The best way to learn from the bush,
is to learn in the bush.
GUIDED ACTIVITIES
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.
Open Safari Vehicles
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.
Please note: Walking activities are only permitted for children aged 12 years and older. This is stated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve's Standard Operating Procedures and we must abide by this rule.
Amazing Staff & Thrilling Encounters
The Bateleur staff compliment, boasts a host of qualifications all of which are current and ensure guest safety. This wide range of qualifications allows for flexibility that caters to a variety of interests, ensuring that guest expectations are met and each visit becomes a true, African adventure. Guests include for those who are first timers to South Africa and want to see as much game as possible, as well as those who want to absorb the finer detail of the bush on foot.
Bateleur operates in a prime Big 5 area. There are unfortunately no guarantees for what species will be encountered, since the animals appear to have no concern over whether they’re seen or not. What is guaranteed though, is a never to be forgotten bush experience, all made possible by the amazing Bateleur staff, who go the extra mile to exceed expectations.
Time to Unwind
As an eco-friendly safari camp, Bateleur makes every effort to conserve, reuse and recycle as much as possible. The camp exists within the natural environment and it’s not uncommon to spot some of the wildlife wondering through the camp. This is a peaceful place, without the crowds where guests are invited to relax and unwind.
GAME DRIVES
Traditional guided game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles. This gives guests the opportunity to get closer to the animals for photographic purposes. After sundowners and once it starts to get dark, a spotlight is used to search for nocturnal creatures. Please note that in order to preserve the environment, the vehicles only deviate from the designated reserve roads when sensitive soils are not affected.
BUSH WALKS
The guided bush walks are led by qualified and armed rangers. Every walk is its own adventure, with the emphasis on information relating to all the wonders of nature, big and small. The walks provide guests with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of South Africa's wildlife - sharing their paths and waterholes, the daily dramas of their lives, sharing their space. The ancient art of tracking and tailing is also covered when fresh tracks are located. Although there is no maximum age, an average fitness level is required especially in the hotter summer months (October to April).
BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL
Weather permitting, guests are treated to a hands-on, interactive demonstration on bushcraft and survival. This includes lighting fires, making ropes and water containers as well as setting snares. The skills are taught making use of items found in the bush. This is not widely offered by other game lodges and it never fails to exceed guests’ expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few ways in which you can reach the camp. We recommend using a shuttle service for a couple of reasons:
- When you arrive at the camp there is no reason to leave. You'll have access to everything you need right here, you won't need a vehicle during your stay.
- If you don't need a vehicle, why pay for the additional days renting one?
- Shuttle services are familiar with the area and our camp. A GPS can be unreliable and get you lost in this area (It has happened).
Here is a link to some shuttle services that do transfers to Bateleur.
If the circumstances permit it, we do sometimes leave the vehicle behind and track animals on foot. This is an extremely memorable experience for most people. You do not have to participate in this activity, please let our manager know if you prefer to stay in the vehicle.
Please note: Walking activities are only permitted for children aged 12 years and older. This is stated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve's Standard Operating Procedures and we must abide by this rule.
No, you don't have to walk. While it's an unforgettable experience, and one that will leave your friends in awe, we're here to serve you. If you don't want to walk, please let your tracker know so we can make arrangements for you.
Our camp is a very intimate setting for building relationships. We recommend that you experience this adventure together with your children. With that said, we also know that sometimes you may need some alone time. Please speak to our manager so we can see how your needs can be accommodated.
Yes! We have a chef on staff. This means that we can prepare something just for you if we need to. Our produce is all organic and sourced from the local communities to create opportunities.
Please contact us for recommendations if you would like to bring a child younger than 12 with you. Our camp is in the heart of the Timbavati reserve, there are no fences between us and the bush.
Yes we do. We have a full-time chef at the camp who prepares our meals. Please talk to our manager about your dietary needs.
We have extra length king size beds for couples and extra length singles for children.
Yes. As part of our eco-friendly values, our water comes from deep within the earth. This water is extremely good for you and tastes great!
The Timbavati is considered a low risk malaria area, however clients should consult their local travel clinic regarding prophylaxis. The highest risk time for malaria is December to April
That's a really hard question to answer. The seasons here offer very different experiences. In the winter there is very little rain, this makes the terrain quite dry. With fewer bushes in the way it can make it easier to see game. On the other hand, the warm days provide comfortable viewing during the day and wonderful late night conversations in the evenings. Our goal is always to make your stay unforgettable!
Our trackers are some of the best available and they know the terrain and animal movements better than most, but unfortunately animals are not concerned about our desires. We will make every effort while you're with us to help you get to see the animals you want to, but unfortunately we can't guarantee they'll cooperate.
Yes, all your meals are included in the package. We have a full time chef at Bateleur and the meals are amazing.