of local flavour and Kenyan hospitality. Dine on the deck, beside the pool, or out on the plains . The culinary team, led by chefs like the renowned Chef Jackson, prepare Pan-African cuisine with fresh ingredients . Breakfast is a highlight, served at linen-dressed tables overlooking the landscape, featuring everything from classic bacon and eggs to chapati wraps .
• Sustainability and Community:-&Beyond is a pioneer in sustainable tourism, committed to conservation and community empowerment. The Kichwa Tembo concession is a model of partnership with Maasai landlords, ensuring that tourism benefits the local community . The camp’s positive impact extends to wildlife protection and cultural preservation, ensuring that your stay contributes to a lasting legacy for the Mara .

Plan Your Stay with Beyond Kenya Safari

Bateleur Camp offers a safari experience that is both exclusive and deeply personal. Whether you are witnessing the thundering herds of the Great Migration, enjoying a bush breakfast with a view, or simply relaxing with a gin and tonic as the sun sets over the Rift Valley, Bateleur Camp is a destination that captures the heart and imagination.

Getting There

• By Air: Scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Kichwa Tembo’s private airstrip take approximately one hour, followed by a 30-minute game drive to the camp .
• By Road: A scenic drive from Nairobi, though flying is recommended for convenience.

Best Time to Visit

• Great Migration (July–October): Witness the dramatic river crossings and vast herds .
• Year-Round: The Masai Mara offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, with predator action particularly good during the dry season .

Explore More of Kenya with Beyond Kenya Safari

While Bateleur Camp offers the quintessential Masai Mara experience, Kenya is a country of diverse landscapes and wildlife. As part of the &Beyond family, we invite you to explore other iconic destinations.

• Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp: Bateleur’s sister camp, also located in the Masai Mara, offering a slightly different style but the same exceptional game viewing .
• &Beyond Suyian Lodge: Newly opened in the wild Laikipia region, Suyian Lodge offers a completely different experience. Here, you can search for the rare black leopard and encounter unique northern species like the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra. The lodge is set within the 44,000-acre Suyian Conservancy, a private wilderness with a strong focus on conservation and community .
• Suyian Homestead: For the ultimate private safari, Suyian Homestead is a sole-use villa in Laikipia, perfect for families or groups seeking an intimate and flexible experience. It offers the rare chance to see African wild dogs—the inspiration for the property’s name—and engage with Samburu culture .

&Beyond Bateleur Camp 2026 Rates

Season	Dates	Luxury Tent (Per Person)	Family Tent (Per Tent)
High Season	16 Jun – 31 Oct ; 21 Dec 2025 – 05 Jan 2026	US$ 2,520	US$ 8,820
Mid Season	11 Jan – 31 Mar ; 01 Nov – 20 Dec ; 06 – 10 Jan 2026	US$ 1,420	US$ 4,970
Low Season	01 Apr – 15 Jun	US$ 1,210	US$ 4,235

Rate Inclusions:
Accommodation, all meals, soft drinks, local beers, house wines and spirits, tea and coffee, twice-daily game drives, laundry, airstrip transfers, and a complimentary pair of Swarovski binoculars per room during stay.

Rate Exclusions:
Masai Mara National Reserve park fees, premium drinks, telephone calls, Safari Shop purchases, cigars, and all items of a personal nature.

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Practical Information

• Best time to visit:
  • July–October: For the Great Migration and dramatic river crossings.
  • November–March: Green season, newborn wildlife, fewer crowds.
• Getting there:
  • By air: Daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, followed by a short transfer.
  • By road: Approx. 5–6 hours’ drive from Nairobi.
• Rates & inclusions:
  • Includes accommodation, meals, drinks (except premium), daily game drives, airstrip transfers.
  • Excludes park fees, optional balloon safaris, and gratuities.

👉 Planning a family safari? See Alfajiri Villas or El Karama Lodge, ideal for private stays with children.

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Book Your Safari with Beyond Kenya Safaris

At Beyond Kenya Safaris, we design tailor-made itineraries that combine Bateleur Camp with other world-class destinations across Kenya—whether it’s the Samburu wilderness at Sarara Camp, the Laikipia Plateau, or a coastal escape on Diani Beach.

Let us handle every detail: flights, transfers, park fees, and personalised experiences—so you can simply immerse yourself in the adventure.

Your story begins here.

Enquire Now and let us craft your dream safari at Bateleur Camp.

Let Beyond Kenya Safari guide you through these incredible landscapes. From the classic elegance of Bateleur Camp to the northern wilds of Laikipia, your Kenyan adventure awaits.

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👉 Pair your stay at Bateleur Camp with another intimate property like Sarara Camp or Segera Retreat

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👉 For a similar experience in a more private conservancy, consider Serian’s Nkorombo Camp

👉 Looking for more safari inspiration? Explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, home to rhinos and unique conservation projects.

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👉 Extend your safari: Combine Laikipia’s wild north at Lewa Conservancy with andbeyond Bateleur with or Borana Ranch

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👉 After your Mara adventure, unwind on the coast at Alfajiri Villas perfect for a beach and bush safari combination.

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