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.

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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 — 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.

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Cottar’s 1920s Camp Rates 2026/2027

	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
	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 Seasons:- 11 Jan – 31 May and 1 Nov – 19 Dec 2027
• Mid Season:- 1 Jun – 14 Jun and 1 Oct – 31 Oct 2027
• Peak Season:- 15 Jun – 30 Sept and 20 Dec – 10 Jan 2028

PARK FEES

• 1 January – 30 June 2027: $100 Adults and $50 for Children (9-17 years)
• 1 July – 31 December 2027: $200 for Adults and $50 for Children (9-17 years)
• Children 0-8 years: free

Notes

• Honeymooners booking in a honeymoon tent will receive a 30 min complimentary massage per person (maximum 2
  persons) plus a bottle of sparkling wine.
• Park fees for the Maasai Mara National Reserve are charged per person, per day. On the day of departure, any wildlife drive will
  incur an additional park fee, except for direct transfers to the Cottar’s Private Airstrip before 10:00 am.Please note that park fees are set by the Narok County Council and are subject to change without prior notice.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Offers valid from 11 Jan to 31 May and 1 November to 19 December 2027

Offers cannot be combined with any other special rates or promotions.

• 4 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 3:-4 nights for the price of 3 at Cottar’s 1920s Camp or Cottar’s Bush Villa.Applicable on accommodation rates only. Conservancy & park fees are not included and are payable for the entire stay.
• HONEYMOON OFFER:- 50% off one partner’s accommodation,.Valid at Cottar’s 1920s Camp only (excludes Cottar’s Bush Villa). Minimum stay of 4 nights. Applicable on accommodation rates only. Conservancy & park fees are not included and are payable for the entire stay.
• Multigenerational Offer – 50% off Luxury Tent.At Cottar’s 1920s Camp, we believe safaris are best shared across generations. To make multigenerational travel easier, grandparents receive 50% off a Luxury Tent when travelling with a family.Book 3 nights or more in a Family Tent and receive 50% off one Luxury Tent for the grandparents.

RATES INCLUDE

• Full board accommodation
• Local drinks – soft drinks, house wines, beers, and select spirits
• All Cottar’s Safaris activities listed below
• Cottar’s Maasai Warrior School, available at Cottar’s 1920s Camp and Cottar’s Bush Villa
• Transfers to cultural visits
• Laundry included at Cottar’s 1920s Camp and Cottar’s Bush Villa
• Nanny service available – must be booked at least two weeks prior to arrival date
• All statutory taxes (approx. 25%)
• VAT (currently 16%)

RATES EXCLUDE

• Champagne, luxury wines and spirits
• Cultural village entry fee ($30 per person)
• Massage and spa treatments (starting from $60 per person)
• Exclusive use of vehicle ($500 per day)
• Balloon ride over the Maasai Mara
• Certain activities (see separate activities list)
• Transfers to and from Keekorok Airstrip $200

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

• Wildlife drives
• Wilderness run/walk with a Maasai warrior
• Cottar’s famous traditional canvas bush bath. Available at Cottar’s 1920s Camp only
• Maasai Warrior School
• Maasai warrior singing and dancing
• The Explorer’s Tent educational visit
• Foraging and medicinal walk
• Swimming and/or fishing at the waterfall (seasonal)
• Pool time
• Coffee tasting experience
• Stargazing experience
• Reforestation seedball dispersal activity
• Kids entomology safari activities
• Carbon footprint, recycle and upcycle talk and experience
• One hour learning with female conservation rangers

COTTAR’S TALKS

• Talk on the history of Cottar’s Safaris
• Talk on Maasai culture
• Talk on sustainability and conservation
• Talk on the history of African travel
• Talk on the life of a hunter-gatherer

ACTIVITIES AT AN ADDITIONAL COST

(Some of these activities will need to be pre-arranged with our reservations team. Please request our activities list)

• A conservation helicopter flight with the Mara Elephant Project (MEP) – $2 400 for 2 guests
• Immersive raptor experience with the Kenya Birds of Prey Trust (KBOPT) – $780
• Mara cheetah educational experience – Lecture and Safari donation (1-4 guests): $1200, 5 guests: $1350, 6 guests:
  $1500, 8 guests: $1800 & 9-10 guests: $2100
• Visit our local Maasai village – $30 per person
• Beading with Mamma Nashiro Batian: 1 hour = $20; 2 hours = $30; full day 2 inch bracelet or similar = $50
• Massage and other spa treatments – starting from $60 per person
• Balloon flight over the Maasai Mara – US$550 for adults and US$435 per child 4-11 years (children under 4 years
  not allowed). PLEASE NOTE and inform your guests: The day begins with an early morning wakeup call at
  03:30am with tea and coffee, followed by a 04:00am departure to the launch site to enjoy the balloon safari over
  the Maasai Mara. The drive from camp to the balloon launch site takes around 1.5 hours
• In-house photography service starting from 2 hours – $300. Please request our separate activities list.
  Please note: in some instances prices are obtained from third parties and may be subject to change.

