🦓 Overview
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is not just a lodge—it’s a time machine that takes guests back to the golden era of African safaris. Located in the private Olderkesi Conservancy, southeast of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and bordering the Serengeti in Tanzania, this award-winning luxury camp delivers authentic experiences with vintage charm and timeless service. With sweeping views across the plains, a deep commitment to sustainability, and access to wildlife-rich territory, Cottar’s provides one of the most immersive and exclusive safari stays in Kenya.
Perfect for couples, families, and photographers, this is a destination where elegance meets wild adventure.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Cottar’s 1920s Camp is nestled in the Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy, a pristine 7,600-acre private conservancy that connects seamlessly with the Masai Mara to the northwest and the Serengeti ecosystem to the south. Its location ensures incredible wildlife encounters without the crowds—this is one of the few places you can spot the Big Five without sharing the view with multiple vehicles.
How to Get There
- By Air: Guests fly into Cottar’s private airstrip, located approximately 15 minutes from the camp. Alternatively, scheduled flights are available to Keekorok Airstrip, followed by a 1.5-hour scenic transfer.
- By Road: Though less common due to distance, road transfers from Nairobi are possible, usually taking around 7–8 hours, recommended with a private driver and 4WD vehicle.
Airport transfers are provided for all guests arriving by air.
🛌 Accommodation
The camp consists of just nine luxurious canvas tents, designed to reflect 1920s safari elegance while offering modern-day comforts. Antique furnishings, Persian rugs, brass fittings, and four-poster beds define the vintage aesthetic, paired with spacious layouts and en-suite bathrooms.
Tent Categories
- Luxury Double or Twin Tents (4)
Private, airy en-suite tents with king-size or twin beds, classic safari furnishings, dressing areas, flush toilets, and open-to-sky showers. - Family Tented Suites (3)
These suites offer two interlinked bedrooms with shared lounge and fireplace, ideal for families with children or small groups. - Honeymoon Tents (2)
Romantic, secluded tents with private verandas and dramatic views—perfect for couples and honeymooners.
Common Features
- En-suite bathrooms with solar-heated water
- Private verandas with loungers or daybeds
- Bathrobes, slippers, and eco toiletries
- Elegant colonial-style decor
- Nightly turndown service
- 24/7 solar power (with battery backup)
There is no Wi-Fi in the tents, enhancing the disconnect-from-the-world feel. Wi-Fi is available in the lounge and common areas.
💵 2025 Rates (Per Person Per Night, Full Board)
| Travel Season | Rate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 – Jan 10 | $1,754 |
| Jan 11 – May 31 | $1,144 |
| Jun 1 – Jun 30 | $1,489 |
| Jul 1 – Sep 15 | $1,754 |
| Sep 16 – Oct 31 | $1,489 |
| Nov 1 – Dec 19 | $1,144 |
| Dec 20 – Dec 31 | $1,754 |
Special Offers:
During select months (January to May and November to mid-December), guests booking 4 nights receive the 4th night free. Subject to availability.
Conservancy Fees: $116 per adult / $58 per child per night (approximate; confirm when booking).
Tourism Levy: A small additional fee per person per night may apply.
✅ What’s Included
- Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- House drinks (soft drinks, local beers, house wines)
- Two daily shared game drives or full-day bush excursions
- Guided nature walks with Maasai trackers
- Night game drives (within the conservancy)
- Cultural village visits
- Airstrip transfers
- Laundry service
- Use of Cottar’s bush bath, swimming pool, and wellness area
❌ What’s Not Included
- Conservancy and park entry fees
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments and private yoga
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Specialist guides or private vehicles (on request)
- Travel insurance, gratuities, and personal expenses
🐾 Safari Experiences & Activities
Cottar’s Camp excels at offering bespoke and immersive activities that go beyond just game drives. Every day is tailored to your interests and wildlife conditions.
Game Drives
- Conducted in open 4WD vehicles by professional guides (silver or gold level)
- Explore both Olderkesi Conservancy and the main Masai Mara reserve
- Low tourism density allows for quality sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, leopards, and more
Bush Walks
- Led by Maasai guides with deep knowledge of local flora, fauna, and tracking
- Opportunities to learn about traditional herbal medicine and survival skills
Night Drives
- Spot nocturnal wildlife including aardvarks, civets, servals, and hyenas
Cultural Visits
- Visit nearby Maasai villages and schools
- Participate in traditional ceremonies and beadwork sessions
Bush Baths & Sundowners
- Unwind in an open-air clawfoot tub overlooking the plains
- Enjoy gin and tonics at a scenic lookout as the sun sets
Stargazing
- Clear skies and minimal light pollution make this a top stargazing location
- Telescopes and guided night-sky sessions available
Fly Camping (on request)
- Sleep under the stars in a lightweight mobile camp accompanied by armed guides
🍽️ Food & Dining
Cottar’s prides itself on offering world-class cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.
- Breakfasts can be enjoyed in the bush or at camp
- Lunches are usually light and fresh: salads, grilled meats, breads
- Dinners are gourmet multi-course meals served under canvas or on the veranda
- Private dining available in suites or secluded camp locations
Special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) are accommodated with prior notice.
👨👩👧 Family Friendliness
Cottar’s is well-suited for multi-generational families and young explorers. The family suites provide privacy and comfort, while activities are designed to engage children aged 5 and up.
- Flexible game drive times
- Kids’ bush survival school
- Maasai storytelling sessions
- Babysitting and nannies available upon request
Children under 5 are generally welcome when booking a private vehicle or exclusive camp use.
🏆 Guest Reviews & Testimonials
What Guests Love:
- “It feels like stepping into a Hemingway novel, but with luxury.”
- “The guiding was beyond exceptional—deep knowledge and storytelling.”
- “A perfect mix of old-world elegance and authentic wildlife immersion.”
Common Praise:
- Personalized service and attention to detail
- Intimate atmosphere and stunning camp design
- Incredible wildlife sightings without vehicle crowding
What Guests Suggest:
- Some may prefer a pool or spa-focused camp, which Cottar’s keeps intentionally low-impact
- Being far from the central Masai Mara gate, travel times can be longer if focusing solely on park-based safaris
🌿 Conservation & Community Focus
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is a Certified B-Corporation and a leading voice in eco-tourism in East Africa. Key sustainability initiatives include:
- Supporting over 6,000 local Maasai through the Olderkesi Conservancy model
- Employing 90% local staff
- Partnering with wildlife protection groups and anti-poaching patrols
- Participating in education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment programs
- Constructing all camp infrastructure with minimal environmental impact
📆 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Calving season, lush green scenery, fewer tourists |
| June–Oct | Peak wildlife season, Great Migration viewing |
| Nov–Dec | Birding season, newborn animals, short rains |
| Apr–May | Quiet period, dramatic skies, camp remains open |
📌 Summary at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Olderkesi Conservancy, near Masai Mara |
| Accommodation | 9 Luxury canvas tents |
| Rates | $1,144 – $1,754 per person per night |
| Best Time to Visit | June – October; Jan – Mar for low season |
| Activities | Drives, walks, cultural visits, baths |
| Kids Welcome | Yes (with some age guidelines) |
| Unique Selling Point | 1920s-style luxury in private wilderness |
If you’re looking for a vintage safari escape with modern comforts, unrivaled privacy, and a strong ethical foundation, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp stands out as one of Africa’s most iconic experiences.