Overview

Cottar’s Safaris is a portfolio of two transformative properties in the Maasai Mara area in Kenya, that work with the local community to unite wildlife conservation and sustainable luxury travel. We are a 5th generation family-run safari company that has been operating safaris in Africa for more than 100 years. Our 1920s Camp and Private Bush Villa are located in the private Olderkesi Conservancy which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Our motivation goes far deeper than simply providing a place to stay. As a fellow member of The Long Run, we operate under the guidelines of The Long Run’s 4Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce and are one of less than a dozen Global Ecosphere Retreats in the world. Each guest’s visit contributes 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.

Situated in the untouched exclusive Olderkesi Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Loliondo reserves; the area guarantees privacy and an abundance of wildlife. Our 1920s Camp provides the romance of safari under nine cream canvas tents, spacious and luxuriously furnished in the style of the bygone era of the twenties. Our private Bush Villa boasts 5 en-suite bedrooms, amazing views over the Masai Mara, a 25m private pool, a private chef and guides. Both properties extend an era of luxury and quality, as we return to the original spirit and essence of “safari”, reminiscent of a golden era; an era of romance, professional guiding, adventure and elegance. Our low-impact, high-value approach to sustainable ecotourism helps fund the vital work that is conserving land for biodiversity.


Video overview

Activities offered

  • Fishing
  • Accommodation
  • Ballooning
  • Mobile Safaris
  • Photography
  • Safaris - Fixed Camp
  • Bird Watching

Where we operate

  • Kenya

Where we’re based

  • United Kingdom
  • Kenya
  • United States

News see all news

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13 May 2021

Cottar's is open and Wildebeest are coming

Last week President Kenyatta eased lockdown restrictions for travel to and around Kenya. International flights to Kenya are open, the number of Covid-19 cases are relatively low and we welcome visitors back to our beautiful country and to our camp and bush villa in the Masai Mara AND the Great Migration is on its way back to the Mara.

Member News
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15 Apr 2021

Cottar’s Raptor Experience

At Cottar's we have been working hard to develop inspiring, engaging and impactful activities, many of which also support various conservation charities in our local area.

Member News
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06 Jan 2021

An extensive refurbishment at Cottar's 1920s Camp

Following an extensive refurbishment, the Cottar’s 1920s Camp in the Maasai Mara now includes a signature Mess tent, as well as an Explorer’s tent, and a stunning new interior for the second Honeymoon tent. Everything is ready and open, and we are excited to receive guests following on from the news of the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Member News
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10 Jan 2020

Announcing an upgrade of Cottar's Private Airstrip

We are pleased to announce that our private airstrip in the Maasai Mara has been upgraded. Airlines that are landing at Cottar's Private Airstrip: Governors, Safarilink, Air Kenya, Yellow Wings and any private charter company. The strip is 1.3km long and 23 meters wide, made of heavily compacted muram with wide drainage. It's the only strip in the Masai Mara that is up to Kenya Airways Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) new regulations.

Member News
Contacts
Ms Liz Kamau
Mrs Sasha Cork
Karen Darnborough
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