Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp: A Unique Experience

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is one of Kenya’s most iconic safari properties, celebrating the romance and elegance of the golden era of East African exploration. Operated by the renowned Cottar family, whose guiding heritage in Africa spans more than a century, the camp recreates the atmosphere of classic tented safaris while offering the comforts expected of a modern luxury lodge.

Located in the Olderkesi Conservancy, bordering the southeastern edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Cottar’s offers guests access to a vast and wildlife-rich private wilderness together with the option to explore the greater Mara ecosystem.

For travellers seeking a safari that combines heritage, exceptional guiding, and exclusive wildlife experiences, Cottar’s remains one of the most distinctive camps in Kenya.

Location & Landscape

The camp sits within the Olderkesi Conservancy, a private conservation area that forms part of the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem.

This landscape is characterised by rolling savannah plains, scattered acacia trees, and seasonal wildlife migration routes. The conservancy supports abundant wildlife, including lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and large herds of plains game.

Because Olderkesi is privately managed, visitor numbers are limited, allowing for a quieter and more exclusive safari experience compared with the busier areas of the national reserve.

Accommodation & Design

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp recreates the atmosphere of a traditional East African safari camp with elegant canvas tents styled after the classic expeditions of the early twentieth century.

Accommodation includes spacious tents featuring:

antique safari furnishings
large verandas overlooking the plains
en-suite bathrooms with safari-style fittings
comfortable sitting areas designed for relaxation after game drives

The camp’s design reflects a deep respect for safari history while maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Safari Experience

The safari experience at Cottar’s is defined by exceptional guiding and a variety of activities made possible by the private conservancy location.

Guests may enjoy:

expertly guided game drives
walking safaris with experienced guides
night game drives
wildlife photography opportunities
cultural visits with the Maasai community

The camp’s guides are among the most respected in East Africa, and many travellers choose Cottar’s specifically for the depth of knowledge and personal attention offered during game drives.

Best Time to Visit

Wildlife viewing in the Olderkesi Conservancy is rewarding throughout the year.

July – October
The Great Migration passes through the wider Mara ecosystem, bringing dramatic wildlife movements across the plains.

December – March
A beautiful season with warm weather and excellent predator sightings.

April – June
The green season, when landscapes are lush and visitor numbers are lower.

Insider Tips for Staying at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp

• Ask for a walking safari. Cottar’s offers some of the most respected walking guides in Kenya, and exploring the savannah on foot provides a completely different perspective on the landscape.

• Enjoy the night drives. Because the camp sits in a private conservancy, guests can experience night safaris, offering the chance to see nocturnal wildlife rarely encountered during daytime drives.

• Spend time around camp during the afternoon. Wildlife frequently moves through the surrounding plains, and quiet moments near camp can produce memorable sightings.

• Ask your guide about the Cottar family history. The family’s guiding heritage dates back to the early twentieth century and forms a fascinating part of Kenya’s safari story.

Few safari camps capture the spirit of traditional East African exploration quite as beautifully as Cottar’s.

Its combination of heritage atmosphere, excellent guiding, and access to a vast private conservancy creates a safari experience that feels both authentic and exclusive.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is ideal for travellers who appreciate the romance of classic safari combined with outstanding guiding and the freedom of a private conservancy landscape.

Private Safari Villa Option

For families or private groups seeking complete exclusivity, the Cottar family also operates the nearby Cottar’s Bush Villa, a beautifully designed private safari residence overlooking the plains of the Olderkesi Conservancy.

The villa offers a fully staffed private safari experience with its own guide, vehicle, chef and personalised itinerary.

Plan Your Safari

Many journeys combine the Maasai Mara with:

You can also explore:

At Oloi Shorua we design bespoke safari journeys that combine the finest lodges across Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. Speak with us to begin planning your safari.