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Reviews 132 • Excellent

Where to Stay

Bateleur Camp

from $2,595 per person per night for 2026/27

A private camp with exquisite service on the edge of the Mara Triangle

As part of the “andBeyond” Porfolio, and a sister property to Kichwa Tembo, Bateleur Camp is a more private luxury camp. Today, the camp’s vintage theme and Out of Africa glamour is the most recognisable, but the camp has significant plans to undergo a full refurbishment! Although it’s on the higher end of the price bracket, the camps warm hospitality and levels of service will be retained throughout the exciting changes, along with the charm and quintessential luxury that Bateleur has become known for.

The level of service is truly unbeatable

The price! And the rooms are a little dated… a full refurbishment is coming this year

About the location

Bateleur Camp is located outside of the northern part of the Mara Triange, on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment. It sits where the riverine forest and the Mara plains meet, providing an authentic dose of African wildlife all year round.

Seasonally, around the months of August, September and October, the Great Migration can be seen in the area around the camp!

Do see Parks & Regions on this page.

camp Layout

The camp is only five minutes from its siter camp, Kichwa Tembo. Both camps are entirely self sufficient with their own amenities and services, but guests at Bateleur Camp are able to use the facilities in Kichwa Tembo such as the pool and lounge areas. As more of an exclusive camp, Bateleur is smaller and more concentrated in terms of its layout.

Do see our new Bateleur Camp Picture Gallery further down this page.

Bateleur Camp Accomodation

Each luxury tent has its own private butler, to attend to any needs or requests after a long and exciting day out in the bush! Featuring large beds, soft lighting and modern furnishings, there has been no expense spared in the stunning canvased tents.

The outside areas are equally sumptuous with a comfortable seating area, outdoor copper bath tubs and the open grasslands as your backdrop!

Do see Best Safaris & Holidays on this page.

Wildlife & Activities at Bateleur Camp

Shared game drives can be done in the Masai Mara Reserve and in the private concession, which accommodates night drives and bush walks along the Mara River or Oloololo Escarpment.

A hot air balloon ride over the vast plains of the Masai Mara, cultural village tours and massages can also be arranged for guests at an additional cost.

Don’t miss our Bateleur Camp Wildlife Guide on this page.

How to book Bateleur Camp

Please call us in the UK on the usual +44 1525 840 149 or email info@theafricaspecialists.com to check availability, best prices and what adventures you have in mind. We can plan and arrange it all for you and have been for over 20 years!

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Where on the map is Bateleur Camp?

Bateleur Camp

Bateleur Camp, The Masai Mara map

Bateleur Camp Highlights

Just some of the highlights of this hand-picked The Masai Mara camp. Do call us direct for any other details or to help with planning and logistics.

Luxury Accommodation

18 luxury tents

Africa Adventure Holiday

game drives & hot air balloon options

Swimming Pool

swimming pool available

Private Dining

private dining available & private butlers per room

Wifi Internet

internet connection available

All ages welcome

all ages aged 11 & above welcome

Please go to either of our Tailormade Safari Trips pages to see a lot more safari trips, ideas and budgets.

What kind of wildlife should you expect to find around Bateleur Camp for 2026/27?

For 2026/27, we expect you’ll be able to find the following wildlife around the Bateleur Camp bearing in mind the quality of guiding, budgets, time of year and duration of stay all affect your chances of finding or seeing any of the following outstanding wildlife that dwell in this part of the The Masai Mara…

Don't miss our full Africa Wildlife Guide right here.

What are your best safari trips & itineraries to Bateleur Camp’s The Masai Mara for 2026/27?

