Cottar's Safari Camp is in an area with an abundance of wildlife, a guarantee of privacy and the highest standards of professional guiding all combined with the enriching essence of the original ‘safari’ and wilderness experience in a luxurious, authentic environment.
Location: Cottar’s Safari Camp lies in a private 7,600-acre conservancy that borders both the Masai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti, in one of the most untouched corners of Kenya’s southern Mara ecosystem. This borderland position gives the camp access to extraordinary wildlife viewing without the busier feel of the main reserve - you get the same incredible game, but in a much more exclusive setting. The area is wild, remote, and spectacularly scenic, with rolling hills, river valleys, and sweeping savannahs. It’s also a critical wildlife corridor and one of the few places where conservation, culture, and tourism genuinely work in harmony.
Rooms: Cottar’s offers just ten tents, including two romantic honeymoon tents and five spacious family suites, each with its own private living and dining areas. The design is a beautiful blend of vintage elegance and safari authenticity - think cream canvas, antique furniture, brass fittings, and steamer trunks, all recalling the golden age of safaris without compromising on comfort. Ensuite bathrooms come with hot showers and full bathtubs, and the service is discreet but ever-present. The tents are positioned for privacy and views, and it’s not uncommon to see giraffe or zebra wandering past as you enjoy your morning coffee on the veranda.
Amenities: This is a camp where everything has been thoughtfully designed to evoke the charm of 1920s safari style, while still delivering a modern, luxurious experience. There’s a central mess tent with an elegant dining area, bar, and lounge filled with books and campaign-style furniture, plus a stunning pool and spa area tucked into the hillside with views over the savannah. Dining is flexible and personalised - private meals, bush breakfasts, and sundowners are all part of the experience. Service is exceptional, with a ratio of nearly three staff to every guest, and a genuine sense of warmth and pride from the whole team.
Activities: Cottar’s offers one of the most diverse and well-rounded safari experiences in Kenya. Day and night game drives are led by some of East Africa’s most highly qualified guides, with opportunities to see lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah, and more. The camp also specialises in guided bush walks, running safaris, and fly camping for the adventurous. Cultural visits with local Maasai communities are authentic and respectful, and guests are actively encouraged to engage with the people who call this land home. You can also visit a nearby waterfall, enjoy time in the spa, or simply unwind with a sundowner in hand and the sounds of the bush all around you.
Sustainability: Cottar’s is a pioneering force in sustainable, community-led conservation. As a founding member of the Global Ecosphere Retreats and a Gold-rated EcoTourism Kenya property, its commitment goes far beyond the surface. The Cottar family has worked in this region for over 100 years, and today they help manage the Olderkesi Conservancy in partnership with the local Maasai, ensuring landowners are supported while critical wildlife corridors are protected. The camp is solar-powered, avoids single-use plastics, and runs a charitable foundation supporting education, healthcare, and female empowerment initiatives. Staying here isn’t just a memorable safari - it’s a direct investment in the future of both people and wildlife.
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Best places to stay in Masai Mara
Masai Mara Trip Inspiration
When to visit Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
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