Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp-A Timeless Luxury Safari Experience in the Masai Mara!

The Romance of the Golden Age

Step back into the golden age of safari, where cream canvas tents, brass lanterns, and endless savannas create an atmosphere of elegance and adventure. Set within a private conservancy bordering the legendary Masai Mara. Cottar’s 1920s Camp blends luxury with heritage, offering one of Kenya’s most iconic safari experiences. For travelers seeking authenticity, exclusivity, and a deep connection to the wild, this camp is safari reimagined.

Discover Timeless Elegance

Owned by the century-old Cottar family, this award-winning safari camp lies on 7,608 pristine acres of the Olderkesi Conservancy, bordering both the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve and the Serengeti beyond. It carries forward a legacy of wilderness, conservation, culture, and timeless elegance!

Your Safari, Your Style at Cottar’s 1920s Camp!

1. ✨ (Honeymooners & Couples)

Cottar’s 1920s Camp – Romance of the Golden Age

Step back into a world where time slows, lanterns glow, and the savanna stretches endlessly before you. At Cottar’s 1920s Camp, every detail evokes the golden age of safari — cream canvas tents, brass fittings, candlelit dinners, and sunsets that feel private and eternal.

Couples at Cottar’s can indulge in private bush dinners under the stars, sunrise balloon rides, and intimate sundowners overlooking the plains. This is one of Kenya’s most romantic camps — a perfect blend of safari elegance and wild seclusion.

To complete the journey, add a few nights at the Kenya Coast’s luxury resorts, From the The Majlis in Lamu to Sirai Beach, these idyllic retreats provide the perfect ending to a safari honeymoon.

2. 🦁 (Explorers & Photographers)

Cottar’s 1920s Camp – Safari with Spirit

The Mara awakens — lions stalk through golden grass, elephants graze along the horizon, and raptors circle overhead. At Cottar’s 1920s Camp, you’re not just an observer, you’re a participant in the drama of the wild.

From sunrise and full-day drives into the Masai Mara and Olderkesi Conservancy, to night drives that reveal hyenas, leopards, and nocturnal hunters, this is a safari crafted for explorers. Guided bush walks, off-the-beaten-track excursions, and cultural encounters with the Maasai add depth to every day.

For photographers, adventurers, and those chasing raw experiences, Cottar’s offers front-row seats to Africa’s greatest wilderness — wrapped in the charm of a bygone era.

3. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 (Multi-Generational Safaris)

Cottar’s 1920s Camp – Family Safari Legacy

Cottar’s is ideal for multi-generational safaris, with spacious tents, swimming pools, and activities designed for children. Young explorers can join junior ranger programs, track animal footprints, and learn Maasai skills under expert guidance.

For families seeking even more variety, the Laikipia Plateau is another excellent destination, offering camel rides, horse safaris, and community-led conservation.

For families seeking connection, learning, and wonder, Cottar’s 1920s Camp offers a safari that spans generations.

Accommodation & Setting

Accommodation at Cottar’s 1920s Camp

Each luxury canvas tent is furnished with antique campaign furniture, safari baths, and panoramic views of the wilderness. Choose from romantic honeymoon tents, family tents, or private suites designed for exclusivity. The style is reminiscent of a bygone era yet infused with modern comfort.

For a more intimate alternative in the Mara, explore Richard’s River Camp or extend your journey with barefoot luxury at Sirai Beach in Kilifi for the ultimate bush-to-beach escape.

Safari Activities & Experiences

Activities for Every Interest

Days at Cottar’s unfold with immersive wildlife encounters. Enjoy game drives across the Masai Mara and Olderkesi Conservancy, where lions, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs roam. During the Great Migration, witness the drama of river crossings, a spectacle rivaled only by few places on earth.

Guests can also experience night drives, bush walks, and cultural interactions with the Maasai. The camp’s private conservancy offers a quieter, more exclusive experience than busier reserves — similar to Borana Ranch in Laikipia where conservation-led safaris flourish. For shorter adventures focused solely on the migration, see our 3 Days Fly-In Safari to the Masai Mara

Conservation & Culture

The Cottar family, pioneers of East African safaris for over a century, remain deeply committed to wildlife conservation and Maasai culture. Through community-led initiatives, they protect biodiversity and preserve traditions. Their philosophy mirrors the conservation models seen at Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Sarara Camp in Samburu where tourism directly supports wildlife and local livelihoods.

