Cottar’s Safari (Masai Mara)

The Cottar’s Safari tradition began over 100 years ago and they continue to provide an unparalleled safari experience. There are 2 x spectacular accommodation offerings. Namely; Cottar’s 1920s Camp and the Private Bush Villa. Cottar’s Safari Camps are in the private Olderkesi Conservancy. This borders the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and Loliondo Reserves.

The Cottar family focuses on providing an authentic and individualized safari experience. While supporting an ongoing legacy of wilderness, wildlife, comfort, and security; honoring a balance between conservation, prosperity, community, and culture.

Skip to Cottar’s Safari Rates, Specials Offers, or Wedding Blessing in the Masai Mara Conservancy

Being located on the far southeastern part of the Masai Mara; Cottar’s Safari camps are the first to see the wildebeest migration arriving. And the last to see the herds heading back South into the Serengeti. The Maasai Mara is famous for its astounding variety of wildlife. With both resident and transient populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, and elephant, to name a few. As well as over 450 bird species, the vast fertile plains are dense with game. The area has been classified among the “Seven Wonders of the world”. This is due to the extraordinary annual migration from July to November. When over 1.3 million wildebeest and zebras cross the Serengeti to the Mara in search of greener pastures.

Cottar’s Safaris has the highest concentration of Gold and Silver level guides in Kenya. Therefore game drives, and all other safari activities; are informative, and fun.

The Safari Awards Africa 2025:

Cottar’s 1920s Camp:
Winner, Best Safari Guiding Team.
Runner Up, Most Romantic Safari Property.
Third Place, Best Ecological Responsible Safari Property.
Highly Commended, Best Community Focused Safari Property.

Cottar’s Private Bush Villa:
Finalist, Best Safari House.
Finalist, Best Ecological Responsible Safari Property.

Cottar’s Safari 1920s Camp Accommodation

The 1920s Camp is a tented camp sleeping up to 26 – 28 guests. The 1920s Camp has eleven cream canvas tents in a 1920s style. There are 5 x luxury double tents, 4 x family tents, and 2 x tents for honeymooners. While The Bush Villa provides a luxury exclusive use stay option for up to 12 x guests. Both properties extend an era of luxury and quality. With a low impact, high value approach to sustainable ecotourism that helps fund the vital work that is conserving land for biodiversity. The entire camp is laid out to ensure that tents are private and quiet. Whether for honeymooners or families with young children.

Cottar’s 1920s Camp has two main mess tent areas for fine dining, drinking, reading, and relaxing. And an amazing pool and spa. Guests can also enjoy a traditional canvas safari bath. A genuinely unique way of bathing specifically set up on the tent’s verandah, with views out over the plains. There is also the interactive Explorers Tent where you will learn about conservation, culture, and community (a mini museum of sorts).

Cottar’s 1920s Camp

Cottars 1920 Camp feel

The eleven spacious and luxuriously tents are furnished in the style of the bygone era of the twenties. While at the same time supplying the amenities required by today’s modern world travelers.

The canvas tents are all 538 sq ft. They boast spectacular views across the Savannah, an outdoor deck with comfortable seating, and stylish wooden floors throughout. The large en-suite bathrooms have wallpaper (yes wallpaper in a tent). The tents also have space for a lovely seating/living area which includes a dining table and chairs, a writing desk and a daybed or couch. All while maintaining Cottar’s Safaris’ iconic and romantic 1920s aesthetic. Yet are modern and accessible.

The Luxury Double Tents can accommodate 1 x extra single sleigh bed for a child. Plus; 1 of the doubles can be a twin.

Family Tents

The 4 x  Cottar’s Family Tents are positioned with higher outward views on expansive wooden decks. The two bedroom units are each en suite and separated by solid walls. With a living room and outside deck in-between, which maximizes privacy. Two of the family tents have flexi beds, allowing for either 2 double rooms, 4 singles or the conventional 1 double and 2 singles. The Family Tents have a contained stove in the living room to keep guests cozy on a cold evening, and a table for private dining. Four guests or more in a family tent will get a free exclusive-use game drive vehicle.

Honeymoon Tents

Cottar’s has two stunning honeymoon tents (Molo and Kiboko). ‘Molo’ is set apart from the main camp for added exclusivity, and includes a romantic outdoor bathtub. They can accommodate an extra 2 x single sleigh beds for up to 2 x children under 12 yrs.

