REDEFINING TRUE AFRICAN EXPERIENCE!
Bateleur Eagle Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Member Of:
- Ministry of Tourism Kenya & Tour Operators Society of Kenya
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $300 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email The Booies | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bateleur - A genuine, reliable, expert company with a family friendly approach and brilliant staff
We contacted Newton after a friend’s great experience on a Safari booked through Bateleur Eagle Safari’s. Our first contact with Newton was relaxed and friendly as we were novice first time Safari trekkers we had so many questions and queries and he dealt with every single one, none too much trouble. He and his team discussed which animals were important to us to see, what we wanted from the holiday and any special events. It was our 25th wedding anniversary whilst on the Kenyan Safari and as a family of 4 adults, Mum, Dad and two sons in their early 20’s, we needed two rooms at every venue and wanted very good quality accommodation and our own personal guide and big jeep with the raised roof for 16 nights!
Nothing was too much trouble and after 6 different itinerary’s that Newton did tirelessly we finalised our special anniversary safari – payment was easy and relaxed with no pressure dates and the odd change like adding a Balloon Safari was never an issue.
We arrived at 10pm and knew were meeting Dan or Philip from Newton’s team. He helped us and drove us from Nairobi airport to The Eka Hotel – fabulous staff and a great breakfast. Then the adventure commenced – we met Jack our guide for the entire 16 nights Safari and in our own 8 seater Toyota Landcruiser – 6 suitcases packed and we were off to Amboselli Serena Lodge for 2 nights. Jack was amazing, funny, helpful, knowledgeable and so friendly.
Amboselli took in 4 Game drives – AMAZING – Mount Kilimanjaro, Elephants, Lions, Hippos in abundance and on our main game drive day we witnessed our first live kill! A lonely hyena was spotted by Jack our driver, roof up and standing taking photos we saw 2 lone male lions walking towards us. They spotted the hyena so we videoed and photographed the two lions stalk, creep, attack and kill the hyena – yards from us – Jack had our car quietly parked in a prime slot…….what an experience on day 3 of our Safari. The BIG FIVE was on our check list – our first game reserve, Elephants, Lions, Hippo’s & Buffalo all ticked off the list.
Next stop Samburu in the north – a long journey, so Newton arranged a stop-over in Nairobi at The Tamarind Tree Hotel to visit Restaurant Carnivore for an amazing food experience. Hotel again outstanding and what a treat experience.
Off to Samburu and The Ashnil Samburu for lunch – what an unbelievable location and our lodge rooms on the river’s edge. Met with an outdoor poolside lunch followed by our first game drive. Jack again as our personal driver/guide was amazing, knowing all the best areas and viewing spots in the reserve. Our aim here after an amazing Amboselli experience was the last missing BIG FIVE, namely a Leopard.
Jack knew this and after a short time, we were speeding across the plains to find a lone Leopard walking and seemingly stalking a prey. We tracked the Leopard for almost an hour criss-crossing – great photos and videos finally seeing it jump up into a tree and lie down high above the plains – The last BIG FIVE ticked off and only our second reserve. What an experience.
We thought we’d seen it all, but Jack had heard talk of a pride of Lions, and after a drive to find them we were lucky enough to see around a dozen Lionesses and baby cubs stalking Warthogs. Following them, walking past our jeep just feet away! Don’t forget loads more Elephants, Monkeys, Antelope, Birds – everywhere you look a wild creature just metres away at times.
Day 7 and we drive to Olpejeta Conservancy and the Sweetwaters Serena Lodges – yet another 5 Star experience – a different reserve – Conservation at its heart – Monkey Sanctuary visit arranged and the last two Northern White Rhino’s in the world, the Rhino sanctuary plus 4 game drives. Rooms amazing at what a view out on a plain filled with Zebra’s, Antelope in our garden and Rhino’s. Here you see the memorial stones to so many Rhino’s killed by poachers – an thought provoking moment and makes you sad to see how wild animals have been treated for their horns.
Jack managed to show just how good of a driver he is, with another live kill. This time another pride of female lions stalking a family of 5 Warthogs – slowly slowly approaching our jeep, the Warthogs unaware in the long grass. With our cameras and videos recording the lead Lioness attacks… one Warthog caught before she sees another. Two killed, the remaining three scatter – the pride of Lionesses run – babies included for a fight for food and a feast of nature in real life up close and personal. Our second of three live kills and to add to it we saw the elusive striped hyena twice.