Some of our most-popular tailor-made trips for the The Masai Mara that could include a stay at Bateleur Camp include...
Days10Days13

Duration

$4,000$6,000

Price Brackets (USD)

1 Honeymooners Delight

Africa, Kenya

Visits : Amboseli National Park, Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara Africa, Kenya

This itinerary contains a collection of remote and romantic camps in three Kenya’s best parks and coast resorts…… More…

12 Nights

FROM $5,500pp/pn

Honeymoons at Naibor Camp

2 Lions and Elephants

Africa, Kenya

Visits : Amboseli National Park, Nairobi, Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara Africa, Kenya

This well priced itinerary takes in two of Africa’s most famous parks…the Masai Mara and Amboseli. Witness the raw power of the Acacia studded Masai Mara and the famous wildebeest herds and… More…

12 Nights

FROM $4,500pp/pn

Lions at Governors Camp, Masai Mara

3 The Discerning Safari

Africa, Kenya

Visits : The Laikipia Plateau, The Masai Mara, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches Africa, Kenya

This exciting trip, just short of two weeks, will start up in the Laikipia Plateau where a wealth of safari activities and culture awaits! The next stop is the Masai Mara, where… More…

13 Nights

FROM $6,000pp/pn

The Laikipia Plateau, Kenya, Ol Malo Lodge

4 Plateaus and Plains

Africa, Kenya

Visits : The Laikipia Plateau, The Masai Mara Africa, Kenya

Fill your time with a wealth of safari activities in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, from a choice of horse and camel riding, game walks, mountain biking, hiking… you name it! After that, fly… More…

13 Nights

FROM $5,500pp/pn

Laikipia Plateau, Kenya, Sosian

5 Short and Sweet

Africa, Kenya

Visits : Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara Africa, Kenya

This itinerary gives you a short and sweet taste of an African safari! Spend the first three nights in Kenya’s famous Masai Mara, a national park renowned across all of Africa for… More…

10 Nights

FROM $4,000pp/pn

The Masai Mara

Don't miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the other best camps in The Masai Mara for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following camps for The Masai Mara for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any queries over them or to check availability.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$675$3,405

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars3Stars5

Our Rating

kenya

3 Nights

Mara Plains

The Masai Mara

As you walk over a wooden bridge to Mara Plains, the first glimpse of the camp is a very luxurious and sleek…

From $3,405 per person per night
See the hotel now
Mara Plains Camp. The Masai Mara, Kenya
kenya

4 Nights

Naibor Camp

The Masai Mara

Naibor Camp is a luxury tented camp in the heart of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. On the banks of the Talek…

From $1,110 per person per night
See the camp now
Naibor Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya
kenya

4 Nights

Angama Mara

The Masai Mara

Angama Mara and its views are certainly one of the picks of the properties in the Masai Mara! Balanced on the rim…

From $2,750 per person per night
See the camp now
Angama Mara
kenya

4 Nights

Ol Seki Hemingways Mara

The Masai Mara

Ol Seki is a luxury tented camp in the Naboisho Conservancy adjacent to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp, which…

From $1,305 per person per night
See the camp now
Ol Seki Hemingways Mara
kenya

4 Nights

Naboisho Camp

The Masai Mara

Sat in a peaceful and game-abundant conservancy bordering the Masai Mara Reserve, Naboisho Camp offers an intimate and authentic safari experience. The…

From $2,250 per person per night
See the lodge now
Naboisho Camp, The Masai Mara, Kenya
kenya

4 Nights

Rekero Camp

The Masai Mara

With river crossings metres away, an abundance of game all year round and the close roars of the resident Rekero lion pride…

From $1,450 per person per night
See the camp now
Rekero Camp, Dining with a view, Masai Mara, Kenya
kenya

3 Nights

Kicheche Mara Camp

The Masai Mara

Sat in the plains of the Mara North Conservancy, Kicheche Camp has been a favourite for big names over the years. The…

From $995 per person per night
See the camp now
Kicheche Mara Camp
kenya

3 Nights

Offbeat Mara Camp

The Masai Mara

This intimate tented camp is located in the Mara North Conservancy in an area of fantastic resident game including the Offbeat lion…

From $950 per person per night
See the camp now
Offbeat Mara Camp
kenya

3 Nights

Saruni Mara

The Masai Mara

Similar to its sister properties across Kenya, Saruni Mara is all about its exquisite views over the Mara plains! Sitting on top…

From $900 per person per night
See the hotel now
Saruni Mara
kenya

3 Nights

Richard’s River Camp

The Masai Mara

Set in the northern conservancy of the Masai Mara, Richard’s River Camp was set up in 2013, offering an intimate safari experience…

From $1,320 per person per night
See the camp now
Richard’s River Camp, sundowners, Masai Mara, Kenya
kenya

3 Nights

Little Governors’ Camp

The Masai Mara

As part of the Governors Portfolio, Little Governors’ Camp is a smaller and more intimate camp than its neighbour, Governors’ Main Camp….