Cottar’s Private Bush Villa

Cottar’s Bush Villa Experience

Cottar’s Bush Villa is on an exclusive basis and comes with 8 x dedicated staff. The Villa has won the World Travel Award for the Leading Luxury Private Villa in Africa. And it is Global Eco-sphere Retreat accredited. The villa sleeps up to 12 x guests and has its own private 25 meter swimming pool. It boasts breathtaking views of the Savannah plains, and the annual wildebeest migration. With a backdrop of Olentoroto Hill.

It is designed by Louise Cottar using indigenous and Eco-friendly materials. Guests can enjoy the same levels of service and standards as Cottar’s 1920s Camp.

The villa is over 10,000 square feet in size! It has a large living room, dining room, and a magnificent viewing deck with fireplace, and outdoor hot tub. There are 5 x en-suite bedrooms. All with stunning views. The villa has internet access throughout, satellite TV and DVD. And uses electric and solar energy. With a private chef, dedicated game drive vehicle(s), and guide(s) for guests throughout their stay.

Think I-max and 3-D scenes from the Discovery Channel / National Geographic to get a real time idea of Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Cottar’s Family Safari and Child Policy

With action packed itineraries and all-included logistics; we’ve got every family member covered. From grandparents to grandchildren.

Going on a safari with your children is sure to be one of the most unforgettable trips you’ll ever have. What could be more magical than a child’s delight at seeing a lion for the first time? Or sharing tales with a Maasai warrior by the campfire? Nature can provide a lifetime of bonding experiences and memories. Days on safari at Cottar unfold at your own pace. Depending on your interests and the time of year. Nothing is set in stone, and the only schedule is your own. You’ll feel right at home, and with guides who’ll ensure everyone has fun!

Cottars are child friendly camps and accept children of all ages. Your family safari is extremely important. Therefore; a lot of time, care, and attention is taken to ensure it will be a holiday of a lifetime. Early dinners and children’s menus can be arranged. There a children’s program, Maasai Warrior school program. There are special activities for the active older children (through but not limited to the Maasai Warrior school program) too. A nanny is available (free of charge) on request to babysit when you are out for meals or activities.

Masai Mara Family Safari costs

Children 0-5 yrs are free of charge; a child in his/her own room will be charged a single room rate. A child 12 year and under sharing a Luxury Double Tent with two other people pays the ‘child in the third bed’ rate.
In the Family Tents, additional children up to 12 years are charged the per child sharing rate. 4 people or more staying in a family tent will get exclusive use of a vehicle.

More Than Just A Place To Stay In The Masai Mara – Responsible Tourism

Cottar’s Safari is proud to be one of The Long Runs nine Global Ecosphere Retreats (GER) in the world. It is certified at a Gold Ecotourism standard in Kenya. The GER standard is one of the most rigorous sustainability standards in the tourism industry. This standard was granted recognition by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council in 2015. It is only awarded to organizations that demonstrate a holistic balance of the ‘4Cs; Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce. To excel in conserving nature and improving the well-being of the communities they belong to.

Therefore; it is more than just a place to stay in the Masai Mara. You are also contributing directly to the sustainability of our conservation and social development efforts. These include the restoration of the natural environment to a pristine condition. Re-establishment and protection of biological diversity. Anti-poaching, on-site research and rehabilitation projects. The provision of healthcare services, and a local preschool.

Cottars also have a charitable trust called the Cottar’s Wildlife Conservation Trust (CWCT). It works towards a sustainable conservancy for the area, in partnership with the community. Such a conservancy would manage the land on behalf of the community. And pay market rates for the land to the community. Management of the conservancy protects the critical wildlife corridor and its species. Mitigating the challenge of overgrazing by wildlife and investing in human development initiatives. Such as schooling, water supply, and medical support.

Cottars promote women’s handiwork for sale to visitors.

Things to do at Cottar's Safaris ↓

Included Activities at Cottar’s Safaris

The location of the camp provides easy access for day and night wildlife drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Olderkesi Conservancy. Plus wildlife walks, and cultural interactions with the Maasai community.

Day and Night game drives, Bush Walks, Running with a Maasai Warrior, a local school visit, swimming & fishing. Plus, the Maasai Warrior School (for kids of all ages).