2 great days and nights here are a different experience, with the conservation as paramount but what Newton did arrange privately was a NIGHT DRIVE – what an experience with our own private guides picked up at the hotel – so much better than a hotel trip – we saw in the dark another Leopard, striped Hyena, Elephants, a pride of Lions and a town of Hyena’s in a spot only the conservation can drive to! 20-30 all out of their hideouts together – you don’t get that on the hotel trip!!
Day 9 – our 25th Anniversary and a drive to Lake Nakuru and the amazing Cliff Hotel for two nights. What a special place – high up with individual tent lodges with spectacular views, food is superb and a wonderful bar, staff amazing but to top it all off a special Sundowner experience followed by a private poolside dinner and our room decorated in rose petals in heart shapes and scattered in our room – all organised by Newton and his team. The drives here again are so different with the huge lake and forests – the landscape and animals just as amazing – the perfect romantic Safari stop-over.
After 2 nights of bliss we move for a two location Masia Mara treat to include a Balloon Safari. First stop the Loyk Mara a totally unfenced tented lodge experience with Masai tribe guards carrying spears and knives. You won’t find much better than here for a real life live among the animal’s venue. Lodges are luxurious, foods amazing again but the atmosphere is just so different. After 6pm you need your own personal Masai tribal guard to escort you from lodge to restaurant/bar because during our stay we had Giraffe’s, Hippo’s & more walking through and next to the lodges through the night. The Masai guys are amazing and to see animals comfortable to mix with us was something else. During dinner we had a fantastic 20 minute Masai tribal dance performed in front of us – the same guys serving us drinks, food and escorting us – they become part of your trip and were unbelievable. And here at Loyk we witnessed our third live kill – CHEETAH’s - two males we followed over a river bed to a herd Thompson Gazelle’s where we witnessed a high speed dominant kill followed by a close up of them enjoying their feast.
The second Masai Mara stop was Mara Serena – a cliff top type location totally different to Loyk Mara – spectacular views – a pool to dip in where as you bathe and relax you watch a Pumba (warthog) stroll past feet away. As with all Serena’s its buffet food rather than a menu choice. Changing venues gave you different food experiences and locations – everything top notch.
The early morning Balloon Safari Newton organised off hotel was unbelievable – what a once in a lifetime type trip – quietly drifting feet above the Mara, watching the Elephants grazing as the sun rises, the sound of the burner only – photographic heaven – an hour trip that leaves you speechless. A MUST DO at least once and let Newton book it, not the hotel. You start further out and see more. After the exciting landing in the middle of nowhere you have a full cooked breakfast with unlimited fizz and the Ballon Captain issues you all with certificates – memories to last forever.
The Masai Mara just before the ‘Great Migration’ is a breathless expanse of reserve. Long grass hides the animals in places, then open ground for miles – The Mara river full of crocodiles and Buffalos & Zebra’s drinking and of course the odd unfortunate victim being eaten by a ‘float’ of 20-30 hungry crocodiles. Jack once again parking the jeep in the perfect spot to take photographic memories.
The final two-night stop was at Lake Naivasha and Naivasha Sopa Lodges. Once again a fantastic venue with Zebra strolling around the grounds and by the pool – the room again amazing and two days doing trips like a Lake river boat safari checking out Hippo’s, to a sanctuary with a 3 week old Giraffe. On another day we visited Hell’s Gate National Park, the venue of the WRC World Rally due a few days after and seeing stages being prepared. Driving and walking high in the mountainous area where we saw the ‘Pride Rock’ from The Lion King.
Unfortunately, the last day did arrive but Newton had arranged a packed day to keep us busy before our 10pm flight – Jack drove us for the final time back to Nairobi where he took us to the Elephant Sanctuary, the Karen Blixen Museum and Giraffe Sanctuary with lunch in between meeting Newton & Mathew before Jack dropped us off at the airport. Such a sad time leaving such a wonderful country, the trip of a lifetime and memories to treasure forever but with a deep desire to return once again.
