andBeyond Bateleur Camp, recently recognized as the No. 1 hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure readers, offers an intimate and low-key luxury safari experience within Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp features only 18 tented suites and one deluxe family suite, thoughtfully split across two locations to maintain an exclusive atmosphere. A remarkable 70 percent of the staff are recruited from neighboring Maasai villages, and many have dedicated over a decade to the camp, fostering an environment of confidence and camaraderie that guests deeply appreciate. This dedication to local employment is complemented by the warm Swahili phrases like “karibu sana” (you’re very welcome) and “hakuna matata” (no worries) that guests frequently hear.

Guest itineraries at Bateleur Camp are designed to be flexible and customized daily, allowing visitors to set their own safari schedules—a distinct advantage over lodges with more rigid programs. The safari experience often begins immediately upon arrival; a typical journey from Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, a mere 15-minute drive from the camp, can include immediate sightings of hippos, zebras, warthogs, and giraffes, even before check-in. The camp itself is majestically situated at the foot of the Oloololo escarpment, which forms a natural boundary to the northwestern edge of the 580-square-mile park. The main building and most of the guest tents boast breathtaking 180-degree views of the expansive plains, stretching as far as the eye can see.

The 18 Luxury Tents, along with the Luxury Family Tent (two tents joined by a living space), all overlook the stunning plains of the Masai Mara. Each tent is decorated in a classic campaign style, featuring trunks, leather furniture, and brass light fixtures, evoking a sense of timeless adventure. Canopied outdoor decks provide upholstered seating and a table, perfect for observing wildlife that occasionally strolls by, sometimes just a hundred yards away. Inside, guests can choose to lower or leave open rollaway canvas screens with mosquito netting at night, enabling a truly immersive experience with the sounds of the bush. The bathrooms are large and luxurious, equipped with Jack-and-Jill sinks, a walled toilet, an indoor shower, and a large, roll-topped brass tub often prepared with bubbles by the butler. A spacious outdoor shower, writing desk, and a well-stocked bar with local beers, spirits, South African wines, and Kenya’s classic Amarula liquor complete the amenities.

Despite its small size, the dining experience at Bateleur Camp is diverse and exceptional. Chef “Magic” Jackson Mutuku and his team present new lunch and dinner menus daily, with Chef Jackson personally discussing choices with guests after breakfast. The food is consistently imaginative, fresh, and flavorful, ranging from chicken shawarma boards and fish tacos to steak and duck confit. Children’s preferences are enthusiastically catered to, with options like pizza, cheeseburgers, or spaghetti al pomodoro readily available. A memorable highlight is often a lamp-lit dinner in a clearing in the woods, where roasted lamb on a spit and local dishes of vegetables, rice, and beans are served. However, many guests find the simplest culinary moment to be the most cherished: the pots of piping-hot tea and coffee delivered through a tent-side hatch in the pre-dawn darkness, waking them up for their morning safari.

Beyond game drives, Bateleur Camp offers a range of activities and facilities. Guests can enjoy an infinity-edged pool with panoramic views of the Masa Mara, a gym, and a “massage sala” for spa treatments. Access to the nearby, larger andBeyond Kitchwa Tembo lodge provides an even larger pool and a boutique selling safari-appropriate clothing and handmade items. Interactions with the Maasai community are handled with great sensitivity by a full-time Impact and Community Officer. These cultural exchanges include song and dance performances around a campfire or in the dining area, followed by opportunities for guests to purchase handmade beadwork, textiles, and wood-carvings directly from villagers. The Impact and Community Officer, Alex Oloonkishu, also leads walking safaris around the camp, offering a chance to stretch one’s legs and delve deeper into Maasai culture. For a truly unforgettable experience, early-morning hot-air balloon rides over the Masai Mara can be arranged through Governor’s Balloon Safaris.

The camp is also renowned for its family-friendly offerings, particularly the