What makes Cottar's 1920s Camp special compared to other safari lodges in the Maasai Mara?
Cottar's is one of the most authentic vintage safari experiences you'll find in Kenya. This is a genuine 1920s-style camp that's been family-run for nearly a century, so there's real history here rather than just themed decor.
What sets it apart is the private Olderkesi Conservancy location. You're not just staying in the Maasai Mara Reserve - you're on 6,000 acres of exclusive conservancy land. This means night drives (which aren't allowed in the main reserve), walking safaris, and fewer crowds during game viewing.
The camp itself feels like stepping back in time with its canvas tents, vintage furnishings, and old-safari romance, but you still get modern comforts like en-suite bathrooms and excellent food. It's that sweet spot between authentic safari heritage and luxury amenities.
Cottar's 1920s Camp Photos
Stay at Cottars 1920s on this trip
Room Types
Cottar's 1920s Camp offers 12 accommodations, including 11 luxury tents and one exclusive Private Bush Villa. The tents range from Luxury Double and Honeymoon options to spacious Family Suites with multiple bedrooms.
Each features authentic 1920s safari styling with antique furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas overlooking the Mara. The standout Private Bush Villa comes with its own staff, swimming pool, and dedicated game guide.
All accommodations are thoughtfully spaced across the private conservancy for maximum privacy and exclusive safari experiences.
Luxury Double Tent
This spacious tent features authentic 1920s safari styling with cream canvas, antique furniture, and explorer-style trunks that transport you back to the golden age of African exploration.
The accommodation includes a king-sized four-poster bed with mosquito nets and huge floor-to-ceiling roll-up windows that frame panoramic views of the Mara plains.
The en-suite bathroom is fitted with a flush toilet, washbasin, and walk-in shower, while your private veranda offers comfortable seating and a traditional canvas safari bush bath. A cozy fireplace and private butler service complete this authentic safari experience.
Honeymoon Tent
Positioned in the most secluded and private location within the camp, this romantic retreat showcases authentic 1920s furnishings including an antique four-poster bed with mosquito nets.
Large roll-up windows provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Mara plains, creating an intimate connection with the wilderness. The en-suite bathroom features both a hot water shower and bathtub for ultimate relaxation.
Your private veranda includes comfortable seating and a traditional canvas safari bush bath, while dedicated butler service ensures every moment of your romantic getaway is perfectly orchestrated.
Family Suite
Comprised of two adjoining tents, this suite provides the perfect accommodation for families or small groups seeking both togetherness and privacy.
Each tent features four-poster beds with mosquito nets and authentic 1920s safari décor that captures the romance of vintage African exploration. The shared living and dining area includes a warming fireplace where you can gather after a day out on game drives.
Both tents offer en-suite bathroom facilities, and the expansive private veranda features comfortable seating areas and traditional canvas safari bush baths with sweeping views across the Mara plains.
Private Bush Villa
This magnificent standalone villa sits elevated on a hillside, offering unparalleled privacy and luxury for up to 12 guests across five beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms. #
The expansive property features large living and dining rooms decorated in authentic 1920s styling, complemented by a private 25-meter swimming pool and extensive viewing deck overlooking the savannah plains.
You'll enjoy the ultimate in personalized service with a dedicated team of eight staff members, including your own host, butler, and private safari guide.
Your exclusive use of a private game drive vehicle ensures complete flexibility for wildlife viewing, while the villa's hillside position provides spectacular panoramic vistas of the African wilderness.
Room Rates
Prices at Cottar's start from $1,144 per adult sharing, and $574 per child sharing.
Standard Accommodation
- Low Season (Jan 11 - May 31, Nov 1 - Dec 19): $1,144 per person per night
- High Season (Jun 1 - Jun 30, Sep 16 - Oct 31): $1,489 per person per night
- Peak Season (Jan 1 - Jan 10, Jul 1 - Sep 15, Dec 20 - Dec 31): $1,754 per person per night
- Single room: from $1,373 per night
- Child sharing (6-17 years): from $858 per night
- Child third bed (6-12 years): from $574 per night
Honeymoon Tent
- Low/High Season: $2,524 per night for 2 guests
Bush Villa (up to 6 guests)
- High Season: $11,383 per night
- Peak Season: $14,553 per night
- Additional adult: from $1,158 per night
- Additional child (6-17 years): from $986 per night
- Children under 5 stay free.
*Park and conservancy fees are additional.
*Prices are variable and subject to change. Please contact us for the latest rates.
Activities
For the adventure seekers, they offer day and night game drives in vintage open-sided vehicles, guided walking safaris through the private conservancy, and balloon safaris with aerial views over the Maasai Mara. The night drives are especially exciting as you can spot nocturnal wildlife like aardvarks and bush babies.