This was the greatest adventure and holiday for the 4 of us and we have been to some places. Words cannot properly explain the emotions we lived through, the laughter we had with Jack who left his family for 16 days to travel and stay at our Lodges throughout the time. The knowledge he has after 18 years as a guide was unbelievable, his enthusiasm and commitment and time spent has made him a part of our family. Newton & Mathew have just been the best throughout the booking process to the final goodbyes. We still keep in touch now we are back in England we have shared so many memories as we toured the amazing Kenya, with many photos and videos uploaded already onto the Bateleur Eagle Safari’s social media. Their commitment to making our holiday the trip of a lifetime from initial enquiries to itinerary’s, booking, payments, constant contact and assistance during the trip, the personal touches for our 25th anniversary, the extra trips and all the accommodation being top notch, you could use a better company than Bateleur Eagle Safari’s. Value for money compared to booking a normal travel agent and with all trips individual and personal, you can’t find any fault at all.
Book with total confidence and let Newton & his team take care of everything - 100% RECOMMENDED – we will definitely book through them again.
CA
Email Ashley muriuki | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If you are looking forward to a tour in kenya, contact Bateleur Eagle safaris only!
First, i was served by Newton - highly recommend him. He always made sure to check in if we were okay and if we needed anything more from his office. I mean, he handled us like we were his only clients on high peak season! He was always concerned and really determined to make sure we had the most of our trip. If you call bateleur safaris for a trip, please ask to be served by Newton. Simply the best!
Then there was peku. He was our guide driver. My God did we have fun! He took the shortest while safe routes to our destinations. He helped us get huge discounts whenever we went shopping. He was super effective and efficient at the same time! And he has the best sense of humor. Always going above and beyond for us to make the most out of our trip you'd think we are related. He was super helpful. Extra 5 star
US
Email Adeel Khan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Matthew/Steve/Jeffery were all great. Very hospitable and helpful
Everything went smooth - from the Airport pickup to the drive to Masai mara to the actual safari. etc.
Matthew/Steve/Jeffery all did an amazing job - were very friendly, informative, and helpful at all stages of the trip.
We even bought airline tickets last minute to fly back from Masai Mara to Nairobi and even that went without a hiccup.
Would HIGHLY recommend.
RU
Email Olga Kogan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari with excellent team of professionals
Safari exceeded all my expectations!!! Especially I want to note Mathew. He accompanied us at every step of the travel organization. Mathew helped us find the best interesting safari tour program, organized program a stay in Nairobi, booked a comfortable hotel in Nairobi,arranged a warm welcome on arrival and even presented safari hats)))
Our safari guide Stevie was a real professional. He showed us many interesting moments from the life of animals such as: lion hunting, mating of lions, elephant fighting, crocodile hunting. We always felt the care and attention of Stevie during the safari.
It was unforgettable!!! We will return definitely!!!
US
Email Amir Khan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic. From the initial communication to the final drop off after the 3 night safari.
Mathew was prompt, attentive and fair in pricing. The drivers were friendly, enthusiastic, and entertaining. Do your own research, and Mathew can put it all together for you, or pick from his prepared itineraries. We had a large group of 14, with multiple arrivals, departures, and requests. And all were met. Kudos!
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Email Ernest Keen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Spectacular Experience with Bateleur Eagle Safaris!
Bateleur Eagle Safaris are amazing! They exceeded our expectations on our trip throughout Kenya and Tanzania. They are so knowledgeable and take care of every detail -- the driving, guiding, translating, accommodations -- and finding the Big Five! :)) Bateleur Eagle Safaris team made the experience so much fun for our group!! Thank you for the trip of a lifetime! We HIGHLY RECOMMEND Bateleur Eagle Safaris.
US
Email Carrie T. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
BEST AFRICAN EXPERIENCE EVER!!!
We did a 16 days safari trip with Bateleur Eagle Safaris. We started booking pretty late about a month in advance. We thought we were late but actually the booking was very smooth. We got in touch with Mathew in the Kenyan office who helped us with the quote. He was very efficient and also very patient with us. We had so many questions (being our first time to Africa) but Mathew answered them all. The first leg of our safari consisted of Samburu, Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara. Our driver guide Steve was very knowledgeable with animals, birds and plants. He talked about Kenya and Africa in general with pride. We could definitely tell that he loved his job. He was very patient with us and went out of his way to make sure that all our demands were met. We were in tears when saying goodbye to him to cross over to Tanzania.
We switched vehicles and driver guides at the border and met our second driver guide Bashir. Our Tanzania portion will take us to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park. Bashir was also very knowledgeable and jovial. We instantly fell in love with him and the beautiful country. It was the perfect combination!