The South East Mara has most of the Mara’s Rhino population, so Cottar’s guests see them often. There are also many lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, wildebeests, zebra, gazelle, and other migratory wildlife. The hills are great for hill walks. Verreaux Eagles can be seen on cliff nesting sites. As well as Colobus monkeys and the rare chandlers reedbuck in the moor like hilltops.

Pure wilderness, privacy & uninterrupted views – no cars or other lodges, no balloons. This is what is different about this area.

Game Drives / Safari

Game drives enable guests to cover more ground. To easily traverse through both the private Olderkesi Conservancy and the Masai Mara National Reserve. In addition to seeing countless species and beautifully diverse landscapes; you’ll learn about the challenges and opportunities present. Ask questions of your guide and explore ways to further engage in sustainability. All game drives will be tailored to your interests and will vary accordingly in time and distance. Game drives are also perfect for photographers. With the guides always positioning the vehicle to give you the best possible viewpoint.

Please note: Cottars is ideally positioned to see the wildebeest migration. However, it is a bit far from the Mara River crossings. Therefore; we recommend that guests who particularly wish to see the migration crossing the river; stay in a lodge closer to the river for a night or two. Thereafter; visit Cottar’s Camp for the traditional migration experience in far more privacy. And away from the mass tourism experience of the crossings.

Wild Movie Nights at Cottar’s 1920s Camp

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in an unforgettable evening. Where the wild beauty of the Maasai Mara meets the magic of cinema. Blending nature, luxury, and film in a truly enchanting experience.

As the sun sets, guests will be guided to Cottar’s Safari’s exclusive outdoor cinema. The vintage Rolls Royce ‘Dugu Dugu’ Bar will be stationed nearby. Serving a selection of refreshing drinks to kick off the evening. The scene is beautifully set with a projector screen, surrounded by flickering lanterns and a crackling fire. Creating a warm and intimate ambiance.

Guests will settle into comfortable canvas bean bags or traditional shuka mats, with cozy blankets provided, as they enjoy a classic African film like *The Lion King* or *Out of Africa*. All beneath a canopy of stars.

To enhance the cinematic experience, gourmet twists on classic movie snacks will be served throughout the film. Think freshly popped popcorn, savory hotdogs, and indulgent homemade chocolates. Once the credits roll, the adventure continues as guests return to camp for a lavish dinner under the expansive African sky, offering the perfect end to a truly magical evening.

Activities At An Additional Cost

Maasai village visit.
Massage and other Spa treatments.
A conservation helicopter flight with the Mara Elephant Project.
Professional Photography Experience.
Beading experience.
Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Maasai Mara*.

*The day begins with an early morning wake-up call at 3.30 am with tea and coffee. A 4 am departure to the launch site to enjoy a balloon safari over the Maasai Mara. The drive from camp to the balloon site takes about 1.5 hours.

Activities That Engage And Positively Impact

Please note: some of these activities attract additional charges
One hour learning with female conservation rangers
A variety of talks. The subjects include history of safari, Pangolin, Wild dog, and conservancy.
Medicinal Plant Walk and Talk
Mara Predator Experience
Carbon footprint, recycle and up cycle talk and experience
Foraging (Learn of the unique natural wild food sources in the Maasai Mara). And foraged dining experience
Immersive raptor experience with the Kenya Birds of Prey Trust.
Transect/identification of wildlife during early morning walk
Talk about the culture and community of the Maasai people
Elephant Experience
The Explorers Tent / 4C Center visit
Stargazing
Reforestation seed dispersal activity.

Dining experiences at Cottar’s Safaris

‘Forage to Fork’ dining experience
Picnic bush breakfast / lunch / dinner
Al fresco lunch at the 1920s Camp
Al fresco lunch in the pavillion by the Bush Villa pool
African night
Candlelight dinner by the pool
Group lunch by the pool
Cooked breakfast in the bush

Dining at Cottar’s has become an integral part of their sustainability journey. In the kitchen, with every recipe and every menu, chefs are continuously adding to your culinary journey. Every taste is a reminder of Kenya’s rich and flavorful culinary diversity. Interpreted with fresh, modern twists. It’s no easy feat. Creating a refined, seasonal dining experience in the middle of a vast and secluded area of the Mara. It requires resourcefulness, creativity and teamwork. The chefs continue to surprise and tantalize taste buds with magical morsels that are nearly all made from scratch.

