Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp: Luxury, Privacy, and Authentic Safaris

If you’re chasing a safari experience that feels personal, grounded, and truly memorable, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp might just be the place. Tucked away on the edge of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, this family-run retreat isn’t about flashy displays or oversized lodges. It’s about understated luxury, deep roots in local culture, and access to one of the most wildlife-rich areas on the continent.

1. Where It’s Located

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is based in the Olderikesi Conservancy, a 7,608-acre private wildlife area on the southeastern edge of the Maasai Mara. It’s also right near the border with Tanzania’s Serengeti, which gives guests rare access to both ecosystems—something most lodges in the Mara can’t offer.

Because it’s outside the main reserve, the camp gives you space—literally. You’ll see wildlife without the crowds and enjoy activities like night drives and walking safaris that aren’t allowed in the national park.

Most travelers arrive via a quick flight from Nairobi to Keekorok or Cottar’s own airstrip, followed by a short game drive to the camp. The journey’s part of the fun—you’re likely to spot elephants or zebras before even checking in.

2. Amenities That Balance Old-World Charm and Modern Ease

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is intentionally small, with just nine luxury tents. This includes six standard tents, two honeymoon tents, and a large family suite. Each one is styled in 1920s safari fashion—canvas walls, wooden trunks, brass fittings, and soft rugs—but don’t be fooled by the vintage look. You’ve got hot showers, flush toilets, and thoughtful touches that keep the experience comfortable without overdoing it.

The family tent is a real highlight for small groups. It has two bedrooms, a private dining area, and a shared lounge. Everything’s spread out enough to feel secluded, with just the sounds of birds, insects, and the occasional distant roar breaking the silence.

The shared spaces include:

• A natural swimming pool with bush views
• A spa tent for massages and wellness treatments
• A small library and lounge
• Wi-Fi in central areas (enough to check in with the world, but not be ruled by it)

Evenings at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp are all about firelight, good food, and that feeling you get when the sky turns dark and the wild comes alive around you.

3. The Safari Experience Itself

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp isn’t a place where you’re rushed through a checklist of animals. The guides here are trained to offer a deeper safari—explaining animal behavior, pointing out tracks, and tuning into the rhythms of the bush. Many are from the local Maasai community and have an incredible instinct for the land.

Game drives span both the conservancy and the Maasai Mara itself, depending on your interests. You can go out early in the morning, take a picnic lunch, or enjoy a long afternoon drive ending with sundowners on a hilltop.

Beyond the game drives, there’s more:

• Bush walks with a professional guide and Maasai tracker
• Cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages (led respectfully and never commercialized)
• Night drives to see nocturnal creatures in action
• Bush meals, including full breakfast setups or starlit dinners in the open
• Photography trips, with private guides if requested

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Whether you want to quietly watch elephants for an hour or chase lion tracks, the day is yours to shape.

Wildlife sightings are excellent year-round. Lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, hyenas, and buffalo are common. During the Great Migration (typically July to September), the nearby Mara River crossings can be dramatic—but Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp avoids the crowd-heavy zones, so you still feel like you have front-row seats.

I. Who It’s For

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp tends to attract travelers who value experience over excess. That includes honeymooners, couples, families with older kids, solo guests, and small groups looking for privacy. It’s not loud or overbuilt—it’s the kind of place where you hear your thoughts, meet interesting people, and leave feeling recharged.

It’s also a great match for travelers coming through Arswan Tours and Travel, who want more than just a quick stop at the Mara. Arswan works with guests looking for well-curated, meaningful safari itineraries, and Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp fits beautifully into that picture. Whether your journey begins in Nairobi or includes stops along Kenya’s coast, Arswan helps thread everything together smoothly—from local flights to private transfers and special add-ons like hot air balloon safaris.

II. Food, Service, and That Hard-to-Describe Warmth

Dining at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is a quiet joy. Meals are often served outdoors on the deck, beside the fire, or under a tree in the bush. The kitchen team uses fresh local ingredients to prepare meals that are flavorful and unfussy. Whether it’s grilled meat, lentil stew, handmade bread, or a light salad, it all tastes better out here.

4. Pricing

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is a high-end camp, and the rates reflect the quality of experience, privacy, and conservation efforts involved. It’s an investment—but one that many guests find absolutely worth it.

Rates vary depending on the season:

• April to May (green season): approx. $1,050–$1,200 per person, per night
• June to October & December (high season): around $1,600–$2,000
• July to September (peak migration): closer to $2,400

Included in these rates:

• Accommodation in a luxury tent
• All meals and selected drinks
• Game drives and guided bush walks
• Night drives and cultural visits
• Laundry service
• Park and conservancy fees
• Local airstrip transfers

Not included:

• Flights to the Maasai Mara
• Premium alcohol
• Spa treatments
• Gratuities
• Exclusive-use vehicles (optional)

For travelers booking through Arswan Tours and Travel, package rates can often be customized to include additional services, discounts for children, or combo itineraries with destinations like Diani Beach or Amboseli. The agency works closely with high-quality properties like Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp to ensure you’re getting both value and an experience that feels tailored—not templated.

Photo Copyright: Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp. Valorie Darling.