NEW! ACTIVITIES THAT ENGAGE AND POSITIVELY IMPACT
Cottar’s 1920s Camp is already a leading-edge Global Ecosphere Retreat° member of The Long Run with a
significant commitment, and innovative and unique approach to sustainability. We have developed some unique,
purpose-driven experiences in line with this, that contribute to sustainability. Please request our separate activities
list.
CALVIN COTTAR AS A PRIVATE HOST
$2 000 per day (arrange directly with Cottar’s Safaris)
CHECK OUT 10H00
Late departure at $100 per adult and $80 per child includes extra lunch and activities.
It excludes use of room after 10:00am and applicable park fees.
OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
Minimum 2 night stay at Cottar’s 1920s Camp. Minimum 2 night stay at Cottar’s Bush Villa. Usually 10 guests
maximum, but we can potentially accommodate more. Please contact our reservations team for possible options.

CHILDREN

• Child 0- 4 years free of charge
• A child in his/her own room (minimum 16 years) will be charged the single room rate.
• One child 5-17 years sharing with one adult will be charged the per child sharing rate and the adult will be
  charged per person.
• Two children sharing in a luxury tent will charged per child sharing rate (minimum 16 years)

FAMILY TENTS
Additional children are charged the per child sharing rate. This applies for children up to 17 years. Guests staying in
a family tent will be offered exclusive use of a vehicle.

EXCLUSIVE USE OF VEHICLE

• Guests staying in a Family Tent will be offered exclusive use of vehicle.
• Guests staying in Cottar’s Bush Villa will have exclusive use of a vehicle, or two, depending on the total number
  of guests.
• The vehicle capacity is a maximum of 6 guests.
  Please note that whenever possible we do try our best to give each group of guests exclusive use of a vehicle but
  this cannot be guaranteed unless a fee of $500 per day is paid at time of booking. We would highly recommend
  booking exclusive use of a vehicle.

Booking Terms & Conditions

PAYMENT

• Full and final payment must be received, and funds cleared by Cottar’s Safaris no later than 60 days before the
  arrival date under the booking (or if the booking is within 60 days, immediately upon booking). If final payment
  is not received, then Cottar’s Safaris is entitled to release the rooms and any other services with no further liability
  to it. In such circumstances, the deposit will not be refunded and any reimbursement of payment received will
  be dealt with in accordance with the section titled “Cancellation” below.
• If clients arrive without full payment being made in advance, Cottar’s Safaris has the rights to either not accept the clients or charge them directly the difference in order for their stay to be effected.

CANCELLATION

A cancellation must be made in writing via email and receipt of the cancellation must also be confirmed in writing by Cottar’s Safaris. If there is no acknowledgment of the cancellation from Cottar’s Safaris it means that your cancellation notification has not been received and is therefore not valid. In the event of a valid cancellation notification, the following terms will apply (subject to the Disclaimer
and Force Majeure clauses in our full terms and conditions:

• More than 60 days before arrival – the 20% deposit is refunded, net of bank/payment transaction/currency
  exchange charges and an admin fee of 3% of the booking value.
• Between 60 days and arrival – 100% of the total invoice value is forfeited
• Cancellation during travel or stay – 100% of total invoice value is forfeited

INSURANCE

• Cottar’s Safaris will not accept guests on a tour unless full travel and medical insurance has been taken out by the
  guest or on behalf of the guest. Insurance should be arranged when the initial deposit is paid and details provided.
  If a guest does not have full travel and medical insurance Cottar’s Safaris is entitled to cancel the booking and
  cancellation fees will apply accordingly.
• Cottar’s Safaris full Terms and Conditions must be read, agreed to and returned to Cottar’s Safaris for these rates
  to be valid and for you to be able to book any of the Cottar’s Safaris properties.

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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.

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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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“You May Also Like”

• Sarara Camp
• Borana Ranch
• Sirai Beach

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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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 Mara 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

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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

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What’s Not Included

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

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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.

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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.

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