Bateleur Safari Camp, Timbavati Game Reserve
Eco-friendly safari camp with basic tented units, bushcraft and survival demonstrations, and daily opportunities to encounter the Big Five
Travelers looking for an experience that is rustic yet luxurious will enjoy this camp quite a bit. With a commitment to green and sustainable living, the... Read more
Overview
Bateleur Safari Camp, located in South Africa's Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, gives guests daily opportunities to encounter the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos), a diverse range of antelope species, smaller predators, and over 500 bird species. This simple, eco-friendly camp shares unfenced borders with the famed Kruger National Park, allowing for the free movement of animals like giraffes and wild dogs. At the camp's center, you'll discover a covered, open-sided wooden deck that houses the lounge and dining areas, overlooking the riverbed and its seasonal waterhole—an ideal place for idle game viewing or relaxing with a good book.
The no-frills accommodation at Bateleur Safari Camp ensures minimal environmental impact while maximizing comfort. With just about 10 air-conditioned rooms, the camp is small, though each unit features a private furnished patio. You'll find sparsely decorated quarters with just the essential furnishings that vary in size, accommodating 2-4 persons. All bathrooms have hot-water showers, while some units include an interior tub and private outdoor shower. You'll find plug points for charging camera batteries in each room so that you can always capture safari memories.
During your stay, partake in morning and afternoon game drives where you can encounter the Big Five or follow your guide on foot for an educational bush walk. When you're hungry, enjoy wholesome South African cuisine prepared by the in-house chef, who uses organic produce sourced from local communities. The camp also offers hands-on, interactive demonstrations on bushcraft and survival skills, where you'll learn about lighting fires, making ropes, setting snares, and using naturally occurring materials found in the nearby wilderness. After a day of adventure, enjoy a dip in the pool or unwind with a massage or body treatment at the on-site Bush Spa.
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.
Get startedHotel Information
Traveler Reviews
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.
Get startedHotel Information
Hotels in Timbavati Game Reserve
Show more hotels in Timbavati Game ReserveThabamati Luxury Tented Camp
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp, located in the renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, is part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. The owners named the lodge...
Simbavati River Lodge
Simbavati River Lodge is a charming safari accommodation on the banks of Kruger Park's Nhlaralumi River within Timbavati Private Game Reserve. While you'll have plenty of...
Shindzela Tented Camp
Since its establishment in 2009, Shindzela Tented Safari Camp has grown from a simple walking trails camp into an authentic African wildlife experience nestled in the Timbavati...
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, a luxurious tented hideaway, is perched on a hilltop within the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, a secluded part of Kruger Park. Its strategic location...
RockFig Safari Lodge
RockFig Safari Lodge, located in Timbavati Game Reserve, is a luxurious safari accommodation for guests seeking a lavish experience while taking daily explorations into the bush...
Hotels in South Africa
Show more hotels in South AfricaThe Victoria & Alfred Hotel
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel—a remarkable blend of history and modern luxury, is nestled in Cape Town's vibrant V&A Waterfront. This landmark hotel offers views of the...
The Commodore Hotel
The Commodore Hotel in Cape Town is known for its stylish elegance and warm hospitality. This well-established hotel is ideally located in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront,...
The Peech Boutique Hotel
The Peech Hotel, located in the chic suburb of Melrose in Johannesburg, is a true boutique hotel with a rich history. Originally a private residence in the 1950s, this property...
Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge is a large and vibrant camp within the Kapama Private Game Reserve. This property, known for its festive and social atmosphere, is near the renowned Kruger...
Elephant Plains Game Lodge
Located in the northern part of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Elephant Plains Game Lodge allows for excellent viewing opportunities of the Big Five, allowing you to spot the...
Timbavati Game Reserve Experiences
Show more Timbavati Game Reserve experiencesMorning Game Drive
Embark on an early morning safari drive in an open-air vehicle with an experienced guide and explore the wilderness. During the journey, you'll have the opportunity to spot...
Kruger Bush Day with Private Game Drives
Embark on a thrilling adventure with two game drives at Kruger National Park, likely starting with a pickup from your Hazyview lodge. It's common to meet your expert ranger...
Afternoon Game Drive
You might start your afternoon with a laid-back lunch or tea before embarking on a safari drive through the Greater Kruger Park in search of the Big Five. Led by expert guides,...
Best of Timbavati Game Reserve
Best of Timbavati Game ReserveLuxury South Africa City & Safari Adventure: Johannesburg & Timbavati Game Reserve - 7 Days
Discover the pulse and heart of South Africa with in-depth tours of dynamic Johannesburg and thrilling game drives in the Timbavati Game Reserve. Bookend your luxury wildlife...
Luxury South Africa Food, Wine & Safari Adventure - 14 Days
Spend two weeks discovering the fruits of South Africa, all while traveling in the lap of luxury. There's no better spot to begin a first-class holiday than coastal Cape Town,...
Luxury South Africa Food, Wine & Safari Adventure - 10 Days
See and taste the best of South Africa over 10 packed days that will not only take you on an epic safari but also to the most captivating corners of its top cities (and...
South Africa Culture, Wildlife, Food & Wine Discovery Tour- 16 Days
Delve into South Africa's rich culture, delicious cuisine, and abundant wildlife on this 16-day tour across the country. Learn how to cook traditional Malay food and enjoy a...
South Africa Travel Advice
South Africa Travel AdviceHow to Choose the Best Safari in South Africa
South Africa is home to some of the world's biggest and oldest game reserves, with national parks such as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and Kruger and renowned private reserves like...
South Africa in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More
January is a great month to visit South Africa: it's right in the middle of the bone-dry summer, offering lovely weather in the Western Cape. However, this region—where...
