andBeyond Bateleur Camp

It was an amazing experience!!! The tent is so special, so chic! The camp structure (lounge, restaurants, pools, shop & gym) is so beautiful! Full of elegant details. The entire staff (chef, waiter, managers, rangers, etc) are very friendly and very professional). Love the fact that they are all local. The game drives were great, we saw SO MUCH!

We stayed at &Beyond Bateleur Camp in the Maasai Mara for the first leg of our honeymoon, and it was absolutely incredible. Within our first two days, we saw four of the Big Five, thanks to our amazing guide Mai Tai, who was not only knowledgeable but also made every drive an unforgettable experience. The hospitality at the camp was beyond exceptional. Our villa butler, Cedric, exceeded all expectations—surprising us with thoughtful touches like a warm bath after game drives, private dinners at the villa, and breakfasts brought right to our tent. The camp host, Grace and bartender Joseph, was equally wonderful, always so sweet and accommodating, making us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The combination of the wildlife, luxury, and genuine warmth of the staff made us feel truly at home. The rooms were very clean and well kept, far enough from each other that it felt incredibly private and perfect for a romantic getaway. This was one of the most memorable parts of our honeymoon, and we cannot wait to return in the near future.

Wow. There are not enough words to describe how incredibly special this place is.||We visited on our honeymoon and expected this would be the most adventurous and least comfortable portion—we were wrong about least comfortable! This property is unbelievably appointed for a safari camp in the middle of the Masai Mara. It’s hard to believe you’re in an actual tent as you step out of the copper bathtub or onto the deck looking onto the plains.||The room is well-appointed and meticulously maintained. The bed and comforter were so comfortable and the fully-stocked (and fully-inclusive) minibar + sherry table were thoughtful touches to an already sumptuous room. The outdoor shower was another highlight with the same expansive views as you get from the bed and deck.||The food was fresh and delicious at every meal. From meat to vegetarian dishes to seafood, nothing was too much for the kitchen. Packed lunches for all-day safaris and coffee treats were another highlight. At one point, I jokingly mentioned we’d love roast duck on a game drive when asked if chicken sandwiches were OK (they were delicious)—the next dinner, roast duck was on the menu…it was superb.||But more than anything, what sets Bateleur apart is its wonderful team. From phenomenal massages at the on-site spa (thanks, Sylvia!) to stellar gin & tonics (thanks, Lucian!), we felt pampered at every turn. Special shoutouts to Grace (manager), Zippy (butler), Little Joe (room steward), and Jackson/Michael (chefs) for making every moment at camp a special one. We loved our unexpected candlelight dinner, the warm welcomes home from safari, and the general cheerfulness that truly made the place feel special.||And of course, a huge ‘thank you’ to our guide, Puya. Aside from his expert driving, Puya was full of scientific and zoological knowledge, local wisdom, and he navigated us long distances to be sure we had the best chance to see the animals we wanted to see. The property is maximally flexible on “how” you safari (early morning, late rise, all-day, evening only, etc.). When we told Puya we wanted to see a leopard and a cheetah, he said let’s wake up early and go find them. We saw two leopards (and a cheetah), including a leopard that walked right past our vehicle in what is probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And we saw two rhinos + every other Big Five animal and more. Puya made it all possible. Our drive back from our all-day safari traversed through local towns and it was amazing to see “real life” in the vicinity, too.||We will be dreaming of this experience for years to come. And hopefully we will be back to do it all again at this property and others with &beyond. Thank you all so much!

How can a safari camp possibly be so elegant and luxurious – yet warm and rustic, all at the same time? Instead of being ushered into a lobby upon arrival, we were served an elegant and beautiful cool drink and settled into overstuffed armchairs in a large, graceful sitting room decorated with vintage tapestries, artwork, and objects from a bygone era. Yet this room was outside! Amid lush greenery and overlooking the Maasai Mara. I try not to over-emphasize the luxurious accommodations we enjoyed on our safari adventure, instead focusing on the wildlife, nature, landscapes, and wonderful people. But I have to say that our rooms (cottages) were unbelievable-over-the-top amazing. Spacious, absolutely gorgeous and well-appointed, including the free-standing copper tub, huge walk-in shower and outdoor shower, sitting area, porch overlooking the Maasai Mara. The Bataleur team was beyond incredible – so kind, so joyful, so responsive to our every need. Esther was there to welcome us, to say farewell and in-between it seemed she was never far away to respond to every request, however small. Esther, James, Meshack, William, Maxwel, Bridgit server, Fred, Deborah, Big Joseph, Lazarus, George – and I fear I am leaving someone out – thank you all so much for this magical experience I will never forget! Asante Sana!

Very cosy camp in Masai Mara. Facilities are great with super professional staff! Very well positioned to go watch the Great Migration and more. Our guide (Nicholas) was very very knowledgeable and we witness incredible sceneries at each game drive!

In the heart of the beautiful Maasai Mara reserve. Wilson, our game drive guide, took us out multiple times a day. We saw hundreds of elephants, lions and cubs, giraffes, cheetahs, crocs, hippos, birds. Every day was a new adventure. Food was spectacular. It was magic falling asleep each night to roaring lions. Simply incredible. Wilson, Grace, Lazarus, Lewis all made our stay so comfortable and magical.

Andbeyond Bateleur Camp was without a doubt the best place we have every stayed. With endless views of the Maasai Mara, this hotel is nestled in a beautiful surrounding and provides 5-star service day-in, day-out. ||The rooms are impeccable and are the epitome of luxury, complete with outdoor terrace, and a beautiful outdoor shower. The food is absolutely outstanding, with creative and delicious options provided for all 3 meals. There is even a pool where you can relax between game drives. ||The camp employs local Maasai tribespeople which is a nice touch and adds a local flair. ||This place is a must stay for all safari adventures in the maasai mara. It is highly exclusive and provides a safe haven retreat after long game drives. There is nowhere else i'd stay in the maasai mara! ||A special shoutout to Richard the manager who made our trip very memorable, to "Little Joe" our housekeeper who added lots of nice and special touches to our room and stay. Huge shout out to Nicholas (Nick) our amazing safari guide and to Erick his intern who provided boundless knowledge and safety during all our game drives. and for making every minute fun, engaging and magical. We can't wait to come back!

Bateleur is a must stay. Every detail was perfect. This was truly a luxurious yet down to earth experience for the discriminating traveler.||||From the moment we landed at the Kichwa Tembo airstrip, I knew I had made a perfect choice. Following a short drive to the camp, we were welcomed by more of the very professional and warm staff and treated to a performance of native songs and dances.||||The rooms were beyond my extremely discriminating expectations. I had previously stayed at Elsa's Kopje and Sasaab so was a little nervous about going to a tented camp--but it was perfect. Every detail from the down comforter to the plush feather pillows--the mattress was the most comfortable that I slept on in Kenya, including Giraffe Manor and beach resorts. This was as pleasurable a stay as I have had in any 5 star hotel (Four Seasons, Dorchester, One and Only, etc.).||||The food was delicious. Kudos to the Chef and our extremely knowledgeable and courteous waiter Boniface.||||I save the best for last--the game drives were the experience of a lifetime. We saw every animal that you would want to see and more. Our guide Douglas was thoroughly knowledgeable and should be requested as your guide.||||Any questions please feel free to email me at 212luxtravels@gmail.com||||Definitely visit Bateleur!!!||||Rachel in NYC