Tucked deep in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger, Bateleur Safari Camp sits on its own 3,500-hectare property with no fences between it and Kruger National Park, so the wildlife roams freely. The camp hosts a maximum of 16 guests, keeping the experience relaxed, personal and all about the bush.

The real highlight here is the guiding. Each day starts at sunrise and picks up again mid-afternoon, with qualified, armed rangers and trackers leading Big Five game drives (with sundowners and spotlighting after dark) and walking safaris, where you may find yourself following fresh tracks on foot. Weather permitting, there’s also a hands-on bushcraft session where you’ll learn to light a fire and make rope from natural materials.

Bateleur is proudly eco-friendly, running on solar power with a chemical-free pool, and has a modern-yet-rustic feel where you can hear the wildlife from your bed. It’s a great-value Timbavati option for couples, solo travellers, small groups and wildlife photographers.

Safari Tents

Bateleur’s safari units sleep 2 to 4 guests each, with thatched A-frame roofs, canvas sides and large screened windows that let the bush right in. Inside you’ll find comfortable beds with quality linen and mosquito nets, a wardrobe, a safe, solar-powered lamps and fan, and plug points for charging camera batteries. Each has a covered private patio and a large en-suite bathroom with a hot-water shower, and some units also have a bath and a private outdoor shower. Around camp, there’s an open-sided deck with lounge and dining areas overlooking a dry riverbed and seasonal waterhole, a pool, a small library and a boma with a central fire.

Included:

Accommodation, three meals per day, tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices and drinking water, a small selection of local beers, wines and spirits, morning and afternoon/evening guided activities with rangers and trackers (game drives and walking safaris), and bushcraft and survival skills demonstrations.

Excluded:

Timbavati conservation levies and gate fees, top-shelf drinks, transfers to/from camp, gratuities and all items of a personal nature.

Good to know:

Minimum stay of 2 nights. Children aged 8 and under are not permitted at camp, and walking safaris are for guests aged 12 and older with an average level of fitness.