Cottar’s 1920s Camp is one of Kenya’s most celebrated safari camps a fifth-generation family operation with over a century of safari heritage that recreates the golden era of East African exploration with extraordinary authenticity. The camp sits in the private 7,600-acre Olderkesi Conservancy bordering the southern edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, sharing a border with Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Loliondo Game Controlled Area. This private conservancy position means activities unavailable within the reserve night drives, off-road driving, walking safaris, and bush camping are all possible, significantly expanding the guest experience beyond what the national reserve’s regulations allow. The conservancy also guarantees privacy: the surrounding wilderness is shared with just one other Cottar’s property, making it one of the most exclusive stretches of the greater Mara ecosystem.
Up to 26 guests are accommodated in authentic white canvas tents: five luxury double tents, two honeymoon tents, and four family suites, each furnished with 1920s safari antiques oriental carpets, four-poster beds, porcelain, crystal, ostrich eggs, typewriters, and sepia photography with a private veranda and sweeping Mara views. The camp’s central Mess Tent is a masterpiece of atmospheric hospitality, lit by lamps from the 1920s-era ‘Lunatic Line’ railway, stocked with first-edition safari books and original explorer equipment. A 25-metre swimming pool, spa tent, small gym, Maasai Warrior School activity programme, and over 20 curated conservation and cultural experiences complete one of the Mara’s most comprehensive safari offers.
The Maasai Mara is reached by a 45-minute scheduled charter flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL). Multiple daily flights are available on shared charters, operated by several Kenyan carriers. International travellers arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) can transfer to Wilson Airport or arrange a private charter flight directly to the camp’s nearest airstrip. Road access from Nairobi takes approximately 5–6 hours and is not recommended except for the most budget-conscious travellers.
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