For those seeking cultural immersion and relaxation, the camp offers visits to Maasai villages, the unique Maasai Warrior School experience, and scenic sundowners overlooking the savannah plains. You can also enjoy bush baths with stunning views and spa treatments in the dedicated wellness tent.
The signature Private Bush Villa provides an exclusive experience with its own pool, dedicated guide, and personalized service for those wanting ultimate privacy.
Cottar's 1920s Camp FAQs
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What types of rooms are available and how do they differ?
The camp has 11 tented accommodations spread across different styles. The Luxury Double Tents are perfect for couples, sleeping two adults with private verandas and en-suite bathrooms.
If you're honeymooning or want extra privacy, the Honeymoon Tents offer the same setup but in more secluded locations around the camp.
Family Suites are great if you're traveling with kids - they can accommodate up to four adults plus two children, giving everyone space to spread out.
For larger groups or special occasions, there's the Private Bush Villa. This is a whole different level with five en-suite bedrooms sleeping up to 12 people, plus your own private pool, living and dining areas, and dedicated staff. It's essentially your own private safari camp within the camp.
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Is Wi-Fi available at the camp?
Yes, there's complimentary Wi-Fi in the main communal areas. Just keep in mind that you're in a pretty remote part of Kenya, so the connection can be intermittent. It's reliable enough for checking emails or sharing photos, but don't count on streaming videos or video calls.
Most people find the digital break refreshing once they settle into safari mode. The evening sounds of the African bush are way better entertainment than Netflix anyway!
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What's included in the rates and what are the main extras?
Your stay covers pretty much everything you need for an amazing safari. All meals are included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), plus house drinks throughout the day - that's beer, wine, and spirits.
You get two shared game drives daily, guided nature walks, night drives, cultural village visits, and transfers from the airstrip. Butler service, laundry, and use of all camp facilities like the pool, spa area, and bush bath are also covered.
The main extras you'll pay separately are the Park and Conservancy fees. These vary by season but range from $100-200 per adult per day. Kids 6-17 pay $50 regardless of season. Cultural village entry is $20 per person, and if you want an exclusive vehicle instead of sharing, that's $330 per day.
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How far in advance do I need to book?
You'll want to book as early as possible, especially for peak season (July through September and over Christmas/New Year). The camp only has 11 tents, so availability fills up quickly.
If you're flexible with dates and can travel during low season (January through May or November), you'll have better luck with shorter notice bookings. There's actually a great "4 Nights for 3" promotion during these months where your fourth night is free.
We handle all the booking details when you travel with us, so we'll check availability and secure your dates well in advance.
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Is the camp suitable for families with children?
Absolutely - Cottar's is one of the most family-friendly safari camps in Kenya. Children of all ages are welcome, and kids under 5 stay free while those 15 and under get discounted rates.
The Family Suites are perfect for families, giving everyone room to spread out. There are special activities for kids too, like the Maasai Warrior School where they learn traditional skills and games from local Maasai guides.
The camp has that authentic safari feel without being stuffy or formal, so kids can really embrace the adventure. Plus, the private conservancy setting means more flexibility for family game drives and walking activities.
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What wildlife can we expect to see during our stay?
You're in prime Big Five territory here - lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and both black and white rhinos all roam the area. Cheetahs are regularly spotted too, along with hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and countless antelope species.
If you're visiting between July and October, you might catch the Great Migration as wildebeest and zebras move through the region. It's one of nature's most spectacular shows.
The night drives are a real highlight since you can spot nocturnal animals like caracals, servals, and aardvarks that you'd never see during day drives. Being on the private conservancy means you can get closer to wildlife and stay out after dark when the main reserve closes.
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How do we get to the camp from Nairobi?
The easiest way is by charter flight to Cottar's private airstrip (OYL). It's about 45 minutes to an hour from Nairobi's main airport, and the scenic flight over the Rift Valley is part of the experience.
Once you land, transfers to camp are included and involve a short game drive - you might spot wildlife before you even check in. The camp coordinates all flight arrangements, and when you book with us, we handle the entire transportation logistics for you.
There's also road access, but that's a much longer journey (4-5 hours) and honestly not worth it when the flight is so convenient and gives you more time for safari activities.
3 reasons to book with Brilliant
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So you can book with confidence knowing you're in safe hands.
2. A fully bespoke service and expert impartial advice
Planning a trip to East Africa is complicated. Brilliant makes it easy. Our team have spent decades in the region so we can help you find the right trip - and we don't charge a fee.
3. Exclusive access at the best rates
We have exclusive access to the best value-for-money camps and lodges at rates you won't get anywhere else.
Melissa and team ready for safari
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