Brand New Epicurean Safari - Cottar’s Culinary Safari in the Maasai Mara

Cottar’s 1920s Camp is launching an exceptional gastronomic safari hosted by an internationally renowned celebrity chef. This five-night epicurean safari adventure in the Maasai Mara redefines luxury in the wild, with a focus on foraging, authentic local flavours, traditional cooking techniques, immersive culinary experiences, and wild dining.

Taking place from 9th - 15th December, Cottar’s Culinary Safari is an exclusive, set-departure experience hosted by internationally acclaimed celebrity chef and Kenyan restaurateur Kiran Jethwa. Known for his expertise in bush foraging and wilderness cooking on shows such as Tales From The Bush Larder (Fox International), The Fearless Chef (National Geographic) and Chef Vs Wild (Disney Plus), Chef Kiran who is also a trained safari guide, brings his signature style and passion for local ingredients to this extraordinary adventure.

Joining him are Boniface Muhati, Head Chef at Cottar’s Safaris, who trained at the Beau Constantia boutique wine farm and Maison restaurants in South Africa, and Doug Nagi, Cottar’s Safaris’ esteemed Gold Level Guide and foraging expert, who will lead guests in uncovering the edible wonders of the African bush.

From expert-led wildlife encounters and meaningful conservation efforts to rich cultural exchanges and unforgettable gastronomic experiences, this one-of-a-kind safari promises a deep, lasting connection to the landscape, its people and the unique culinary heritage of the incredible Maasai Mara.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Five Unique Dining and Immersive Experiences Curated by Chef Kiran Jethwa:

• A Wild Forageable Feast: Spotlighting locally foraged ingredients, including herbs, roots, and bark, to craft dishes such as Whistling Thorn Berry and Wild Asparagus, and Red Water Bark Trifle. The evening is enriched by insights and storytelling from an il Dorobo forager-hunter.
• Dining in Competition with Baboons: A wild dining experience amongst the trees, celebrating seasonal foraged fruits of the Mara, paired with an insightful talk on baboon intelligence and social behaviour. Learn how the Maasai observed baboons to identify safe, edible plants, deepening our connection to these remarkable animals and their world.
• A Celebration of the Maasai: A unique lantern-lit, rustic dinner celebrating the Maasai people, their culture, and traditional flavours, using Maasai cooking techniques to create reimagined modern dishes.
• The Ultimate Bush Brunch: A wild bush feast centered around ostrich, offering a sensory culinary adventure.
• A 1920s Dinner Under the Stars: Blending historic African explorer recipes with epic stargazing and vintage safari flair.

- Cookery Demonstrations: Master safari cuisine infused with local flavours and outdoor cooking techniques.

- Maasai Cultural Experiences: Enjoy a unique meal using smoked flavours, inspired by the Maasai cattle and their cultural importance. Participate in Maasai warrior school visits, Maasai beading workshops, and storytelling from Letilet, an il Dorobo forager-hunter.

- Wild Foraging: Discover edible plants and learn how to incorporate them as ingredients.

- Wildlife Encounters: Explore the Maasai Mara and Cottar’s Safaris’ private conservancy with expert Gold Level guides.

- Seedball Reforestation: Participate in hands-on reforestation efforts through seedball throwing to restore ecosystems.

- Bush Walks & Stargazing: Explore the wilderness on foot and marvel at the vast African night sky, free from light pollution.

- Cultural Connections: Authentic interactions with the Maasai people, one of Africa’s most iconic cultures.

- Coffee-Tasting: Sample some of East Africa’s finest freshly brewed highland coffee.