Places We Love: Bateleur Safari Camp

Bateleur Safari Camp is located in South Africa's world renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, an exceptional safari location. All artificial barriers between the Timbavati and the adjacent Kruger National Park have been removed and Bateleur Safari Camp itself shares unfenced borders with Kruger, allowing free animal movement.

This prime wilderness area boasts the Big Five, a large diversity of antelope species, the entire range of smaller predators, over 500 bird species, and a tremendous diversity of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. The landscape is typical of the undulating granitic Lowveld basin with large broad-leafed trees dominating the uplands, followed by Acacia woodlands, which give way to the large trees that form the riverine vegetation in the valley bottoms. Highly productive and open sodic areas dominate along the sandy riverbeds.

The Camp

Bateleur Safari Camp is ideal for couples, singles and small groups who are looking for a South African safari that simultaneously exceeds expectations and offers an up-close experience of the true African bush and wildlife. Bateleur is totally eco-friendly – full details regarding our ‘green’ policy are available on the website.

The feature of the camp’s central area is the covered, open-sided wooden deck that houses the lounge and dining areas and overlooks the riverbed and its seasonal waterhole. The comfortable lounge area is an ideal place for idle game viewing or relaxing with a good book and a cool drink between guided activities. Books are available from the library and drinks can be purchased from the bar. At meal times the dining area is the perfect location for enjoying sumptuous meals whilst absorbing the sights and sounds of the African bush. The wooden deck extends past the adjacent chemical-free swimming pool, which allows guests to cool off in the heat of the day without missing the wildlife and birdlife that frequent the area.

The central area is completed by a tastefully finished, low-walled boma area open to the stars with chairs set up around a central fireplace. This is an ideal place to relax around the fire and share stories of the day’s activities under a big African sky. Adjacent is the camp’s braai/barbeque area where food is often prepared by the chef on the open fire.

Accommodation At Bateleur Safari Camp

Accommodating up to 16 people, the camp offers very spacious, comfortable safari units with a unique design. Each unit has: a thatched A-frame roof with supporting gum-pole structure and covered patio; canvas sides with large windows offering fixed mosquito screens and roll-down flaps; double wooden front doors with fixed mosquito screens and roll-down flaps for the top half; a large en-suite bathroom.

The safari units vary in size, each sleeping 2-4 persons in comfort with spacious beds, quality linen, mosquito nets, bedside tables, solar powered bedside lamps, wardrobes, adequate storage facilities, secure safes for valuables and a solar powered fan for the hot weather. Plug points are provided for charging camera batteries. Each spacious en-suite bathroom has a flush-toilet, basin and a hot-water shower. Some units have an interior bath tub and a private outdoor shower. Quality towels are provided.

Activities at Bateluer Safari Camp

Guided activities take place every morning at sunrise and every afternoon-evening from mid-afternoon, all under the watchful guidance of qualified and armed rangers. All guided activities are undertaken on a consultative basis because Bateleur does not believe in sticking to a rigid one-size-fits-all approach. The experienced rangers tap into their intimate knowledge of local wildlife and weather conditions and then discuss the various options with the guests. Taking people’s different interests and energy-levels into account, the rangers tailor the guided activities to best accommodate everyone’s preferences.

Game Drives

Game drives are conducted morning and afternoon in the comfort of the camp's open safari vehicles. The afternoon drive makes a stop for sundowners, allowing guests to enjoy refreshments while watching a magical sunset.

Walking Safaris

Unlike other lodges, Bateleur Safari Camp give guests the opportunity to spend extended time in the African wilderness. There you can experience the fauna and flora up close under the watchful guidance of qualified rangers and trackers. Guests are encouraged to spend at least a little time on foot, as you'll get a completely different perspective.

Guided bush walks range in length between 3 and 6 hours once suitable tracks are located. Our journey generally begins when we find some interesting tracks to follow from the safari vehicle. Bateleur Safari Camp is fast becoming one of the premier Big 5 walking safari destination in southern Africa.

Getting There

The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park, extending over two provinces namely Mpumalanga and Limpopo province. Access to the reserve is by air or road travel. Guests may choose the luxury of flying into the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport or drive through the main Timbavati Enkhulu Gate.

Bateluer Safari Camp in A Nutshell

• Who should go: Bateleur Safari Camp is ideally suited to an unforgettable family and friends getaway, or for the first time safari traveller.
• When to go: Bateleur Safari Camp is a great camp to visit at any time of the year. However, the dry winter months (May to September) are preferable, to avoid any unwanted rain interruptions. However, the early green season (November to February) is filled with vibrant colours.
• How to get there: Guests may choose the luxury of flying into the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport or drive through the main Timbavati Enkhulu Gate.
• Suggested length of stay: I would recommend a minimum of three to four nights at Bateleur Safari Camp. Anything less will have you wishing you'd had more time.
• Insider Tip: Be sure to engage with your local tracker - these guys are the real deal and can unlock an entirely new perspective of the bush and its inhabitants.