Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp offers one of Kenya’s most authentic and unforgettable safari experiences. Set within a privately managed, community-owned concession that borders the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve and the Serengeti, this luxurious camp blends vintage safari elegance with cutting-edge conservation and deep-rooted community partnerships. From the moment you arrive, you’re immersed in a landscape teeming with wildlife, culture, and classic safari charm — a tribute to a bygone era when safaris were as much about the journey as the destination.

A Classic Camp with Deep Roots

The Cottar family name is legendary in East African safari history, with more than a century of guiding experience dating back to 1919. That legacy continues today with Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, where decades of expertise and family tradition come together to offer guests a beautifully curated experience. The camp was designed to reflect the golden age of safari — a period marked by elegance, exploration, and exclusivity. Dark hardwood furniture, canvas tents, antique fixtures, and vintage pieces define the colonial-era aesthetic, while modern touches ensure comfort without compromising authenticity.

Location, Location, Location

The camp is set in a stunning 7,608-acre private conservancy that borders both the Masai Mara and Serengeti ecosystems. This means guests have exclusive access to incredible wildlife viewing — without the crowds. Sweeping views stretch across game-filled plains, and the remote location ensures a sense of privacy and connection with nature that’s difficult to find elsewhere. Yet despite the seclusion, the camp remains easily accessible via scheduled or charter flights into nearby airstrips.

The conservancy is community-owned, and Cottar’s has played a key role in its development. Staying here directly supports conservation initiatives and benefits the local Maasai community, creating a safari experience that is meaningful as well as magnificent.

Elegant Safari Living

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp consists of just ten tents, ensuring an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. Each tent is spaced well apart for privacy and tranquility. The accommodations include four spacious family suites, each with its own living room and cozy fireplace — perfect for evenings under the African stars. There’s also a romantic, one-of-a-kind honeymoon suite that offers the ultimate in seclusion and luxury.

All tents are furnished with en suite bathrooms, complete with hot safari showers and flush toilets. For guests seeking something truly unforgettable, open-air safari baths and showers can be arranged on the savannah, providing a magical way to connect with the landscape.

Heart of the Camp: Communal Comforts

The camp’s main areas are two elegantly designed mess tents that serve as the social heart of Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp. These feature comfortable lounges for reading and relaxing, a well-stocked bar, and a formal dining area where gourmet meals are served by attentive staff. The atmosphere is refined yet unpretentious, reflecting the warm hospitality that defines the Cottar’s experience.

Beyond the mess tents, guests can unwind in the camp’s swimming pool or indulge in a range of treatments at the spa — both offering moments of luxury in the midst of the wild.

Exceptional Guiding, Gold Standard Service

What truly sets Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp apart is the quality of its guiding team. The camp proudly employs more Gold Level Safari Guides — the highest professional certification in Kenya — than any other camp in the country. Each guide is carefully selected not only for their skills and expertise but also for their character, storytelling ability, and passion for conservation.

Whether you’re heading out on a traditional game drive, a walking safari, or a night drive, you can be assured of a top-tier experience. Expect to encounter everything from lion and elephant to cheetah, wildebeest, giraffe, and rare birds — all while learning about their behaviors, habitats, and ecological significance.

Genuine Cultural Connection

A stay at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp offers more than just wildlife; it offers a genuine window into the rich culture of the Maasai people. The Cottar family has worked hand-in-hand with the local Maasai for generations, and the result is a relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals.

Guests can visit local Maasai homesteads, learn about traditional customs, and even witness community projects supported by the camp. Unlike the staged encounters that sometimes define “cultural tourism,” the interactions here are authentic, respectful, and enriching for both visitors and hosts.

Eco-Conscious and Award-Winning

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is widely recognized for its outstanding commitment to sustainability and ethical tourism. The camp consistently receives some of the highest ratings in global ecotourism, and it has earned numerous awards for its innovative approach to conservation, community development, and cultural preservation.

Through initiatives like the Cottar’s Wildlife Conservation Trust, the camp supports habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts, education programs, and sustainable livelihoods for the surrounding communities. Guests are encouraged to learn about and participate in these efforts, making their stay not just enjoyable but impactful.

Activities Tailored to You

Beyond traditional game drives and cultural visits, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp offers a host of curated activities designed to suit a wide range of interests. Options include:

• Walking safaris led by expert guides and Maasai trackers

• Night game drives to spot nocturnal wildlife

• Bush meals and sundowners in breathtaking locations

• Photography safaris for both amateur and professional shutterbugs

• Fishing excursions in nearby rivers

• Private conservation briefings and behind-the-scenes tours

Each day is tailored to your preferences, with a flexible schedule that ensures you experience the Mara on your own terms.

Ideal for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon, a family adventure, or a solo escape, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp caters to all types of travelers. The family tents offer plenty of space and amenities for kids, while the camp’s low-key luxury and attentive service make it a top choice for couples. Solo travelers will appreciate the friendly atmosphere, personalized service, and the sense of belonging that defines the camp experience.