Cottar's Safaris, Maasai Mara

Welcome to our organic garden! Patrick ensures that our garden is always thriving, and our chefs are constantly inspired by the ingredients they have to work with.

Our commitment to organic gardening means that you can trust the quality and freshness of everything we serve.

Wildlife Wednesdays: Captivating Captures by Whitnall 🌿 Explore the beauty of nature through his lens!

Join us in the great outdoors as we use nature as our classroom.

Our team is dedicated to providing engaging and educational experiences for young minds through exciting adventures in the wilderness.

Let's take a moment to celebrate the incredible women who make a difference in our lives!

Today, we want to shine a light on the Maasai women and Mama Naishuro, a beloved mother figure within our Cottars family.

The tradition of beading has been passed down through generations, showcasing the strength and creativity of women.

Let's honor and recognize the amazing women in our lives who inspire us every day!

Wishing a Happy Mother's Day from the Cottars Family.

Photography Credits
Photo 1 : Partimetravelers
Photo 2 & 4 :
Photo 3 & 5 : Jodee Debes Photography

Spot of the week... Brood parasite spotted at Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp! Wildlife photographer discovered a mysterious nest in a tree, observing a young bird with a beak unlike that of a sunbird, hinting at a potential brood parasite.

These birds lay their eggs in other birds' nests, tricking them into raising the invasive chicks.

As the Marico sunbird parents fed the intruder, suspicions arose about the nest's bulging size, suggesting the growing chick may not belong.

What is a brood parasite, you might ask? Well, it’s a species of bird which lay their eggs in the nest of others so owners of the next unknowingly incubate, hatch and rear the invasive youngster. The original eggs and chicks of the nest will be evicted, leaving the foreign chick the sole occupant and the focus of the adoptive parents.

Stay tuned to witness the unfolding mystery, as the fledging period approaches, revealing the true identity of the nest's occupant.

Spot of the week: A formidable lion coalition rises in the Southern Maasai Mara. They were found perched on a hillside overlooking the vast plains below.

With injuries marking their fierce battles, including a lion sporting a severely wounded eye, speculation arises about their encounters with rival coalitions and prides.

The next day, the Cottars guides and guests found them very close to the same area, feasting on a buffalo carcass, surrounded by wary hyenas and jackals, it's evident these predators dominate the landscape.

In the absence of the Great Wildebeest Migration, they rely on buffalo herds and other prey, shadowing their movements across the Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem.

Capturing mesmerizing moments of lion behavior, wildlife photographer Felicity Sutton captures their presence.

"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living." - David Attenborough

Some of nature's great works of art by the talented

Postcards capturing the breathtaking soft light at Cottar's Villa, where every moment feels like a dream.

Tag who you'd bring!

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Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with an Easter egg hunt?

Can you spot all the hidden Easter eggs around camp?

Take a closer look and see if you can find them. Let the Easter egg hunt begin!

Tonight at Cottars Safari, we're dimming our lights and sitting around the fire in solidarity with Earth Hour.

Let's join hands in the 'Biggest Hour for Earth,' turning off lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to symbolize our commitment to our planet's well-being.

Together, we shine brighter in the darkness, spreading hope and inspiration for a greener tomorrow.

Photography credits 📸
1 -3 :
4 :
5 :
6 : @[cottars.safaris](cottars.safaris)

Come join us for a delightful tea and snack break every day at in the cozy mess tent.

Whether you've been out exploring all day or just need a little pick-me-up before dinner, our selection of teas and tasty snacks is sure to hit the spot.

It's the perfect way to recharge and refuel for the rest of your day. See you at 4pm in the mess tent for a delicious and satisfying break!

Today, we celebrate the bond between mothers and their babies.

Did you know that elephant mothers exhibit nurturing instincts? They establish family units wherein mothers and aunties play pivotal roles in nurturing, educating, and safeguarding the young.

Cheetah mothers are solitary creatures, often raising their cubs entirely on their own. Despite this, they exhibit incredible devotion, spending up to two years teaching their young the essential skills they need to survive in the harsh savannah environment, including hunting techniques and how to navigate their territory.

Lionesses are the primary hunters within their prides, and they often work together to provide food for their entire family. However, it's the mother's role that extends beyond just hunting. Lioness mothers are also responsible for teaching their cubs how to interact with other pride members, ensuring their social integration and cohesion within the group.

Today, let us honor motherhood, expressing gratitude for the love, resilience, and guidance that our mother figures provide.

What does motherhood mean to you?

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2nd & 3rd :

Celebrate World Wildlife Day with a chance to WIN a 4 night stay for 2 at the award winning COTTAR'S 1920S CAMP in the Maasai Mara in Kenya, PLUS a luxurious set of GLOBE-TROTTER safari luggage (inclusive of a 4-wheel Carry-On, 4-Wheel Check-In, and a Miniature case in Ivory Vulcanised Fibreboard and natural leather).

This prize is valued at $14,003 USD

Don't miss out on this luxurious adventure - even Namanyak approves!