From $1,830 per person per night
See the camp now
Little Governors' Camp
kenya

2 Nights

Saruni Wild

The Masai Mara

In contrast to the many luxury tented camps in the Mara, Saruni Wild Camp has refreshingly stripped back the lavish furnishings and…

From $900 per person per night
See the hotel now
Saruni Wild
kenya

3 Nights

Sand River Camp

The Masai Mara

Sand River camp is sat inside the Masai Mara Reserve, where the game is rich and plentiful all year round. Its name,…

From $1,275 per person per night
See the lodge now
Sand river camp 3 masai mara kenya
kenya

3 Nights

Mara Ngenche Camp

The Masai Mara

Mara Ngenche Tented Camp is a comfortable tented camp located at the meeting of the Mara and the Talek rivers in the…

From $715 per person per night
See the camp now
Mara Ngenche Camp, The Masai Mara, Kenya
kenya

3 Nights

Mara Expeditions Camp

The Masai Mara

Sat on a bend in the Ntiakitak River, Mara Expeditions Camp is a sweet and intimate tented camp, where safari meets comfort….

From $675 per person per night
See the camp now
Mara Expeditions Camp, The Masai Mara, Kenya
kenya

3 Nights

Kichwa Tembo

The Masai Mara

As part of the “andBeyond” Porfolio, Kichwa Tembo is of course, a luxury tented camp with a modern décor and a sleek…

From $1,335 per person per night
See the hotel now
Kichwa Tembo
kenya

3 Nights

Karen Blixen Camp

The Masai Mara

This camps sits in the heart of the Mara North Conservancy and as part of the Out of Africa Collection, it has…

From $825 per person per night
See the camp now
Karen Blixen Camp
kenya

3 Nights

Governors’ Il Moran Camp

The Masai Mara

Governors’ Il Moran Camp, in terms of its luxury, is a step up from its sister properties, Governors’ Main and Little Governors…

From $1,595 per person per night
See the camp now
Governors' Il Moran Camp
kenya

3 Nights

Elephant Pepper Camp

The Masai Mara

Sat in the Mara North Conservancy, Elephant Pepper Camp is a small and cosy tented camp in the heart of the game….

From $1,125 per person per night
See the camp now
Elephant Pepper Camp
kenya

3 Nights

Cottar’s 1920s Camp

The Masai Mara

Cottar’s 1920 Safari Camp is a timeless classic…literally! The Cottars family have been operating luxury tented safaris since 1919, and almost 100…

From $2,000 per person per night
See the camp now
Cottar's 1920s Camp
kenya

3 Nights

Governors’ Camp

The Masai Mara

Governors’ Camp, in a nutshell, is all about its location, location, location. The camp, which was once reserved exclusively for Kenya’s colonial…

From $1,000 per person per night
See the camp now
Governors' Camp

When is the best time to stay at Bateleur Camp in 2026/27?

Generally speaking, as the Bateleur Camp is in The Masai Mara, we recommend booking stays here with us any time on the following timescales — depending on your preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then do call us any time to check your plans, costs and best options for a fantastic Bateleur Camp stay in the 2026/27 season…

January fair

Visiting in January 2026/27

The front end of the year is the first clear month of weather after the short rains of November and December and, as such, is a great time to head to Kenya for a safari. Dry, clear days offer excellent game viewing and, as it not the season of the wildebeet migration, properties are not running at their fullest.

