Kenya Explored

Take a game drives into one of the most unique game parks in the World, the Nairobi National Park.

Visits to see the orphaned elephants. Born from one family’s passion for Kenya and its wilderness, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is today the most successful orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world and one of the pioneering conservation organisations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa.

https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

Founded in 1979 as a core breeding centre of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe it further escalated its conservation efforts in 1983, opening up an outstanding environmental education centre. Take a tour around the Centre and feed the giraffes.

http://giraffecenter.org

Nairobi is just around the corner for those who need to get last minute items. Although our boutique is fully stocked, we would be happy to take you to any of the local shopping areas in Nairobi. Our driver guides are not only wildlife specialists, they also understand the art of bargaining.

An interesting project to deter large predators such as lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah, from killing livestock held in enclosures. This simple project was invented by an 11-year-old boy, Richard Turere whose family and neighbors were faced with predator incursions and livestock depredation on almost a daily basis in Kitengela (an area bordering the Nairobi National Park).

The ‘anti predator’ scheme involved a solar lighting system which charges batteries during the day and at night powers lights around the homestead. The lights are low power LED’s which flash continually throughout the night and have so far proved to be a great success. A study was carried out on this scheme and predator attacks and so far homesteads which this lighting scheme have not had one single predatory attack since their implementation.

The Emakoko has purchased twenty two units which have been given to 10 homes in the area – and so far those households have not been attacked. There are however more homes which desperately need these and if you would like to make a donation towards one of these units the community would be very grateful. The cost per unit to buy and install is $240.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Emakoko garden and Netty’s (daughter of Anton and Emma) tree project. Starting with just a handful, the garden has grown to over 3,500 seedlings! The trees are donated throughout Nairobi to anyone who would like to start their own Shamba (garden), and contribute to the reafforestation of Nairobi and the surrounding suburbs.

Enjoy a massage from the comfort of your room (additional cost - paid directly). Feel your jetlag dissipate as you listen to the animal sounds of Nairobi National Park.

Activities include day and night games drives, horseback riding, walks, optional fly camping, a seasonal water slide, village visits, the giraffe viewing platform, and of course the wonderful Reteti elephant orphanage, located only a few minutes from Reteti House (or a 45 minute drive from Sarara or Sarara Treehouses).

One of the most authentic cultural experiences to be had in the country is to visit the "Sarara singing wells." Especially in the dry season, the local Samburu herders visit "wells" that they have dug in the dry river bed, sometimes five men deep and each belonging to a specific family. They then sing to their livestock who recognize the song and know where and in what order to come to drink. In keeping with the whole community and conservation ethos of Sarara, these same wells are then utilised at night by local wildlife, including elephants and leopards.

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

Swimming pools for guests to enjoy as and when they wish.

Credit: Cottars 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.

Cottar's Safaris traditional canvas bath Credit: Cottar's Safaris Cottar's Safaris traditional canvas bath

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

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

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 is 4 years and activity must be pre-booked.

Balloon safari Credit: Cottars Safaris

Children, from 5 years and above, soon become immersed in this captivating and fun outdoor classroom, where the guides become the teachers, explaining different species and the importance of conservation.

Kids' Entomology Safari Credit: Cottars 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

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

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

Get a behind the scenes and experience the protection of the elephants in the Greater Mara ecosystem with Mara Elephant Project (MEP) including meeting the rangers, refreshments and an interactive presentation about the work of MEP. Activity must be pre-booked.

Conservation Helicopter Flight Credit: Mara Elephant Project

One hour learning with the only all-female conservation rangers unit in the Maasai Mara.

Conservation Rangers Credit: Cottars Safaris

Immersive Raptor Experience with Kenya Birds of Prey Trust (KBOPT), learn about conservation efforts in Mara for vulnerable raptors. Activity must be pre-booked.

Raptor rehabilitation Credit: Cottars Safaris

The Mara Meru Cheetah Project provides science for conservation on cheetahs and understanding on predators’ role within the broader ecosystem. Guests can choose from a range of experiences from a one-hour talk on cheetah with our guides, to spending a half-day out in the field followed by a talk with the head of Mara Meru Cheetah Project, Dr. Elena V. Chelysheva, PhD.

Mara cheetah Credit: Cottars Safaris

A short walk around Cottar's 1920s Camp, visiting our Explorer's Tent, 4Cs centre and back of house to view our organic vegetable garden, solar power farm and sustainability initiatives.

Cottar's 1920s Camp organic farm Credit: Cottar's Safaris

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.

Credit: Cottar's Safaris

From your wildlife drive vehicle or whilst out on a walk, throw seedballs around that will eventually sprout when the rains come. They are encased in a special coating which will activate at the right time for germination. Your packet contains approximately 225 indigenous 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 is a free activity although donations are welcome. Thank you for helping our local ecosystem and helping Cottars become net positive!

Cottar's Safaris Seedball Dispersal Credit: Cottar's Safaris

Make traditional Maasai beaded jewellery with a Maasai Mama

Cottar's Safaris - beading with Mama Naishuru Credit: Cottar's Safaris

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. Activity must be pre-booked.

Cotta's Safaris local school visit Credit: Cottar's Safaris Cotta's Safaris local school visit

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.

Maasai singing and dancing Credit: Cottar's Safaris

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.

Stargazing Credit: Cottars Safaris