Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp Mara

Experience the golden age of African safari luxury with Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp, where over 100 years of safari heritage meets authentic 1920s elegance. Book through our travel specialists to unlock exclusive rates, seamless planning support, and insider perks unavailable when booking directly—we've negotiated preferred pricing and added benefits through our trusted partnerships with this legendary property.

Our expert team handles every detail of your safari experience, securing the best available rates and ensuring you receive personalized service before, during, and after your stay. When you book with us, you gain access to exclusive knowledge about optimal timing, hidden experiences, and special arrangements that enhance your adventure.

Where You'll Stay

Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp sits within a private 7,608-acre conservancy in the Olderkesi Community Conservancy, bordering Kenya's world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve [2]. The camp recreates vintage safari luxury in an exclusive location that guarantees privacy while providing access to the largest concentration of terrestrial wildlife on Earth [6].

Founded by fifth-generation safari operators Calvin and Louise Cottar in the mid-1990s, this property combines the romance of early African exploration with modern luxury [11]. The hillside position provides spectacular panoramic vistas of the African wilderness, with direct game drive access to both the conservancy and Masai Mara National Reserve [2].

Rooms & Suites

Cottar's 1920s Camp offers 12 exclusive accommodations featuring 11 luxury tents and one private Bush Villa, all authentically styled with antique furnishings and period décor [2]. Each tent includes en-suite bathrooms with traditional outdoor canvas baths, private verandas with panoramic views, and modern conveniences including complimentary wireless Internet access [4].

• Luxury Double Tents: Five spacious double tents with king beds, romantic mosquito netting, antique furnishings, and private verandas overlooking the Mara plains [11]
• Honeymoon Suites: Two charming honeymoon tents offering intimate settings with premium amenities and elevated privacy [11]
• Family Suites: Three and four-bedroom family accommodations featuring multiple bedrooms, cozy living areas with fireplaces, and layouts ideal for traveling groups [2][11]
• Private Bush Villa: Exclusive five-bedroom villa with private staff of 8 (including host, butler, and dedicated safari guide), 25-meter swimming pool, wood-fired hot tub, private dining and living areas, and exclusive use of a private game drive vehicle [2][4]
• Special Features: All accommodations include daily housekeeping, complimentary bottled water, desks, and modern en-suite bathrooms with premium toiletries [4]

Dining Experiences

Cottar's celebrates culinary excellence with farm-to-table philosophy, featuring carefully crafted dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients and presented with sophistication [9]. The camp maintains two main mess tent areas for fine dining, intimate breakfast service, and evening cocktails overlooking the savannah [7].

• Main Dining: Four-course dinners and gourmet breakfasts served in the historic mess tents with views across the Mara plains; all meals included in the Fully Inclusive Plus rate [1][4]
• Bars & Lounges: Two bars and lounges serving select premium drinks, sundowners, and refreshments; 24-hour room service available [4]

Property Amenities

The camp features world-class facilities designed for relaxation and rejuvenation after daily game drives [4]. Luxury amenities include two outdoor swimming pools, a spa with wellness treatments, and traditional safari experiences [4].

• Spa & Wellness: Full-service spa offering massages and spa treatments; traditional canvas safari baths set up on tent verandas for unique bathing experiences with panoramic views [7]
• Pool & Recreation: Two outdoor swimming pools plus a 25-meter pool at the Private Bush Villa; wood-fired hot tub [4][2]
• Services & Conveniences: Complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service, dry cleaning and laundry services, luggage storage, concierge services, and complimentary babysitting/childcare [4]
• Technology & Connectivity: Complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the camp [4]

Things to Do

The camp provides unparalleled access to the Masai Mara's legendary wildlife, with daily guided experiences led by expert naturalists [7]. Guests enjoy exclusive use of private game drive vehicles ensuring complete flexibility for wildlife viewing [2].

• Game Drives: Professional guided day and night game drives with private vehicles; access to both Masai Mara National Reserve and the private Olderkesi Conservancy [7][2]
• Walking Safaris: Guided nature walks to explore smaller species, avian life, and learn about the ecosystem [11]
• Cultural Experiences: Authentic interactions with Masai communities conducted with respect and genuine cultural exchange [11]
• Safari Photography: World-class photography opportunities with the largest wildlife concentration on Earth [6]
• Specialized Programs: Culinary safaris, family adventures, conservation-focused experiences, and kids' entomology programs available [9]

Pricing & Booking

Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp operates on a fully-inclusive basis, with rates varying by season and travel dates [1]. Prices range from $1,150 to $2,000 per person sharing for standard tent accommodations during shoulder seasons, with premium rates during peak wildlife viewing periods [1].

• Low Season (Nov-Dec, Apr-May): From $1,150 per person sharing [1]
• Mid Season (Jan-Mar, Jun-Oct): $1,500-$1,753 per person sharing [1]
• High Season (Jul-Aug, Dec 15-Jan 10): From $2,000 per person sharing [1]
• Private Bush Villa: Custom pricing for exclusive use; accommodates up to 10 guests with dedicated staff [2]
• What's Included: Accommodation, all meals, select drinks, and most activities (excluding certain premium experiences) [1]

At a Glance

• Check-in: 4:00 PM (early check-in available at additional cost) [4]
• Check-out: 4:00 PM (late checkout available at additional cost) [4]
• Total Rooms: 12 accommodations (11 tents plus Private Bush Villa) [2]
• Maximum Guests: Approximately 24-26 guests in main camp plus 10 in Private Bush Villa [2]
• Property Type: Ultra-luxury tented safari camp [2]
• Star Rating: Premier/5-star luxury property [6]
• Best For: Honeymoon couples, families seeking authentic safari, luxury travelers, wildlife photographers, cultural explorers [2][11]
• Safari Season: Open year-round; peak game viewing July-October [1]

Why Choose Cottar's 1920s

Cottar's represents five generations of authentic African safari expertise, combining nostalgic 1920s elegance with contemporary luxury [11]. The camp's private conservancy model ensures exclusive wildlife access while supporting Maasai community conservation efforts [12].

This property consistently receives recognition as one of Africa's finest luxury safari experiences, with guests praising the exceptional personalized service, knowledgeable guides, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. The dedicated staff-to-guest ratio (up to 8 staff per villa guest) ensures every detail receives attention.

Ready to experience authentic African safari luxury? Contact our travel specialists today to secure exclusive rates, customize your itinerary, and receive insider recommendations for maximizing your Masai Mara experience. We'll handle all booking details and ensure your journey exceeds expectations.