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This award-winning property offers an unparalleled immersion in the beauty and diversity of the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve. You’ll stay in spacious and elegant tents or a private villa, furnished with antiques and artefacts from the golden age of exploration. You’ll enjoy delicious meals, attentive service and a range of activities to suit your interests and mood. Cottar’s is located in a private conservancy bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Serengeti National Park, offering exclusive access to some of the most spectacular wildlife habitats in Africa. The camp overlooks the rolling savannah and the forested hills, where you can spot elephants, giraffes, zebras and more. The villa is nestled on a hilltop with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and its own private pool. The location is ideal for witnessing the annual wildebeest migration, which passes through the area between July and October. Cottar’s pays homage to the glamour and romance of the 1920s, when safaris were a fashionable and adventurous pursuit for the elite. The camp consists of 10 spacious canvas tents, each with its own en-suite bathroom, dressing room, veranda and fireplace. The tents are decorated with vintage furniture, Persian rugs, brass fittings and safari memorabilia, creating a cosy and nostalgic atmosphere. The villa is a stunning four-bedroom residence that can accommodate up to 12 guests. It features a large living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a media room and a spa area. The villa is also adorned with antiques and artefacts, as well as contemporary touches such as Wi-Fi, satellite TV and iPod docks. The style is elegant and understated, letting the natural beauty of the setting shine through.
Sustainability
Cottar’s is committed to conserving the environment and supporting the local community. The property is powered by solar energy and uses eco-friendly products and practices. Cottar’s also works closely with the Masai people, who own and manage the land where the camp and villa are located. Cottar’s provides employment, education and health care to the Masai staff and their families, as well as supporting various conservation and development projects in the area. Some of these projects include:
The Cottar’s Wildlife Conservation Trust, which aims to protect the wildlife and habitats in the Masai Mara and Serengeti ecosystems, as well as promoting coexistence between humans and animals. The trust supports anti-poaching patrols, wildlife monitoring, community outreach and education programs.
The Cottar’s Masai Mara Schools Support Program, which provides scholarships, books, uniforms and supplies to over 300 students from the Masai community. The program also supports the construction and maintenance of schools and classrooms in the area.
The Cottar’s Masai Mara Health Support Program, which provides medical care and supplies to over 5000 people from the Masai community. The program also supports the operation of a mobile clinic, a maternity ward and a laboratory in the area.
The Cottar’s Masai Mara Women’s Empowerment Program, which empowers women from the Masai community through microfinance, entrepreneurship, literacy and vocational training. The program also supports the production and sale of handicrafts made by the women.
By staying at Cottar’s, you are contributing to these initiatives and making a positive impact on the environment and the people of the Masai Mara.
Rooms
The 10 tents at Cottar’s are divided into five double/twin tents, four family tents and one honeymoon tent. All tents have king-size or twin beds with mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms with showers and flush toilets, dressing rooms with wardrobes and safes, verandas with daybeds and chairs, and fireplaces for chilly nights. The family tents have an additional bedroom with two single beds or a double bed, while the honeymoon tent has a larger bathroom with a bathtub and an outdoor shower. The tents are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of natural light and fresh air. The villa at Cottar’s is a private sanctuary for groups or families who want more space and privacy. It has four en-suite bedrooms, two with king-size beds and two with twin beds. All bedrooms have mosquito nets, ceiling fans, wardrobes and safes. The villa also has a large living room with sofas, a fireplace and a library; a dining room with a long table; a fully equipped kitchen; a media room with satellite TV, DVD player and board games; and a spa area with a massage bed, a sauna and a steam room. Outside, there is a private pool, a sun deck, a barbecue area and a fire pit. The villa is serviced by a dedicated staff, including a chef, a butler, a housekeeper and a guide.
Food and drink
The food at Cottar’s is fresh, delicious and varied, reflecting both local and international cuisines. You can enjoy your meals in different settings, depending on your preference and mood. You can dine in the main mess tent, which has a communal table and a bar; in your own tent or villa; on your veranda; or in the bush, surrounded by wildlife and nature. You can also request a picnic basket or a sundowner drink to enjoy during your activities. The menu changes daily, but you can expect dishes such as eggs Benedict, grilled fish, roast lamb, vegetable curry, fresh salads, cheese platters and fruit desserts. The food is accompanied by a selection of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
Things to do
Cottar’s offers a range of activities to suit your interests and mood. You can go on game drives in open-sided vehicles with experienced guides, who will help you spot and identify the wildlife and share their knowledge and stories. You can also go on walking safaris or night drives to explore the different aspects of the bush. For a more adventurous option, you can join a fly camping expedition, where you will sleep under the stars in a dome tent with basic amenities. For a more relaxing option, you can enjoy a massage or a yoga session in your tent or villa, or simply lounge by the pool or read a book by the fire. You can also visit a nearby Masai village to interact with the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle.
Wider region
Cottar’s is situated in the Masai Mara, one of the most renowned wildlife destinations in the world. The Masai Mara is home to a rich diversity of animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles and more. The Masai Mara is also famous for the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures. This spectacle attracts thousands of visitors and predators every year, creating a dramatic and unforgettable scene. The Masai Mara is also a cultural hub, where you can learn about the traditions and customs of the Masai people, who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries.
Kids
Cottar’s welcomes children of all ages and offers a family-friendly environment. The family tents and the villa are ideal for accommodating families with children. The camp also provides cots, high chairs, baby baths and babysitting services on request. Children can enjoy various activities at Cottar’s, such as swimming, playing games, watching wildlife and learning about the bush. Cottar’s also offers a special program for young explorers, where they can join the guides and learn about tracking, survival skills, animal behavior and conservation. Children will also have the opportunity to visit a Masai village and interact with the local children and elders.
Getting there
Cottar’s is located about 250 km from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The easiest way to get there is by flying to the Keekorok airstrip, which is about 45 minutes away from the camp by car. You can book a flight from Nairobi or other major cities in Kenya or Tanzania. Alternatively, you can drive to Cottar’s, which takes about 6 hours from Nairobi. You will need a 4x4 vehicle and a good map or GPS. You can also arrange a transfer with Cottar’s, who will pick you up from the airport or your hotel.
- Ecosystem preservation
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Funds projects
- Empowerment
- Nature
- Luxury
- Rural
- Spa
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Wifi
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Up to 8
- Over 8
- Family
- Lodge
- Hiking
- Safari
- Safari or wildlife
- Up to one day
- Up to one week
- Up to a fortnight
