andBeyond Bateleur Camp

Originally opened as an andBeyond property in 1998, this mainstay in the Masai Mara is located on one of the film sites for Out of Africa, at the foot of the Oloololo escarpment, and it is known for its veteran staff, great access to the best private game viewing and more social safari lodge atmosphere.

• The historic feel of the lodges and tents, reminiscent of Out Of Africa
• The location on a private concession with access to the Mara Triangle and the Masai Mara National Reserve, which means guests have the best of both worlds: private land for sundowners, walking and night drives, and access to some of the very best game viewing in Kenya (and, some would argue, East Africa)
• The buzzy, social atmosphere in the main lodges, one of which has its own gin bar

Originally opened in 1998, andBeyond Bateleur is a classic Masai Mara lodge. This fenced property has a beautiful forested location at the base of the Oloololo escarpment and offers guests the convenient option for game-viewing and activities in three different places: the Kichwa private concession, on which they are located, the more exclusive Mara Triangle or the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Kichwa private concession allows for off-roading and more activities such as sundowners, bush dinners, night drives and walking. The Mara Triangle offers more exclusive game viewing, with a maximum of five vehicles at a sighting—but it limits off-roading to cat sightings. And the Mara National Reserve, while possibly the most well-known, is also the busiest, with the highest vehicle density. In peak season, the vehicle lineup at the gates to the National Reserve can be long, but andBeyond has their own private access road, so their guests need not worry. To have three different options for game-viewing is ideal and allows guests to pick and choose their own adventure each day. The camp is also not far from the Governor’s hot air balloon launch site, which is convenient for those looking to experience the sunrise hot air balloon and get a different perspective of the Mara.

The fenced property is made up of a total of 18 tents broken out across two camps—North and South Camp—each with nine tents (and North Camp has one Family Tent). Both camps have a main lodge with dining and lounge areas and a pool, but they share the spa, gym and shop. The tents are compact but well-designed, with a bed that faces out to the Mara and the cushioned outdoor lounge area with armchair seating. There is a curtained-off bathroom and changing area, with an indoor copper tub and outdoor shower. Each tent comes with a private butler and housekeeper to take care of you during your stay. The camp has a historic feel reminiscent of Out of Africa, with handcrafted furniture, leather-buttoned Chesterfield sofas, hardwood floors, polished silver, plaid textiles and antiques—and, in fact, the campsite is located in one of the areas where the movie was originally filmed.

The food is fresh, much of it grown in the on-property shamba or garden, and the staff is warm, welcoming and seasoned. Many members of the team have been at the property for upwards of 15 to 20 years.

The overall vibe of the camp is a bit busier and buzzier, so it may be attractive for social couples and families, younger couples, honeymooners and groups of friends. The team is great at catering to larger groups, and the camp is often bought out for celebration trips such as weddings.