Click the link to enter :
https://cottars.com/cottars-safaris-and-globe-trotter-competition/

Cottars Safaris and Globe-Trotter Competition - Cottar's Safaris

Join us for some epic wildlife encounters. Did you know that the Topi, with its keen eyesight, can spot predators from afar, ensuring the safety of its herd?

And let's not forget the yellow-billed oxpecker, renowned for its symbiotic relationship with large mammals like the Topi, as it feasts on ticks and parasites, providing a natural pest control service!

Let's wrap up the week :
1. Kudu tent, wrapped in serene mossy greens and earthy browns, seamlessly blending into its natural surroundings.

2. Our game drive companions, Doug, Matura, Enock and Salash, brought their cool vibes and expert knowledge, making every adventure unforgettable.

3. Inside the explorers' tent, we stumbled upon a captivating collection of nature's treasures.

4. Our trusty Dugudugu proved to be the ultimate ally in capturing those picture-perfect Instagram moments.

5. Love was in the air as we witnessed these majestic lions celebrating the month of love.

6. As daylight dwindled, we gathered on the Villa deck, savoring a drink while being awestruck by a breathtaking sunset.

7. Enock's keen eye brought us up close and personal with the graceful giraffes during an exciting bush walk!

Join us as we relive these extraordinary moments

Photos by :

Love roars louder in the bush! From romantic bush baths to cuddly lion sightings, our Molo honeymoon tent sets the stage for an unforgettable Valentine's Day.

Champagne, roses, and magical moments– Cottar's has all the romantic tricks up its sleeve. And don't forget our candlelit romantic dinners under the stars!

Sending love from the Cottars team 💌

A snippet of how it looks to spend your Birthday .

1. Mesmerizing Sunsets: That will leave you in awe of nature's splendor.
2. Maasai Village Adventure: Immerse yourself in a vibrant culture.
3. Luxurious Bush Bath: Indulge in a champagne-soaked pampering session!
4/5. Archery Lessons: Unleash your inner warrior.
6. Witness the majestic giraffes roaming freely, adding to the already abundant wildlife
7/8. End your day with sundowners, savoring the thrill of being surrounded by untamed beauty.
8. With Enock as your guide, prepare to be enlightened with his profound knowledge about the wildlife that calls this place home.

Celebrating the legacy of Moses Kinyaika, a cherished member of the Cottars family for decades and a true master of the bush.

His expertise as a walking guide were unmatched, marked by his profound connection to nature, mastery of animal tracking, and deep knowledge of the wilderness.

As he prepares for a well-deserved retirement, we wanted to share a glimpse of the legend himself in our best photos.

Moses teaches how to make a fire, Kamba style!

Unleashing nature's power with two sticks, a fiery friction, and an unexpected secret ingredient: elephant dung.

Their knowledge exchange is truly missed.

Who would you want to visit Cottars next?

Swipe to see our gorgeous guests that came on an adventure, keep swiping to see all the amazing animals they got to meet on the way.

The Maasai culture, is a vibrant and dynamic community that has preserved its traditions for centuries. Nestled in the heart of East Africa, the Maasai people are known for their rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land.

It is a way of life rooted in respect for nature and community. Learn about their sustainable practices, from herding livestock to preserving wildlife habitats. Engage with local artisans and support their craftsmanship, ensuring the preservation of ancient skills.

What have you learned about Maasai culture? Teach us in the comment section.

2024 goals: to be sat around one of Cottar's tables with family and friends basking in the many spectacular views Kenya has to offer.

If you've been lucky enough to sit around these tables, let us know in the comment section so we can say a quick hello!

POV: You're on a Game Drive with Cottar's Safari.

1. Guests enjoy a close encounter with a friendly Giraffe.
2. Sundowner in Africa: Gin and Tonic.
3. A perfectly rolled ball from our friend the dung beetle.
4. Despite the dramatic skies, laughter fills the air.
5. Stay warm with our cozy Masai blankets as the sun sets.
6. Dennis greets us with a charming smile.

Celebrating an amazing 2023 here at Cottar's. We are wishing all the Cottar's community a Happy New Year and we hope to see you all in 2024.

Our resident cat isn't feeling the New Year Vibes as you can see on the final slides.

From our Cottar's family to yours,
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas 🎄

Things we would all much rather be doing right now: having a Wild Basil Smash cocktail at Cottar's bush bar

Did you know that Zebras don't have black and white stripes just to make a fashion statement in the Mara?

Zebras' stripes, which vary in pattern and intensity among individuals, are unique to each zebra and play a crucial role in their survival. The exact purpose of these stripes has long intrigued scientists, with several theories proposed.

One widely accepted explanation is that the stripes serve as a form of camouflage, making it difficult for predators, such as lions and hyenas, to single out an individual zebra from a distance. Additionally, the stripes may help to deter biting flies and other insects, as the pattern confuses their visual systems.

Did you know that zebras' stripes served a crucial role in their survival?