Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp
A Timeless Luxury Safari Experience in the Masai Mara
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Step Into the Golden Age of Safari
Step back into an era of elegance and adventure, where cream canvas tents, brass lanterns, and endless savannas define the experience. Set within a private conservancy bordering the legendary Masai Mara, Cottar’s 1920s Safari 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 is safari reimagined.
A Legacy of Wilderness & 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
✨ For Honeymooners & Couples
Romance of the Golden Age
Step back into a world where time slows, lanterns glow, and the savanna stretches endlessly before you. Couples 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, consider adding a few nights at the Kenya Coast’s luxury resorts, from The Majlis in Lamu to Sirai Beach.
👨👩👧👦 For Multi-Generational Safaris
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 connection, learning, and wonder, Cottar’s 1920s Camp offers a safari that spans generations. For even more variety, the Laikipia Plateau offers camel rides, horse safaris, and community-led conservation.
🦁 For Explorers & Photographers
Safari with Spirit
The Mara awakens — lions stalk through golden grass, elephants graze along the horizon, and raptors circle overhead. At Cottar’s, you’re not just an observer; you’re a participant in the drama of the wild.
From sunrise and full-day drives 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.
Accommodation & Setting
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
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.
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 2026/2027
Rates & Seasons
| Category | Private | Mid | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per person sharing | $1,150 | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Single Room | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,750 |
| Child sharing 5-17 yrs | $865 | $1,125 | $1,500 |
| Child 0-4 yrs | Free | Free | Free |
| Honeymoon Tent (2 pax)* | $2,700 | $3,400 | $4,400 |
| Family Tent (4 pax)* | $4,000 | $5,200 | $7,000 |
Cottar’s Bush Villa Rates 2026/2027
| Category | Private | Mid | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bush Villa (6 pax) | $9,000 | $11,500 | $15,000 |
| Per additional adult | $900 | $1,150 | $1,500 |
| Per additional child 5-17 yrs | $600 | $760 | $990 |
| Child 0-4 Years | Free | Free | Free |
Seasons
- Private Season: 11 Jan – 31 May & 1 Nov – 19 Dec 2027
- Mid Season: 1 Jun – 14 Jun & 1 Oct – 31 Oct 2027
- Peak Season: 15 Jun – 30 Sept & 20 Dec – 10 Jan 2028
Park Fees
- 1 Jan – 30 Jun 2027: $100 Adults / $50 Children (9-17 yrs)
- 1 Jul – 31 Dec 2027: $200 Adults / $50 Children (9-17 yrs)
- Children 0-8 years: Free
Special Offers
Valid from 11 Jan to 31 May and 1 Nov to 19 Dec 2027. Offers cannot be combined.
- 4 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 3: Applicable on accommodation rates only at Cottar’s 1920s Camp or Cottar’s Bush Villa.
- HONEYMOON OFFER: 50% off one partner’s accommodation. Valid at Cottar’s 1920s Camp only. Minimum stay of 4 nights.
- MULTIGENERATIONAL OFFER: Grandparents receive 50% off a Luxury Tent when traveling with a family. Book 3 nights or more in a Family Tent.
Terms & Conditions
Payment
Full and final payment must be received no later than 60 days before arrival. If final payment is not received, Cottar’s Safaris is entitled to release the rooms with no further liability.
Cancellation
- More than 60 days before arrival: 20% deposit refunded, net of charges and a 3% admin fee.
- Between 60 days and arrival: 100% of total invoice value forfeited.
- Cancellation during travel or stay: 100% of total invoice value forfeited.
Insurance
Full travel and medical insurance is mandatory. Insurance should be arranged when the initial deposit is paid.
Best Time to Visit
- July–October: Peak time for the Great Migration; 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, 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. Combine this safari with Tangulia Mara Camp for a diverse Mara experience, or extend north to Laikipia and Samburu for a more adventurous circuit.
Sample 4-Day “Golden Age” Safari Itinerary
Safari Overview
Step into the safari era at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, set in a private conservancy near the Masai Mara. 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 camp, welcome drinks, and check-in
- Afternoon game drive in the Olderkesi Conservancy
- Sundowners on a hilltop followed by a candlelit dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Safari in the Masai Mara
- Sunrise game drive with picnic breakfast
- Explore migration routes (July–Oct) or predator hotspots
- Lunch 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
- 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.
Extend Your Journey
- Richard’s River Camp – A more intimate alternative in the Mara
- Borana Ranch, Laikipia – Rhino tracking and conservation
- Sarara Camp, Samburu – Cultural safaris
- Kenya Coast – Barefoot luxury on white sand beaches
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.
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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:
- 6 Days Classic Explorer Mara Safari
- Rich Cultures and Game Changing Conservation Safari
- Wildlife-Rich, With Unique Charm
- History Meets Conservation
- The Game Changers Safari
- Bush Villas Safari
- Bush and Beach Villas Safari