Activities & Events

Head to the Masai Mara for great resident game viewing, in particular in the Greater Mara Concessions.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear skies and mid-20s temperatures
  • + Parks are quieter without the migration herd visitors
  • + Often well priced properties
  • –  Migration herds are not in the Masai Mara

Top Tips for January 2026/27

  • + Look to combine a couple of parks for the best experience

February fair

Visiting in February 2026/27

February is another great month to head to Kenya if you are looking to experience great game without the wildebeest migration visitors. With good weather, good grass cover and plenty of predator action, Kenya offers an excellent winter safari and beach option.

Activities & Events

The Mara is still the main focus for game viewing with other parks such as Amboseli and the Laikipia Plateau also offering a good quality safari.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Dry and warm weather
  • + Really good game viewing
  • + Fewer tourists at this time of year
  • –  Game numbers aren’t near the migration herd season

Top Tips for February 2026/27

  • + A lovely time to visit some of the less known areas

March mixed

Visiting   in March 2026/27

March is the last of the months with good weather before the main rains of April and May break. Temperatures and humidty tend to start creeping up as the month goes on with rain coming at the back end. This being said, game viewing is still very good.

Activities & Events

Very good and reliable game viewing across the country as the last month of the short dry season pushes animals to the water sources.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Warm and dry weather in the main
  • + Camps are running at 50% occupancy in some cases
  • + Good value for money
  • –  The end of the month can bring rains

Top Tips for March 2026/27

  • + A superb Easter holiday break for the family!

April mixed

Visiting in April 2026/27

April heralds the start of the main rains in Kenya and, as such, many of the properties close their doors for maintenance and to give staff a deserved break. This being said, the early part of the month is a photographers delight with stormy skies and moody vistas.

Activities & Events

Game driving in the Mara is still possible although viewing can be sporadic amongst heavy downpours.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The country is at its quietest for visitors
  • + Low season rates for the few properties that remain open
  • –  Heavy rains disturb the game viewing

Top Tips for April 2026/27

  • + Ideally it is worth considering an alternative time of the year

May mixed

Visiting in May 2026/27

The second of the main rainy months in Kenya is normally avoided if at all possible as the game viewing and lodge availability can be very mixed. One of the upsides is that, due to the low visitor numbers, the properties that are open sell at a much lower price point.

Activities & Events

For the intrepid few the open grasslands of the Mara can still offer some game viewing…mainly of grumpy lions!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Temperatures are still warm albeit humid
  • + Still a good time for photographers
  • –  Heavy rains can spoil the game viewing potential

Top Tips for May 2026/27

  • + Another month to avoid if possible

June great

Visiting in June 2026/27

The arrival of June brings an end to the long rains in Kenya and, with it, the promise of the arrival of the great migration herds from the Serengeti. While the high grasses make game viewing harder, it is a very picturesque time to travel with healthy animals and cool temperatures.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara and across in Amboseli is particularly rewarding.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear skies and mild temperatures
  • + Healthy and happy game viewing
  • + Low season rates and fewer visitors make for good value
  • –  Just a little early for the great migration herds

Top Tips for June 2026/27

  • + June is a good time to visit on a budget

July best

Visiting in July 2026/27

July is the start of Kenya’s “main” season…when the great migration herds arrive from the Serengeti and mingle around the rivers and waterways of the Mara grasslands. This is to witness one of the largest gatherings of mammals on the planet…and it is quite a sight! 

Activities & Events

Migration viewing is the main event at this time of the year with river crossings, predation and wildebeest everywhere.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather
  • + Outstanding game viewing in the Mara with the wildebeest
  • + Areas such as Laikipia and Amboseli are also very good
  • –  This is the Mara at its busiest for visitors as well

Top Tips for July 2026/27

  • + You will need to get in early for the best properties

August amazing

Visiting in August 2026/27

The second of the busy months in Kenya, August is probably the Mara at itse very fullest as far as both animals and visitors are concerned…it is mayhem! This being said, there are still pockets of privacy to be had such as in the conservancies or down on the Serengeti borders.

