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.
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