Whether out on a wildlife drive, tucking into a picnic breakfast or lunch, or enjoying a barbecue African dinner, the food is consciously and ethically sourced. With regional produce sourced from dedicated, passionate farmers, artisans, makers and producers of all things edible.

At Cottar’s, dining is not confined to regular mealtimes but is part of the everyday experience. And food and drinks are there to be enjoyed at any time. From private dining on your veranda to a bush dinner, the dining experience is tailored to each individual.

The Best Time to Visit Cottar’s Safaris?

How to get to Cottar’s Safaris?

Cottar’s Private Airstrip is a 15 minute drive from both Cottar’s Safaris properties. Keekorok Airstrip is a 2.5 hrs wildlife drive through the Maasai Mara. Which adds both travel time and transfer costs to the journey. Whatever you chose, we’ll assist with it all.

Cottar’s 1920s Camp Accommodation Rates

* First 2 children under 13 are free of charge in the private season based on minimum of 6 adults. Per child thereafter at $600
The Cottar’s Bush Villa has 4 double bedrooms and 1 twin bedroom.

Rates Include:

Accommodation including all meals,
Water, tea & coffee, local drinks. This includes soft drinks, house wines, beers, & select spirits,
Safari activities, including shared day/night game drives & bush walks/runs,
Talks on the area, sustainability and Masaai Culture,
Cottar’s Warrior School – Kids entertainment program,
Cottar’s private airstrip transfers,
Canvas Bush Baths, applies to the 1920s Camp only,
Transfers to cultural visits,
Laundry,
Nanny service (book in advance),
All statutory taxes (approx. 25%), and VAT.

Excluded:
Champagne, luxury wines & spirits
Park & Conservancy fees,
Cultural village entry fee,
Massage and Spa treatments
Exclusive use of vehicle
Transfers to and from any other airstrip.

Airlines landing at Cottar’s Private Airstrip:
Governors, Safarilink, Air Kenya, Scenic Air, Yellow Wings, and any private charter company.
Cottar’s Private Airstrip is only a 15 minute drive from Cottar’s Safaris. Keekorok airstrip is a 2 hour drive (and therefore at an additional cost). Flights may not be direct and have up to 3 stops on the way.

A minimum stay of 2 nights at Cottar’s 1920s Camp and a minimum 3 night stay at Cottar’s Bush Villa.

Cottar’s Safari Accommodation Special Offers

Both offers are valid for travel from 11th January – 31st May, and 1st November – 19th December every year. Conservancy & park fees are not included and are payable for the entire stay.

Stay 4 nights, Pay for 3

A free night in the Masai Mara at Cottar’s 1920s Camp or Cottar’s Bush Villa! Save on your luxury Kenyan safari in the Masai Mara. Being close to the border with the Serengeti, the spectacular wildebeest migration moves through this area every year. Prolific game viewing is guaranteed.

Honeymoon Package

50% discount off accommodation rates for the bride. A minimum stay of 4 nights. Excludes Bush Villa.

Multigenerational Offer

To make it even easier to bring everyone together, we have a special four night multigenerational offer. Enabling families to bring grandparents for 50% off.

Book four nights in one of our Family Tents at Cottar’s 1920s Camp and receive:
50% off a Luxury Tent for the grandparents
Complimentary accommodation for one child under 13

This offer also includes:
Full board accommodation
A private safari vehicle with expert guide
A complimentary nanny
Daily safari drives and guided walks
Includes activities such as foraging, a children’s entomology safari, Maasai warrior school, canvas bush bubble baths, seaball dispersal, wild swimming, stargazing, and wild movie nights

Valid for a maximum of 4 adults and 2 children under 13. Available for stays during Mid-Season only (11th January – 31st March 2026 and 1st – 14th June 2026).
**Excludes flights, other special offers and park & conservation fees.

Wedding Blessings At Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp

Cottars have had the pleasure of organizing many beautiful blessings for their guests. From small, simple ceremonies involving a champagne celebration at the end of a game drive. To larger 3 day events with over 60 guests. They have become the hottest emerging destination for blessings in the African bush! A stylish ceremony, led by a Maasai elder. Coupled with the vibrant colors of Maasai dancing and celebrations away from the crowds. Yet amidst the herds! This requires very little paperwork and no official certificates are supplied.
The ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ are both adorned in traditional Maasai regalia and the entire village joins in your celebration! The traditional ceremony is complete with a gourmet dinner and a mouth-watering cake of your choice.

