Kenya Safari

What better way to relax than at Nasaro - which literally means 'refuge' or 'relaxation' in Maa - the local language.

Nasaro is located down near the valley floor and provides a private, intimate setting in which to be pampered. We use a range of products from Africology ethical skincare products to capture the rejuvenating and healing essences of Africa.

A whole range of treatments are available, from facials to massages to those essential grooming rituals.

While you’re staying at Mahali Mzuri you’re welcome to visit one of the Maasai villages in the local area to get a flavour for daily life in the Mara. The village is only 10 minutes’ drive from Mahali Mzuri and the best times to go are first thing in the morning when you can help milk the cattle or in the evening when the cattle, goats and sheep are being herded back to their enclosures for the night.

The local school is a further 5-minute drive from the village. This is where the Maasai children aged 3-15 years attend. You are welcome to visit the school, please let your guide know in advanced of your trip. Your Guides at Mahali Mzuri will take you on a tour and introduce you to their families while explaining some of the cultures and traditions.

Visit a Maasai Village and experience their rich culture. This involves a trip to their Manyattas (mud huts), village setup (security, healthcare, education and management of resources e.g. meals, water, firewood), local market with wonderful Maasai artefacts/attire for sale, their live-stock and much more. You will learn about ancient traditions as well as contemporary struggles and adaptations to modern life.

Village visit Credit: Cottar's Safaris

We visit both inside the Masai Mara National Reserve and outside, in our Olderkesi Conservancy. You can do either morning, evening or all day game drives. Please note that viewing the main migration river crossings requires a full day out as they are located some way from camp. We believe that wildlife viewing should be a private , special and un-rushed experience.

Cottar's wildlife drives Credit: Cottar's Safaris

Take your taste-buds on a journey through some of East Africa’s best coffees. Our coffee expert will take you through the history of coffee in East Africa, whilst comparing the different tastes and aromas. He will explain how different climates and processing methods result in very different coffees. It’s a must-do tasting experience for any coffee lover!

Coffee tasting at Cottar's Credit: Cottar's Safaris

An hour-long flight at dawn ascend to one thousand feet or more to see the enormous and wonderful panorama of the Maasai. Followed by champagne breakfast upon landing.

S505 per person. Minimum age 4 years.

Balloon ride over Maasai Mara Credit: Cottar's Safaris

We have a number of treatments available at the Spa which is located near the main Mess Tent area. We only use organic ingredients and allow our guests to choose the ingredients to make their spa experience truly bespoke.

Spa treatment Credit: Cottar's Safaris

All walks are led by a professional guide and accompanied by a licensed gun bearer. Bush walks can start from camp or can be a part of a game drive. They give you the

chance to view the unique ecosystem from a completely different perspective, and to learn about botany and entomology, and how to interpret animal tracks and signs.

The walk can be as long or as short as you wish.

Guided Bush Walks Credit: Cottar's Safaris

After a day out game driving, soak and relax in our unique canvas bush bath: A traditional style canvas bath is set up in the open-air outside your tent, as you bathe, you can enjoy the wild beauty of the Masai Mara.

Dinner is setup out in the conservancy, under the vast African sky; with sundowners by the fire to start, followed by a three course meal, accompanied by the fantastic sounds of the wilderness at night.

Children and families are invited to learn the ways of a warrior with the African bush as your classroom. A session includes spear throwing ; bow and arrow practice; Maasai jumping, dancing and singing and tracking, depending on age and ability.

Warrior school fire Credit: Cottar's Safaris

You are given packets of Seedballs and as you drive or walk on your safari, please throw the seedballs out, one at a time. They are encased in a special coating which will activate at the right time for germination. Your packet contains approximately 225 indegenous tree, or grass or plant or flower seeds that are critical to the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

We are replenishing the tree species that are endangered in our area. Indirectly, we are also supporting species such as elephants, butterflies, bees and other insect life that is key to the biodiversity in this area. This year, our aim is to plant 30,000 indigenous trees. Your complimentary packet will help us get towards our target, thank you for helping our local ecosystem and helping Cottars become net positive!

The 1920s Camp and the Bush Villa each have their own swimming pools for guests to enjoy as and when they wish.

Spend a few hours visiting our local primary school, you will get to meet the children and sit in on a few classes if you wish, or join in on the daily football game. Something for those seeking a more engaging and immersive safari experience.

Under the vast African sky, while enjoying an evening cocktails by the fire, guests get to enjoy the time-honoured celebration of song and dance by our local Maasai warriors.

Learn western and African interpretations of the African night sky, and understand how the same view can elicit such illuminating and culturally different stories. The night skies of Kenya are phenomenal. Learn from our top guides about the stars seen from the African equator.