Bateleur Camp | The Masai Mara One Of Kenya’s Best Safari Lodges

I look around my spacious tent, which is surrounded by thick forest at the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve. I’m at Bateleur Camp, located at the foot of the scenic Oloololo Escarpment at the rim of the Great Rift Valley, just below where the famous closing scene of Out of Africa was filmed. I gaze over the vast plains of the Masai Mara. In the distance I can see dark spots, heralding the approach of the migrating wildebeest. Tomorrow morning, I’ll be following their trails like the explorers of old, finding my own path in the wilderness of Africa.

I open my eyes to the fast growing light of an equatorial dawn as a chorus of unfamiliar birds announces the new day. It takes me a while to register that I’m in a tent, so comfortable are my surroundings. A soft call signals the arrival of Thomas, my private butler, who delivers a tray of steaming Kenyan coffee and homemade biscuits. I take a moment to lie in, enjoying the softness of my four-poster bed as the bush unveils its secret life. I can’t resist the rich coffee aroma long, so soon I stretch lazily before wrapping myself in a plush gown and padding across the carpeted floor to my verandah. As I sink into a deep leather chair I freeze. A herd of elephant is wandering past, close enough to get a whiff of their wild odour; in the distance I spot a giraffe browsing from a tree. After absorbing this show of nature it’s time to get ready for the morning’s activities, so I gently wake my partner before meandering to the bathroom, which has a stone-walled hot shower and – a thoughtful feature for someone who doesn’t like sharing – twin hand basins. Showered and invigorated, we walk towards the lodge and the smell of warm croissants. We don’t linger longer than it takes to notice an inviting Chesterfield sofa and the interesting keepsakes of long-ago times next to it. Instead – as per Chef’s suggestion last night – we’ll enjoy a lavish bush breakfast, complete with white linen and antique silverware, right next to the wildebeest.

I love the intimacy of Bateleur Camp; with just nine tents, individually tucked away among the trees, you have a sense of being alone in the bush, yet you know the attentive staff are discretely anticipating your every need. I also appreciate how every effort has been made to make me comfortable, right down to the reclining leather seats on the spacious four-seater vehicles, which let me stretch out. There are also many ways to experience the wilderness here, from exclusive walking trails to hot-air ballooning. And finally I value the knowledge that by staying at this fantastic Kenyan safari lodge, I’m helping towards their goal of leaving a positive legacy through conservation, local entrepreneurship and environmentally-conscious living.

• Intimate, exclusive camp – of just nine luxurious tented rooms – with swimming pool in the game-rich Masai Mara.
• Private concession, private butler service, personalised menu, only four guests per safari vehicle, private vehicles available (additional cost) and opportunities to see the Great Wildebeest Migration.
• Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, bush dinners, bush breakfasts, hot-air ballooning (additional cost) and cultural visits (additional cost).
• Children 12 years and older have access to all activities while special activities arranged for younger children. Babysitting available (additional cost).

• Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
• It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
• Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
• However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.