Activities & Events

For many, the migration is the only reason to head to this area of the world but it is worth considering Lewa Downs for a more private and less frantic safari as well.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Right in the heart of the dry season for weather
  • + Animals are everywhere!
  • –  Prices are at their peak in the month

Top Tips for August 2026/27

  • + Consider booking in a couple of areas

September great

Visiting in September 2026/27

September is often the pick of the months to travel almost anywhere in Africa as the weather is always warm and stable, the game viewing is excellent and the prices and visitor numbers tend to fall after the bun fight that is August.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara is as good as it gets with wildebeest starting to consider their move south once more.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear and dry weather with temperatures starting to rise
  • + Outstanding game viewing in the Mara and throughout
  • + Fewer visitors in this window when compared with July/August
  • –  Prices are still pretty elevated

Top Tips for September 2026/27

  • + Look to book towards the end of the month

October still good

Visiting in October 2026/27

October, along with September, is a great time to travel to the Masai Mara if you are looking to see the great migration herds without the high visitor numbers in July and August. The temperatures are starting to rise and rains at the back end of the month can trigger the herds’ movement south again.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara Reserve and up in the Laikipia Plateau are still highly recommended.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Temperatures are creeping upwards
  • + The last month for the great migration herds
  • + Fewer visitors result in lower prices
  • –  Rain arrives at the end of the month

Top Tips for October 2026/27

  • + Aim to visit in the first half of the month for the migration

November fair

Visiting in November 2026/27

November is the start of the short rains in Kenya and, as the rains arrive, so the migratory wildebeest herds start their long walk to the southern grasslands of the Serengeti once again. This is still a good time for seeing the resident herds that remain.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara plains is still possible and, if you are lucky, the herds may feint to the south and return north at the start of the month.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mild if wetter weather arrives
  • + Rain arrives to bring life and greenery to the parched landscape
  • + Low season rates kick in
  • –  Wildebeest herds will have left by the middle of the month

Top Tips for November 2026/27

  • + Book at the start of the month for herds and low prices

December fair

Visiting in December 2026/27

The end of the year brings the short rains in earnest to the Kenya plains and, as such, many of the properties close for the month to repair and renew after the main season. Game is still very good, however, in the Mara and other main areas of the country for those willing to tollerate the sporadic downpours.

Activities & Events

The December period is a great time for birding in particular as the migratory species arrive from Europe.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The parks are empty in the front end of the month
  • + Fantastic birding
  • –  Can be muggy and hot at this time of the year
  • –  Rain can spoil a game drive on occasion

Top Tips for December 2026/27

  • + A good month for some winter sun on the coast
Don’t miss our full When to Visit kenya guide on our main kenya page.

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

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We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

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Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
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Old Main Content

Nick/FiFi : This is the ‘old’ (imported) main content. Fi : This is what we’re copying up to the new hotel accordions.

Location

Bateleur Camp is located outside of the northern part of the Mara Triange, on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment. It sits where the riverine forest and the Mara plains meet, providing an authentic dose of African wildlife all year round. Seasonally, around the months of August, September and October, the Great Migration can be seen in the area around the camp!

Layout

The camp is only five minutes from its siter camp, Kichwa Tembo. Both camps are entirely self sufficient with their own amenities and services, but guests at Bateleur Camp are able to use the facilities in Kichwa Tembo such as the pool and lounge areas. As more of an exclusive camp, Bateleur is smaller and more concentrated in terms of its layout.

Rooms

Each luxury tent has its own private butler, to attend to any needs or requests after a long and exciting day out in the bush! Featuring large beds, soft lighting and modern furnishings, there has been no expense spared in the stunning canvased tents… which will only get better as of early 2017. The refurbishment will see the likes of larger private verandahs, new bath tubs offering unobscured views out over the Mara, two new pools, a gym and a spa!

Activities

Shared game drives can be done in the Masai Mara Reserve and in the private concession, which accommodates night drives and bush walks along the Mara River or Oloololo Escarpment. A hot air balloon ride over the vast plains of the Masai Mara, cultural village tours and massages can also be arranged for guests at an additional cost.

MORE PHOTOS >>

Bateleur Camp