More Information and costs for Wedding Blessings at Cottar's ↓

Approximate Cost: USD 1000 which includes the following:
Organization on site of whatever your requirements for your celebration
Bouquets & floral decorations (indigenous). We can hire a professional florist at an extra cost.
Special ceremony décor, including decoration on-site with indigenous plants, safari lamps, candles, etc.
A wedding cake made in camp (sponge cake). We can provide a professional cake at an extra cost.
A gift from the lodge to the bride and groom
Music player and speakers (please bring an iPod)
A special romantic lunch, sun downers & dinner located in the bush. On your private veranda, or by the swimming pool
Bitings or lunch in the tent with sparkling wine on the day of the event
Canvas bath prior to the ceremony
Sparkling wine prior to the event
Ceremony at sundown
Blessing by the Maasai Elder and 4 Maasai Warriors
Traditional Entertainment (Maasai Dancers)

Optional Extras – Rates On Request (Transport & Accommodation Charged Extra)

Professional Bouquets & Floral Decorations
Professional Wedding Cake
Champagne or additional bottles of sparkling wine
Additional Ceremony Leader
Professional Photographer and / or Videographer
Hairdresser & Make-up Artist

Masai Mara Accommodation ↓

With over 150 camps / lodges in the Masai Mara, the choices are limitless! We are adding more accommodation options soon but will still be able to quote you on any lodge not here.

Sand River Masai Mara

Posted: April 19, 2024

The luxury Sand River Camp is on the wildebeest migration route which adds to an already abundant wildlife in the northern Masai Mara

Sanctuary Olonana (Masai Mara)

Posted: April 19, 2024

Sanctuary Olonana is an award-winning luxury camp on the Mara River, Masai Mara. Ideal for families and honeymooners. Rates and Specials

Mara Intrepids (Masai Mara)

Posted: April 19, 2024

Mara Intrepids Camp offers luxury tented accommodation in the heart of the Masai Mara, Kenya. A kids club makes it a great choice for family safaris

Mara Explorer Camp (Masai Mara)

Posted: April 19, 2024

Mara Explorer is an eco-friendly 5* camp on the edge of the Talek River in the very heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Mahali Mzuri (Masai Mara)

Posted: April 19, 2024

Mahali Mzuri is Sir Richard Branson’s luxury tented safari camp in the Masai Mara. See the annual wildebeest migration or year-round wildlife

Little Governors’ Camp (Masai Mara)

Posted: April 19, 2024

Little Governors’ Camp, offers luxury accommodation in en-suite tents around a large watering hole with birds and wildlife in the Masai Mara

Governors’ Il Moran (Masai Mara)

Posted: April 19, 2024

Governors’ Il Moran Camp is the ideal camp for honeymooners looking for a special safari experience, or even families with older children 

Governors’ Camp (Masai Mara)

Posted: April 19, 2024

Governors’ Camp is perfect for couples, families and friends wanting to experience the best of what a safari in the Masai Mara has to offer

Elephant Pepper Camp (Masai Mara)

Posted: April 19, 2024

Elephant Pepper Camp & Little Elephant Pepper Camp – Escape the crowds for an unforgettable luxury safari in the Masai Mara North Conservancy

Cottar’s Safari (Masai Mara)

Posted: April 19, 2024

The award-winning Cottar’s Safari Camps are situated in the private conservancy, bordering Maasai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti, Tanzania – rates and offers

Angama (Masai Mara)

Posted: April 19, 2024

Angama Mara is on the edge of an escarpment, with views that stretch as far as the eye can see across the Maasai Mara in Kenya

andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Camp (Masai Mara)

Posted: April 19, 2024

Breathtaking locations and an atmosphere of classic safari await guests at andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Camp in the Masai Mara, Kenya

andBeyond Bateleur Camp (Masai Mara)

Posted: April 19, 2024

andBeyond Bateleur Camp is an intimate and luxury safari camp in the Masai Mara, Kenya. Excellent wildlife safaris and wildebeest migration