Summary
Expect the Unexpected
At andBeyond Bateleur Camp, guests should anticipate delightful surprises throughout their stay. During our initial game drives, my partner struggled to capture the wildlife using his outdated iPhone XR while I took stunning photos with my newly acquired mirrorless Leica camera. Noticing his frustration, our guide Jeremy introduced an innovative adapter, transforming his iPhone into a powerful photography tool with a telephoto lens. Consequently, Oscar began to capture breathtaking close-ups, even surpassing my attempts.
Our guide, Jeremy, not only guided us but was also a skilled wildlife photographer. This unexpected duality enriched our experience at Bateleur Camp, reminding us how surprises can elevate a trip into an extraordinary adventure.
Animals Up Close and Personal
Upon our arrival at noon, we quickly settled into our accommodation and made our way to lunch. Within moments, we were joined by a family of warthogs, casually dining just a few feet away. This remarkable encounter made it feel as though we were sharing our meals in a restaurant with the wild.
Throughout our stay, numerous animal encounters reminded us that we were guests in their home. One afternoon, while chatting on the phone, a playful monkey caught my eye, climbing nearby trees. Each sighting of wildlife served as a gentle reminder of the camp’s harmonious coexistence with nature.
Conservation Efforts
Situated in Kenya’s renowned Maasai Mara, andBeyond Bateleur Camp is part of a greater conservation initiative led by a company committed to luxury travel that benefits the planet. Their mission, encapsulated in the tagline “leaving the world a better place,” hinges on three core pillars: people, land, and wildlife.
One outstanding aspect of Bateleur’s community impact is their support for Maasai women, historically dependent on their husbands for income. To empower them, andBeyond equipped a group with beehives and provided training on honey extraction. Now, the camp purchases this honey, thereby providing a sustainable income source for these women, and benefiting the local community.
Ultra-luxe Amenities
After our final evening game drive, I returned to our tent eager for a warm bath. To my delight, I discovered that our butler, William, had already filled the tub, complete with both bath bubbles and a glass of bubbly. This thoughtful gesture exemplified the exceptional service at Bateleur.
The camp offers an array of luxury amenities, including a gin bar, an infinity pool with stunning views of the plains, and a massage sala where guests can unwind while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. It is undoubtedly a serene oasis in the African wilderness.
While saying goodbye was bittersweet, it was heartening to know I had found a gem of a destination that I would wholeheartedly recommend, cherishing the memories created for years to come.
