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Explore Cottars 1920 Safari Camp: A Unique Kenyan Adventure

A Cottar sundowner

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Hidden away in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, right next to the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is a safari like no other. It’s the romance of the golden age of safaris meets modern luxury.

Run by the Cottar family for over a century, this fifth-generation camp is the benchmark for luxury safaris in Kenya. If you’re looking for an exclusive Maasai Mara safari that combines privacy, wildlife, and style, this is the place.

Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp Video Overview

Highlights of Cottar's 1920s Camp

Experience the Savanah Up Close

Guided safari bush walks are included

Exciting Game Drives

Day and night safari game drives included

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Stylish Tented Accommodations

Offers 4 luxury tents, 2 honeymoon tents, and 3 family tents

Cottar Family-Friendly Safari

Cottars Camp welcomes guests of all ages

Photography Lessons

Professional photography tutorials available (additional cost)

Take to the Skies

Hot air balloon safaris offered (additional cost)

Convenient Access

Easy arrival via Cottar's or Keekorok Airstrips

Connect with Local Culture

Community experiences available (additional cost)

Refresh and Relax

Enjoy a swim in the camp’s swimming pool

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Nighttime Stargazing

Camp manager leads guided star gazing sessions

Cottar’s 1920s Accommodation

Luxurious tent

Vintage safari chic. The camp features 11 beautifully designed canvas tents, each equipped with four-poster beds, vintage trunks, and verandahs overlooking the savannah. Each has an en-suite bathroom and a personal butler for that extra touch.

For groups or families, the Cottar’s Bush Villa is unbeatable. With five en-suite bedrooms, a private pool, and your own chef, it’s like having your own private luxury safari lodge in Kenya right in the wild.

“I still remember waking up at the Bush Villa to the sound of lions calling in the distance. Over breakfast by the pool, giraffes would wander past in the morning sun. It felt like the wilderness had opened its arms just for us.”- John from the UK.

Guests ca enjoy a range of activities at Cottar's Camp

Cottar’s Safaris

For over 100 years, Cottar’s Safaris has been creating journeys that go beyond wildlife viewing. Here, every experience connects you to conservation, culture, and the land itself.

Guides are not just drivers—they’re naturalists, storytellers, and trackers all rolled into one. Whether you’re on a bush walk, a game drive, or enjoying a 1920s-style outdoor bath, you’re in a safari that balances sustainable travel in Kenya with pure indulgence.

“On my first bush walk, I realised how much I’d been missing from inside a vehicle. Our guide pointed out hyena tracks and the scent of wild basil on the wind. Suddenly, the bush felt alive in ways I’d never noticed before.”- MCDonnad, a safari goer. 

Game drives

Game Drive Adventures in Maasai Mara

This is what most people come for—the legendary Maasai Mara game drives. At Cottar’s, you get both day and night drives led by expert guides who know where to find the Big Five, cheetah, and vast herds moving across the plains.

Because the camp is inside a private conservancy, you’ll have fewer vehicles and more intimate wildlife moments. Want to see lions at sunrise or hear leopards at night? That’s the kind of adventure waiting here.

“Our guide parked just as the sun was setting. A herd of elephants walked across the horizon, their shapes outlined in deep orange light. I didn’t even reach for my camera—I just sat in silence, watching Africa at its most raw and beautiful.”- unknow 

Cottar’s Safari Activities and Experiences

Beyond game drives, this luxury tented camp in the Maasai Mara has plenty of ways to slow down. Go on guided bush walks, swim in the pool, or treat yourself to a massage surrounded by the natural beauty. Dining is another highlight—fresh, locally sourced meals served under canvas or under the stars.

You can also experience the cultural side of your safari. Visits to Maasai villages here are honest and personal, allowing you to connect with the community in a meaningful way.

“When I visited a Maasai village, a young warrior showed me how to start a fire with sticks. He laughed at my attempts until smoke finally appeared. That small moment of connection reminded me that safaris aren’t just about wildlife – they’re about people too.”- Mrs Thatcher, a travel agent from India.

Conservation

Cottar’s has always believed that an authentic safari should protect what it celebrates. Their conservation efforts encompass anti-poaching patrols, land restoration, and community empowerment initiatives. They follow the “4Cs” model: conservation, community, culture, commerce.

By staying here, you are directly supporting the sustainable safari movement in Kenya. Guests can also visit the camp’s garden or meet staff involved in conservation projects and see how luxury and responsibility come together.

Merits and Demerits of the Camp 

The Camp of Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp has many pluses. It’s a truly authentic old-world safari experience, all about connecting with the history of African exploration. Guests enjoy total privacy and exclusivity, as the camp is situated in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, away from the crowds of the main Masai Mara. The high level of service, expert guides, and commitment to conservation and community benefit are big pluses for a meaningful and responsible travel experience.

But there are minuses. The luxury comes at a very high price, so it’s not accessible to most travellers. The vintage experience is charming, but it lacks some of the modern amenities and conveniences found in more contemporary lodges. The remote location results in longer travel times to and from main airstrips, leading to a higher carbon footprint from flying, which may not be ideal for eco-conscious travellers.

mara-serengeti ecosystem

In Conclusion

Looking for a Maasai Mara safari that’s exclusive, luxurious, and sustainable? Cottar’s 1920s safari Camp ticks all the boxes. From elephants at your verandah to starlit dinners you’ll never forget, it’s the kind of trip that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Meet Gladys, Your Safari Planner

When you book, you’ll meet Gladys Mwangi, a licensed safari planner and member of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators. She knows Cottar’s 1920s Camp backwards – which tent has the best sunrise, which season is best for your dream safari.

Working with Gladys isn’t just about booking a trip; it’s about creating a personalized experience. It’s about creating a story with someone who loves the Mara and wants you to love it too.

Other Lodges in Ol Kinyei Conservancy:

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