We saw hundreds of lions, many rhinos both black and white (especially in Nakuru and Masai Mara) seven leopards including 2 kills, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, wild dogs in Samburu, big herds of elephants and many many more. This was the best vacation we have ever had. I am coming back next year with my family and friends and we have already started planning. I can't wait to meet the entire Bateleur Eagle Safaris team! Thanks a lot for a life changing experience
BE
Email Joyce Ferguson | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
AMAZING!!
Bateluer Eagle Safaris were excellent every step of the way. The tour went as planned and they were prepared for every day's activities. Our driver/guide Stephen was friendly without being too much on top of you. The car itself was perfectly suited for the safari. Even when we had a mechanical issue, our guide was focused on making sure we weren't too inconvenienced. The customer service was excellent overall.
The safari itself was great. We did a 6-day tour so the pace was perfect. We saw almost everything we wanted to see and much more. We let our guide know what we were looking for and he went above and beyond to deliver that to us. A list of animals we saw on the trip: wildebeest (felt like millions of them), lions (including a couple of beautiful males), multiple cheetahs (as they were feeding!), leopard, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes of all kinds. It was a total blast. We highly recommend Bateleur Eagle Safaris and we look forward to our next safari with them. Great job Newton and the team.
Email Jane | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent - book with Bateleur :-)
Pre safari communications were good and when our flights were delayed, Mathew was very helpful and flexible. Martin was our first driver and he was friendly and knowledgable - he found us lots of lions. The accommodation lived up to expectations (and in some places exceeded them).
Having originally booked 3 nights in the Masai Mara and had such good experiences, we chose to book another 3 nights with Bateleur.
There were some technical difficulties with the van and, when it became apparent these could be fixed, a upgraded car was quickly dispatched and Amos, our second driver was great.
Overall, we had a great time and would throughly recommend Bateleur Eagle safaris.
Email Liam and Jasmine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bateleur Eagles were absolutely incredible. Their patience, organisation and knowledge is the best.
We were originally meant to do our safari holiday with another company, but due to some unforeseen circumstances we had to change companies 4 days into our 21 day trip. Our previous guide, Peku, highly recommended Bateleur Eagles, who he had worked with before.
Right from the start, Newton and Matthew (the owners of the company) were incredibly helpful, attentive and efficient. They managed to plan a complete itinerary for the next 2 weeks of our trip in less than 36 hours, and patiently waited with us for 7 hours on their weekend when we had technical difficulties. During this time we got to see some amazing photos that Matthew had taken at game parks, and they answered every question we had. The next day when our new itinerary began, they even came with us to the Kenya-Tanzania border (a 6 hour round trip for them!) to make sure that we were comfortable and assured.
The accomodation that they arranged for us was incredible (especially at last minute in peak season) and they checked up on us every step of the way to make sure things were going great. We did have some very small hiccups along the way that were in no way their doing, but they still did everything in their power to fix them - and at any hour of the day, too. You can tell that they both have a passion for what they do and genuinely want their clients to have the best holiday possible.
We also have to include a bit here about Peku (or Sammy), who was also our guide with the original tour group that we changed from. He was so good that we insisted on having him as our guide again (for the Kenya portion of our trip) with Bateleur Eagles. When things went downhill with the previous company, Peku was always honest and upfront with us and did everything he could to make things go smoothly. When that other company left us stranded 3 hours out of Nairobi, he immediately arranged for his brother to drive 6 hours to pick us up and take us back to the city. He was definitely our hero for the trip and without him we probably would have just flown home early - I’m glad we stayed and put our trust in him and Bateleur Eagles. Peku is such an incredibly compassionate and capable person, you’re really missing out if you don’t have him as your guide. I know we’ll see him again when we go back!
At the end of our trip when we were back in Nairobi, we caught up with them and were able to give our feedback. We really appreciated having this time to talk to them as I’m sure they take on their clients’ responses and use it to continually grow as a company. Without a doubt we will be back in Kenya and will use Bateleur Eagle Safaris again. I’d recommend them to anyone wanting a tailored, trustworthy, professional and welcoming service.
To Newton & Matthew - thank you so much! We will definitely be seeing you again (maybe we will climb Kilimanjaro with Newton next time) and I hope you can come visit us in Australia one day!