South Africa in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More
February is considered one of the best months to visit South Africa, especially for northern hemisphere travelers escaping the cold winter snow. Although summer is in full...
South Africa in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More
March is a fabulous time to visit South Africa as the country transitions into autumn, with warm weather and low rain nationwide. Those in the know consider this perhaps the...
South Africa in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More
By late April, the crowds have disappeared, and fall is here, with warm, generally dry weather throughout South Africa. In the north, safari destinations like Kruger emerge from...
South Africa Travel Essentials
South Africa Travel EssentialsBest Time of Year to Visit Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is a year-round destination, but understanding how the dry and wet seasons affect game-viewing is key. Depending on how you weigh your priorities, the...
Best Time of Year to Visit Cape Town
Planning your trip to Cape Town requires flipping your mental calendar, as the southern hemisphere’s seasons are a reverse of the northern hemisphere. South Africa’s hot, dry,...
Best Time of Year to Visit South Africa
South Africa is a year-round destination thanks to its varied landscapes—it's always sunny somewhere. No matter what season you visit, you'll find something to do: Kruger...
Best Time of Year to Drive the Garden Route
Driving South Africa's famed Garden Route is suitable in any season; though there is always a chance of rain, it's never enough to discourage a road trip or adventure outdoors....
Best Time of Year for a Safari in South Africa
With its expansive size, varied topography, and coastlines bordering the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa conjures diverse weather patterns. While summer sun shines on...
Make the Most of Your Time in South Africa
Make the Most of Your Time in South AfricaHow Many Days to Spend in South Africa
While 10 days is the most popular duration for kimkim travelers, two weeks is recommended for a satisfying trip to South Africa. You can venture farther outside Cape Town,...
5 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With only five days to explore South Africa, you can focus on a single region or visit two. Thanks to the frequency of domestic flights, you can start and end your trip in Cape...
1 Week in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
One week in South Africa is enough time to hit the highlights. Consider a trip split between Cape Town and Kruger National Park or a quick-paced tour that focuses on the...
10 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
South Africa is a large country, but with 10 days, you see quite a bit, from the southern Cape provinces to Kruger National Park in the north. Or you can focus your energy on...
2 Weeks in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With two weeks, you can cover much of South Africa. Choose an action-packed adventure that takes you from the southern Cape provinces to Kruger National Park in the north. Or...
South Africa Tours & Itineraries
South Africa Tours & Itineraries10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari
This tour takes you from the sights of Cape Town to the lush Overberg, followed by an exceptional safari experience. Enjoy some of South Africa's most sought-after destinations...
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 10 Days
Spend 10 days taking in the Western Cape with this trip plan. You'll explore Cape Town and see Table Mountain from both a distant beach and right under your feet, sample the...
Country of Contrasts Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, Wild Coast, Kruger National Park & More - 21 Days
South Africa contains multitudes—of people, landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and more. With three weeks to explore, you'll travel through the highlights of contemporary Cape...
Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari - 8 Days
Enjoy a majestic eight-day tour of Cape Town and Kruger Park Safari, two of South Africa’s top highlights. You will take in the beauty of the Cape Peninsula, Winelands, and the...
South Africa, Zimbabwe, & Botswana - 14 Days
This exciting Southern Africa itinerary offers a perfect mix of self-drive and guided tours. Start in Cape Town, where you can explore the Cape Peninsula, head to the top of...
Trip Planning Essentials
How kimkim Trips Work in South Africa
South Africa offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure. Discover the "Rainbow Nation" through its famed wildlife on a world-class safari and in the neighborhoods of...
South Africa Travel Agents
Kimkim has selected the best South Africa travel agents so you'll have a worry-free trip
Most Viewed South Africa Content
2 Weeks in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With two weeks, you can cover much of South Africa. Choose an action-packed adventure that takes you from the southern Cape provinces to Kruger National Park in the north. Or...
South Africa in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More
February is considered one of the best months to visit South Africa, especially for northern hemisphere travelers escaping the cold winter snow. Although summer is in full...
10 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
South Africa is a large country, but with 10 days, you see quite a bit, from the southern Cape provinces to Kruger National Park in the north. Or you can focus your energy on...
1 Week in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
One week in South Africa is enough time to hit the highlights. Consider a trip split between Cape Town and Kruger National Park or a quick-paced tour that focuses on the...
South Africa in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More
Although the days are shortening, there's no doubt May is one of the best months to visit South Africa, especially if your main focus is a safari. While temperatures vary...
Latest Travel Insights
Journey Across South Africa: Johannesburg, Blue Train, Cape Town, Franschhoek & Hermanus - 9 Days
Explore the best that South Africa has to offer in just nine days, starting with a scenic journey aboard the luxurious Blue Train from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Once there,...
Highlights of Southern Africa: From Cape Town to Victoria Falls - 14 Days
Spend two weeks exploring southern Africa, starting in Cape Town, where you'll discover landmarks like Robben Island, the Cape Peninsula, and the Cape Winelands. Then, fly to...
South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana Adventure: Capetown, Kruger, Victoria Falls & Chobe - 13 Days
In just under two weeks, you'll set off on a journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, blending city exploration with natural wonders. Ride the Table Mountain Aerial...
Highlights of South Africa: Cape Town, Cape Winelands & Eastern Cape Game Reserve - 11 Days
This 11-day South African itinerary perfectly blends urban exploration, vineyard tours, and wildlife adventures. Begin in Cape Town with a ride on the Table Mountain Aerial...
Discover South Africa's Wildlife & Wine & Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls - 9 Days
This nine-day adventure seamlessly blends cultural exploration, wildlife encounters, and natural wonders across South Africa and Zimbabwe. Begin with a sidecar tour of the Cape...