The camp
Bateleur Camp is set at the edge of Maasai Mara. It reflects the ambiance of Kenyan explorers. Guest areas bring in the vast open spaces. Intriguing antiques, hand-crafted artefacts and keepsakes of bygone times mingle with cushy sofas and polished leather chairs. Shiny brass compasses, leather trunks and framed maps bring a poignant reminder of old world travellers on a similar journey, while bookshelves of bound tomes entertain and inform. The warm glow of torches and candles welcome you home from your evening drive. Fine china, crystal and silver sparkle in the torchlight as the aromas of delicious meals waft on the breeze. A deep, refreshing lap pool provides cool comfort in between game viewing adventures. Delicious meals are served in a memorable setting beneath the stars, followed by fireside port and cigars. Bush breakfasts and romantic sundowners on the edge of the Rift Valley offer an unforgettable African experience.
The essence of a safari game drive
At &Beyond, game drives are tailored to suit your preference, with a choice between shorter, twice-daily drives or one full-day game drive, with a stop for a picnic lunch. The game drives are carefully planned to anticipate the progress of the Great Migration, so you should not have to travel too far to see the vast herds. However, if the Migration has moved off, or the dramatic river crossings are in progress, you may choose to spend more time on the vehicle in order to maximise your chances of seeing this incredible phenomenon. When the Migration herds are not within easy reach, &Beyond’s properties are perfectly situated in some of the most remote and beautiful corners of the Serengeti, with game drives setting off in search of the exceptional resident game. Game drives are conducted in the Serengeti National Park, so off-roading and night drives are not permitted.
The essence of a specialist photographic safari
The Maasai Mara is one of the world’s most photogenic safari destinations. Uniquely customised vehicle offers unobstructed views that allow photographers to follow the action. You can also choose to book a specialist photographic guide who can give you tips on how to get the most out of your photographs. The art of capturing wildlife photographs is in the sharp understanding of animal behaviour. There is also the opportunity to photograph landscapes. An abundance of wildlife ensures you will snap prowling carnivores. The big cats and the famous black-maned Mara lions are the highlights of Maasai Mara. There are many other diverse species, including wildebeest, topi, kongoni, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelle, waterbuck and primates. The colourful bird life is also prolific, offering stunning opportunities for bird photography. These include various species of vultures, from Ruppell’s griffon to the outlandish lappet-faced vulture.
The essence of a hot air balloon safari
Experience the beauty of Masai Mara on a hot air balloon flight. Take off at dawn and float in whichever direction the morning winds take you. Your altitude may vary. From time to time the pilot must put more heat into the balloon. In between these burns, there is silence. Sweep your eyes across the plains. Dotted in between this lush terrain you can spot the heads of giraffes foraging from the top of trees and elephants swaying in the breeze. Probe further and you may see prowling predators. As you sail above the reserve, you are privy to the daily rituals of the wild things in their habitat. It is a beautiful experience to witness the intricacies of the Mara ecosystem and the harmonious coexistence of the vibrant flora and fascinating fauna. This is a once in a lifetime experience to really appreciate the spectacular magnificence of wild Africa.
The essence of sundowners in the bush
Enjoy the sundowner drinks in a beautiful location. Sip on a gin and tonic or a glass of champagne as the dusk deepens. The evening sounds of the bush will quieten as the species seek shelter and the predators begin to prepare for their hunts. Contemplating the silence, your eye is drawn to a herd of elephants making their way to a waterhole. The baby elephants tangle their trunks with their older siblings. The wildebeest trudge up the escarpment slope to the same liquid haven. Here the little ones stick closely to their mothers. Creating a wild backdrop, zebras and giraffe amble past each other. Warthogs go down on bended knee to forage in the brush. Cast your gaze further back and you may see jackal sneaking ever closer. This is a glorious time to relish the daily ritual of life in the wild as it unfolds naturally before you.
The essence of bush dining
Revel in the landscapes as you savour a meal served just like the African explorers of old. Enjoy an bush breakfast on the banks of the Mara River. Alternatively, choose to dine beneath open skies. There is nothing more thrilling than bush dining near the river’s edge with hippos grunting below or on the vast plains with views of the home of the wild. Your every whim is taken care of and your table set up in the wilds of Africa will make for an unforgettable dining experience. Cast your eyes to the skies for the fluttering of colourful wings or the glint of a myriad stars. Survey the scenery and tune in to an assortment of bird calls, rustles and other background noises typical of the African bush. Enjoy the ultimate dining adventure in the midst of an extraordinary natural setting that has become your own personal dining room.
The essence of the Maasai cultural visit
Immerse yourself in Maasai culture as you visit a village. Find yourself in the midst of the hustle and bustle of local life. Once you have drunk your fill of this experience, you can choose to browse through the Maasai Craft Centre. All proceeds go directly to the community. The tribe has modernised but still adheres to their culture. Established as warriors, their dance, clothing and handiwork are recognised worldwide. The Maasai used to move with their herds to pastures but these days they have built huts. They are pastoralists. Cattle is essential to them. A man’s success is measured by the number of cattle and offspring he has. As great a status and show of wealth the cattle are, they are also a vital food source. This glimpse of authentic Maasai culture is a fascinating experience of an ancient way of life that still flourishes today.
The essence of a guided river walk
Get a different perspective, from its insects and plants to the river creatures. Set off with a Maasai, who can predict the behaviour of any wildlife. The trail dissects a variety of landscapes. Enjoying an intimate experience of the lush forest and its colourful birdlife. Immerse yourself in the feel, smell, scenery and textures of wild Africa. Take note of the smaller creatures, such as dung beetles, chameleons and small gazelles that are the highlights of any walking safari. Gain fascinating insight into these creatures and other animals that might usually go by unnoticed. Contemplate the delicate intricacies of this diverse ecosystem, which is such an essential part of the Masai Mara. The river walk is also ideal for birding enthusiasts, with over 570 bird species found in the area, making it the ideal place for ornithologists to glimpse a rare Bateleur eagle or saddle billed stork.
The essence of a horseback safari
Horseback safari is an excellent way to explore the plains of Maasai Mara. This two-hour activity will take you up close to plains game. The rides take place either in the morning or the afternoon. This adventure provides an intense experience of Africa’s wildlife. Your eyes are drawn to prolific elephant, buffalo and plains game and, if you are lucky, perhaps you will even spot predators in the distance. Many of the horse safari rides in the Masai Mara are on short grass plains, allowing many opportunities for canters and gallops. Inhale the dust and survey the expanse as you gallop after zebra, canter next to wildebeest and trot next to towering giraffe. Blissfully cut off from the outside world, this experience is a magnificent opportunity to immerse yourself in the wild.
The essence of a safari game drive
Game drives are unforgettable due to the wildlife. With hills and plains, this is the quintessential African safari experience. Travellers can expect to encounter large numbers of animals year round. It is also common to see predator interaction. The Great Wildebeest Migration passes through the Mara for approximately three months each year. Game drives may last from a couple of hours to the whole day, with a picnic breakfast and lunch. If you are lucky enough to experience nature’s greatest spectacle, the Wildebeest Migration, it is a sight to behold. From July to November each year over two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle embark on a cyclical movement through the Mara, driven by rainfall and the subsequent availability of grazing. Throughout their journey, the wildebeest face tremendous threats, crossing rivers teeming with wily crocodiles and encountering an abundance of predators following closely behind them.
