Cottar’s was founded in 1919, by Charles Cottar, it was originally a big game hunting and filming safari, throughout Africa.
The 1920s Camp was founded in 1998 and it celebrates the rich history the Cottar’s family has when it comes to safari in Africa and also the conservation efforts they do.
The Camp & Room
We stayed in the Family Size Tent, which was named after one of the rivers in the Mara. When I say tent, I mean it was glamping, with indoor plumbing and a running hot water shower. We weren’t completely ruffing it. (but I should try camping at least once)
The tent was, decorated with a 1920’s theme, as a person who studied Fashion and the era of the 1920s was my favorite to see exactly the type of furniture that was in that era, in all the places…. Think The Great Gatsby movie, it was walking into a time machine.
Family tents are named after rivers in the Mara and Couple/ Solo Tents are named after animals that are found in the Mara.
The Food At Cottar’s
Cottar’s Have their own garden, but they also do buy food supplies. So you all know I am a foodie and I love food, all the food we ate was fresh and amazing, dinner is a three-course meal but lunch was a two-course meal. Everything I ate was fresh and delicious and I enjoyed everything I ate. They do take your dietary restrictions into account when you book your stay.
The Game Drive
You will plan, with your guide, but it will definitely be early morning, it will most likely be dark outside when you venture out, into the park. Now you can suggest to your guide what you would like to see, but I suggest you let them decide, because it is better that way, and keep an open mind and go into the game drive with no expectations, you will likely be less disappointed. For Example, we only saw Elephants once when we were entering the camp, and that was the last sighting for us, but we were lucky to see a pride of 21 Lions.
What I loved about staying at Cottar’s is the fact we didn’t run into all the other tour companies, we were the only people when viewing an animal, which is part of the exclusivity Cottar’s offers when staying with them.
The Service and Staff
You do get your own concierge, who will help with anything you require during your stay, from the early wake-up call with your coffee or tea order.
Cottar’s treat their guests like family, so you most probably have lunch with your guides, dinner with the managing staff, or some staff members, and possibly other guests staying with them.
The Activities
Apart from the Game Drives, If you want to be eco-conscious and try to lessen your carbon footprint. You can take a walking safari which is a Guided Bush Walks and also a guided Safari on an Electric Bike. You do get to experience a bush breakfast or meals. Evening Game Drives you can get to experience Sundowners. Cultural visits to the Massai Community.
The one thing I wanted to experience but couldn’t (limited time and all) is the Canvas Bath, possibly a Hot Air Ballon, and possibly the Conservation Camp. There is a lot you can experience in Cottar’s that would make your trip more memorable.
Tip & Tricks
- There is no network once you enter the camp, but there is in the Villa, but there is a WiFi connection, so you won’t be completely off the grid. ( For me I enjoyed being off the grid, but as a content, creator not so much).
- It does get cold in the evening.
- Once the dark sets in you aren’t allowed to roam around without a guide, because the camp isn’t fenced so the animals are allowed to roam in and out of the camp. So If you in your tent by the time dinner is about to be served, you would need to communicate with the use of a torch or walky-talky, to be picked up.
- You will hear animals, and possibly an elephant may come into the camp. So be prepared to be lulled to sleep with nature’s sounds.
- During your game drive, you may cross over to the Serengeti and back to Massai Mara.
How To Get There:
We used public transport and there are an article and a video about my trip going up, Soon that will break down the cost.
To get into Cottar’s,( this is the most convent way). Flights to the Mara are regular and can be gotten from Wilson Airport, you would have to land in Kerrock Airstrip although Cottars does have a private airstrip it is only for chartered flights.
The Rates
So am not going to lie… this place is a bit on the expensive side, but if you want exclusivity and a world-class experience start saving. The rates range between $1000- $4000 per night and depending on the season of travel.
My Rates
Activities: 5/5
Game Drive: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Service & Staff: 5/5
Experience: 5/5
If you are looking for an exclusive place, where you can enjoy your first game drive Cottar’s is the place to book.
Check Out their website and learn more about the place and the history. https://cottars.com/
Check Out My Other Hotel Reviews:
Signing Out
Song Of Post: Know You by LadiPoe Ft Simi
Ps. Prints for sale, % of the proceeds will be donated to conversation efforts in the Maasai Mara BUY NOW
Youtube Video is live WATCH NOW: Part 1 & Part 2
What an amazing experience – and beautiful accommodation. Did you try the outdoor bath? 🔆
Imagine I didn’t was there on limited time
Glad you did💫