Cottar’s 1920s Camp Rates

	Green	High	Peak
Per person sharing	1,146	1,491	1,753
Single Room	1,373	1,789	2,104
Child sharing 6-17 yrs	858	1,119	1,317
Child in third bed 6-12 yrs	574	747	879
Honeymoon Tent (2 pax)*	2,524	3,278	3,856
Family Tent (4 pax)*	4,156	5,419	6.375

Cottar’s Bush Villa
	Green	High	Mid
Bush Villa (6 pax)	9,011	11 383	14 553
Per additional adult	$899	1 158	1 481
Per additional child 6-17 yrs.	$736	$986	1 260

Park & Conservancy Fee:Adult USD 116 Child(6-17Years) USD 58

Seasons

Green Seasons:- 11 January – 31 May | 01 November – 19 December 2024
High Season:- 01 June – 30 June | 01 September – 31 October 2024
Peak Season:- 01 July – 31 August | 20 December 2021 – 10 January 2025

Rates Includes:-

Full board accommodation, water, tea and coffee
Local drinks – soft drinks, house wines, beers, and select spirits
All safari activities unless specified otherwise
Cottar’s Warrior School, available at the 1920s Camp and Bush Villa only
Cottar’s Private Airstrip transfers
Canvas Bush Baths, applies to the 1920s Camp only
Transfers to cultural visits
Laundry included at the 1920s Camp and Bush Villa
Nanny service available – must be booked at least two weeks prior to arrival date
All statutory taxes (approx. 25%). Including VAT

Rates Excludes-

Champagne, luxury wines and spirits
Park and Conservancy fees (Adult $250 pppn, Child 6-17 yrs $175 pppn)
Cultural village entry fee ($20 pp)
Massage and Spa treatments (starting from $50)
Exclusive use of vehicle – $330 per day
Balloon Ride over the Masai Mara
Certain activities (see separate activities list)
Transfers to and from Keekorok Airstrip*

Best Time to Visit

July-October: Peak time for the Great Migration in the Mara; spectacular wildlife density and river crossings.
November-March: Excellent visibility, lush landscapes post-rain, prime time for photography and birding.
April-June: Green season; fewer guests, dramatic skies, sometimes more rain but also dramatic contrasts and lower rates.

Getting There

Cottar’s 1920s Camp is accessible via daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara, followed by a short transfer. Guests can combine this safari with Tangulia Mara Camp for a diverse Mara experience, or extend north to Laikipia and Samburu for a more adventurous circuit.

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Why Choose Cottar’s 1920s Camp?

A blend of vintage safari charm with modern comforts and well-trained guides.
Exclusive setting in a large private conservancy, offering privacy and rich wildlife encounters.
Strong heritage: over 100 years of safari tradition with the Cottar family.
Luxury plus authenticity: safari baths, spa, fine dining, cultural connection.

Sample 4-Day Itinerary & Indicative Pricing

Sample 4-Day “Golden Age” Safari Itinerary

Safari Overview

Step into the golden age of safari at Cottar’s 1920s Camp, set in a private conservancy bordering the Masai Mar a This award-winning camp offers authentic luxury under canvas, guided by the Cottar family’s century-old safari legacy. Experience exclusive game drives, guided walks, cultural encounters, and evenings of lantern-lit elegance.

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara

Flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to the Mara
Transfer to Cottar’s 1920s Camp, welcome drinks, and check-in
Afternoon game drive in the Olderkesi Conservancy
Sundowners on a hilltop followed by a candlelit dinner
Overnight at Cottar’s 1920s Camp

Day 2: Full-Day Safari in the Masai Mara

Sunrise game drive in the Mara with picnic breakfast
Explore migration routes (July–Oct) or predator hotspots
Lunch back at camp, time to relax by the pool or spa
Night game drive revealing hyenas, leopards, and nocturnal life

Day 3: Walking Safari & Cultural Encounters

Morning guided bush walk with Maasai trackers
Visit a local Maasai village to learn traditions and culture
Afternoon at leisure or photography drive
Bush dinner under the stars

Day 4: Sunrise Safari & Departure

Morning balloon safari (optional) or final game drive
Breakfast overlooking the savanna
Transfer to the airstrip for flight back to Nairobi

What’s Included

3 nights full-board accommodation at Cottar’s 1920s Camp
All meals, teas, and sundowners
Game drives in Masai Mara & Olderkesi Conservancy
Guided walking safari & cultural village visit
Airstrip transfers in the Mara
Park fees & conservation levies

What’s Not Included

International flights to Kenya
Nairobi accommodation (if required)
Travel insurance
Premium drinks, spa, and balloon safari (optional)

Indicative Rates (Per Person Sharing)

High Season (July–Oct, Dec–Mar): USD 6,200 – 7,500
Low Season (Apr–Jun, Nov): USD 3,500 – 5,800

Single supplements apply. Rates are indicative and vary with dates, group size, and customizations.

Best Time to Go

July–October: Witness the Great Migration in the Mara.
November–March: Excellent predator viewing, fewer crowds.
April–June: Green season with lower rates and dramatic skies.

Extend Your Journey

Pair with Richard’s River Camp For a more intimate alternative in the Mara
Head north to Borana Ranch in Laikipia for rhino tracking.
Experience cultural safaris at Sarara Camp in Samburu.
End with barefoot luxury at the Kenya Coast — white sand and turquoise seas.

View Gallery

Secluded Luxury in the Wild.

At Cottar’s 1920s Camp, embrace the spirit of original East African safari pioneers. This is more than just a place to stay—it’s a return to the quintessential safari era with the luxuries of the modern world.

Sample Safari Itineraries

Cottar’s offers stunning wildlife and safari packages that encompass the true spirit of ‘safari’ with an abundance of wildlife and unparalleled privacy:

Beyond Kenya Safaris

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp-The Best of Mara,Rates,Review and Availability