A world-class experience showcasing the beauty of nature and wildlife, Cottar’s Safari is an awe-inspiring box ticker for any avid globe trotter...

World-renowned for its exceptional populations of lion, African leopard, cheetah and African bush elephant, Masai Mara in Kenya is a must-visit destination sitting high on the top of many bucket lists. Each year, it’s said that over two million wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores trek from the southern Serengeti to the lush green grasses of the Masai Mara, securing it as one of the seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and as one of the ten Wonders of the World. Nestled within the breathtaking surroundings of this exceptional part of the world, lies the awardwinning Cottar’s Safaris. This fifth generation family operated Kenyan safari business established over a century ago, in 1919, continues to attract tourists from across the globe. After a thriving and colourful history of African safaris, Calvin and Louise began Cottar’s in the Masai Mara in the mid-nineties offering a bespoke safari experience. Renowned for providing genuinely stunning wildlife and wilderness experiences, visitors can expect an abundance of wildlife, a guarantee of privacy, and the highest standards of professional guiding, in a luxurious and authentic safari environment. Cottar’s Safaris is a portfolio of two transformative properties in the Masai Mara area in Kenya, that work with the local community to unite wildlife conservation and sustainable luxury travel. Situated in the untouched exclusive Olderkesi Conservancy bordering the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Loliondo reserves; the area guarantees privacy and an abundance of wildlife. Their 1920s Camp provides the romance of safari under nine cream canvas tents, spacious and luxuriously furnished in the style of the bygone era of the 1920s. Think vintage luxury at its best. The awardwinning accommodation has its own 7,608-acre private conservancy and is situated one kilometre from the famous ‘seventh’ Natural Wonder of the World. The stunning private Bush Villa boasts five en-suite bedrooms, amazing views over the Masai Mara, a 25m private pool, private chef and guides. Recipient of the World Travel Award for Africa’s leading luxury private villa 2016 and Global Eco-sphere Retreat accredited, it’s the perfect base for those looking to indulge in an elegant and unforgettable experience. Both properties extend an era of luxury and quality. Whether it’s a family vacation or a honeymoon whirlwind, the experiences on offer cater for everyone. The activities are tailored to give you the most authentic African safari experiences with a top-notch guiding style that is said to stand out from the crowd. With once in a lifetime opportunities to see the ‘big five’, swim under some of the most impressive waterfalls, run with a Masai Warrior, take part in bush walks, visit local schools and join in with traditional singing and dancing, the possibilities are endless. It’s more than just a luxury getaway, it’s an experience like no other. Conservation and sustainability has long been at the heart of Cottar’s operations. Their lowimpact, high-value approach to sustainable ecotourism helps fund the vital work that is conserving land for biodiversity. Jaw-dropping views and gawking zebra in their natural habitat aside, the recent impact of Covid-19 has given the family time and opportunity to contemplate issues that matter to them most, creating the space to adjust, and develop a collection of more meaningful safari experiences, whilst also completing a sympathetic refurbishment which celebrates the pioneering spirit of safari.

The Cottars have developed unique, purpose-driven experiences that contribute to sustainability. Some of those experiences include engaging and learning about vulture rehabilitation, spending time with the only all-female conservation ranger unit in the Masai Mara, learning about the unique medicinal plants of the area, foraging and tasting local wild food, touring the community-owned private conservancy and participating in a reforestation seed disbursal bushwalk experience.

In just 30 years, more than half of the vulture population of Kenya’s Masai Mara has been destroyed, seven of Africa’s 11 vulture species are on the edge of extinction, and 90% of reported vulture deaths in Africa are from medicinal use and poisoning. This is an opportunity to gain a unique insight into how this keystone species maintains the functioning health and resilience of the inhabitants and ecosystem of the Masai Mara. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more from the Kenya Birds of Prey Trust and ride along with their researcher to visit and identify nest sites.

An ongoing and age-old conflict between the Masai people and predators has resulted in lions being significantly affected, resulting in population decline by a third in the last two decades. The Mara Predator Project provides science for conservation on cheetahs and lions, as well as enhancing understanding of the predator’s role within the broader ecosystem. This is a fascinating opportunity for guests to enjoy a half-day drive with researchers and get an in-depth understanding of the Mara predators. Please note that when there is planned collaring, guests are able join in and help to collar predators.

Cottar’s is home to the only all female ranger unit in the Masai Mara; this experience is an opportunity to support the important conservation, community and cultural-breaking initiatives that they work on, and to understand their goals and key challenges. Guests are able to join them in their daily activities patrolling, de-snaring, game counting and liaisons with the Masai community.

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An incredibly engaging opportunity to walk with and learn from Letilet, Cottar’s in-house Il Torobo hunter gatherer. Il Torobo is a disappearing tribe, with a unique knowledge of the medicinal values of the flora that surrounds the camp. This activity not only supports invaluable local knowledge and values biodiversity, it will also help the team to compile a list of the local flora and its medicinal uses.