Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Oloololo escarpment in southwestern Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, andBeyond Bateleur Camp offers an unparalleled safari experience, earning it the coveted title of the No. 1 hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure readers. This intimate retreat boasts just 18 tented suites and one deluxe family suite, fostering a low-key atmosphere where guests feel a deep connection to their surroundings and the dedicated staff, 70% of whom are recruited from neighboring Masai villages and many have served for over a decade. The camp prides itself on flexible, customized daily itineraries, allowing guests to set their own safari pace.

The immersive journey begins the moment a propeller plane touches down at Kichwa Tembo Airstrip. Guests are immediately greeted by their safari guide and a sleek vehicle, kick-starting the adventure with sightings of hippos, zebras, warthogs, and giraffes even before reaching the camp. Upon arrival, the breathtaking 180-degree views of the vast Masai Mara plain from the main building and guest tents truly underscore the scale and drama of the reserve. The all-Kenyan staff, including guest relations manager Grace Mwaisaka, chef “Magic” Jackson Mutuku, and waiter Joel Kariuki, ensure a warm, personalized welcome, embodying the Swahili phrases “karibu sana” (you’re very welcome) and “hakuna matata” (no worries).

Accommodation at Bateleur Camp consists of 18 Luxury Tents and one Luxury Family Tent, strategically spread across north and south locations, each offering panoramic views of the plains. Designed in a classic campaign style, these tents feature trunks, leather furniture, brass light fixtures, and canopied outdoor decks. Bathrooms are generously sized and luxurious, equipped with Jack-and-Jill sinks, walled toilets, indoor showers, and roll-topped brass tubs, which butlers can fill with bubbles for a relaxing soak after an afternoon safari. An outdoor shower, writing desk, and a fully stocked bar with local spirits, South African wines, and Kenya’s Amarula liquor complete the opulent setup.

The culinary experience at Bateleur Camp is a highlight, with Chef “Magic” Jackson and his team presenting a new, imaginative menu for lunch and dinner every day. Guests can indulge in fresh, flavorful dishes ranging from chicken shawarma boards and fish tacos to steak and duck confit. Children’s preferences are happily accommodated with options like pizza, cheeseburgers, and spaghetti al pomodoro. A particularly memorable experience might include a dinner prepared and served in a lamp-lit clearing in the woods, featuring spit-roasted lamb and local delicacies. Each day begins with the simple yet cherished ritual of piping-hot tea and coffee delivered to the tents in the pre-dawn darkness, preparing guests for their morning safari.

Beyond game drives, which often yield sightings of abundant wildlife such as newborn elephants, cheetah coalitions, and prides of lions, the camp offers a range of activities. Guests can enjoy an infinity-edged pool overlooking the Masa Mara, a gym, and a “massage sala” for spa treatments. The camp also facilitates early-morning hot-air balloon rides over the Masai Mara through Governor’s Balloon Safaris. Interactions with the local Masai community are sensitively arranged by a full-time Impact and Community Officer, Alex Oloonkishu, featuring authentic song and dance performances, opportunities to purchase handmade beadwork and carvings, and insightful walking safaris that provide a deeper understanding of Masai culture.

andBeyond’s commitment to community and conservation is integral to the Bateleur Camp experience, guided by its three founding principles: Care of Land, Care of Wildlife, and Care of People. Through its 30-year partnership with the Wild Impact program, andBeyond has directly conserved over one million acres, predominantly in Africa. Locally, this includes establishing several schools for Masai children, with one large boarding school educating nearly 600 kids and incorporating conservation lessons. The partnership also supports local medical facilities, running a nearby hospital that opened a maternity ward in August 2024, having already delivered 61 babies by March 2025. Additionally, a conservation trust actively restores degraded forests around Masai villages, installing cameras and establishing a nursery with close to 35,000 indigenous tree seedlings. Guests are encouraged to visit and contribute to these impactful projects.

Families are particularly well-catered for through the WILDChild program, tailored to reflect local culture. Children can engage in activities like learning fire-making from Masai bushmen, using handmade bows and arrows, and crafting Masai-style beaded bracelets. The staff are exceptionally warm and comfortable with children, even offering to wake them with hot chocolate and transport them to a bush breakfast so parents can enjoy an early hot-air balloon safari. While rooms are not ADA compliant, some are wheelchair accessible with assistance. Located a convenient 15-minute drive from Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, accessible via a one-hour flight from Nairobi, Bateleur Camp offers an accessible escape into the heart of the Masai Mara, with nightly rates starting from $1,210, all-inclusive.