Cottars 1920 Camp

Overview

A timeless safari sanctuary

Step back into the romance of the 1920s at Cottar’s iconic canvas camp, set in a private conservancy bordering the Mara. Eleven cream-canvas tents – five luxury doubles, four family suites, and two honeymoon tents – are spaced for seclusion and furnished with four-poster beds, antiques, en suite bathrooms, and private bush verandahs complete with traditional canvas baths.

Communal life unfolds in two elegant mess tents – one dedicated to fine dining, cocktails, and conversation – plus a 25 m pool, a spa tent, and a photographic hide. All surrounded by original campaign furniture, vintage brass lanterns, and African-inspired art, this is safari as it was meant to be.

Daily rhythms revolve around expertly guided game drives (day and night), bush walks, Maasai cultural visits, sundowner rituals, and nightly bush baths under the open sky. Optional immersive activities include conservation experiences with female rangers, bird of prey talks, foraging walks, hot-air ballooning, and fireside storytelling – all celebrating wildlife, culture, and legacy.

Our Safari Expert Insight

We consistently receive excellent feedback on Cottar’s from families. Its children’s programme goes well beyond standard activities, with entomology, conservation experiences and Maasai Warrior School keeping younger travellers genuinely engaged.

Highlights

When to go

Year Round

Experiences

Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.

Unique Experiences

Beyond the classic safari, photograph iconic vistas, savor world-class cuisine, cruise remote waterways, and track Africa’s rarest birds.

Big Five Safaris

Track the iconic Big Five across Africa’s legendary parks, with luxury lodges, private guides, and front-row views of the wild.

Luxury Family Safaris

Family safaris designed for all ages combine wild encounters with curated comfort, from private villas to expert guides across iconic landscapes.

Curated Packages

Signature journeys across Kenya

Our expert team crafts journeys that transcend luxury. Each itinerary is shaped by the spirit of the land and the wisdom of its people — opening doors to experiences few can imagine, and even fewer will ever access.

All Year Round

10 DAYS

The Active Africa Circuit – A Luxury Sport Safari

Move, play, and explore on this 10-night luxury sport safari through South Africa and Kenya, blending golf, padel, wildlife, and refined stays.

June - Sept

15 DAYS

Gorillas & Big Five Safari Adventure

Encounter gorillas, chimpanzees, and the Big Five on this 15-night luxury safari through Uganda and Kenya, combining primate trekking with the Great Migration.

All Year Round

9 DAYS

‘Out of Africa’ Safari in Kenya

Inspired by the 1985 Hollywood film ‘Out of Africa’, this itinerary transports guests through Kenya’s wilderness to relive the movie’s famous scenes.

All Year Round

13 DAYS

Amboseli, Lewa and Masai Mara Safari

Discover Kenya’s wild beauty across Amboseli, Lewa, and the Masai Mara – from elephant-dotted plains to thrilling big cat encounters.

June-October

10 DAYS

Electric Vehicle Safari in Kenya

Explore three groundbreaking conservation areas on this exclusive eco-conscious 10-day Electric Vehicle Safari in Kenya.

All Year Round

8 DAYS

Luxury Kenya Safari

The birthplace of wilderness safaris, Kenya is renowned for its abundant wildlife, colorful culture, and pristine natural beauty.

July-September

6 DAYS

Horseback Safari in Kenya

Travel through the wild for 3 days on this exciting horseback safari in Kenya, exploring Samburu in a nomadic camping style

June-October

9 DAYS

Sub Saharan Kenya Safari Experience

Over your nine days on our Sub Saharan Kenya Safari Experience exploring this wildlife mecca you will visit four of the best game-viewing regions in Kenya.

June-October

7 DAYS

African Wild Dog Safari

Our exclusive 7-day African wild dog safari in the Kenya is filled with adventure, thrilling wildlife sightings, and rich Kenyan culture.

Take a seat beside the campfire, where untold stories rise with the smoke, legends live in the land, and luxury is part of the wild.

What our
Travelers say

       EXCELLENT  
   Based on 77 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sharon Kennedy 
 13 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +7
We started planning our Namibia safari over a year in advance.  Natasha was perfect to set up our itinerary and Sarah to fill in the details.  They were both receptive to Zoom meetings and many emails.  Because we had both seen the Big 5 on previous safaris in other countries, we were interested in Namibia's wide-open space and few tourists.  The tented camp sites included in our itinerary provided our 2 requests.  Our guides were superior and camp management also.  Where next?  Rwanda?  Angola?  Wherever...K and D will be my Safari outfitter.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Elizabeth Hopkins 
 21 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +9
My husband and I took what we had hoped would be the trip of a lifetime Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rawanda and on Safari in Tanzania.  Our trip was personally curated for us by Tamsyn Young, Senior Travel Planner, Private Clients at Ker & Downey Africa.  We were impressed and overwhelmed by the care and attention to detail that went into planning this adventure for us.  I can honestly say that this trip surpassed our wildest expectations.  However, we’re hoping it’s not the trip of a lifetime as we’re considering  another trip with Ker & Downey in a few years to other parts of the African continent and completely expect that we will be equally amazed.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Philis Campana 
 22 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently returned from an unforgettable trip to South Africa, and we cannot say enough wonderful things about our travel agency from the beginning stages to the details of the trip itself, everything was handled with professionalism care and attention to detail. Our trip was so truly special and we are so grateful for the expertise and personal attention that made it such an incredible experience. We highly recommend this agency to anyone planning a trip to Africa again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Phyllis and Bob Fern.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Larry Eisman 
 23 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tamsyn @ Ker & Downey Africa helped us plan an unforgettable trip to Cape Town & Sabi Sabi. 8 days and everything was perfect. Would not change a single aspect of this bucket list vacation.

Larry
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Hanna Heintz 
 26 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tamsyn from Ker and Downey put together an incredible 3 week anniversary trip for my husband and me in South Africa and Seychelles. She took care of every detail, and I felt safe and well cared for while abroad. The lodges she chose for our safaris were a perfect mix of experiences to see both tented camps and luxury lodges. She was able to arrange some special surprises to help us celebrate while on our vacation. I couldn't recommend her more, and we will definitely be using her to plan our next African vacation!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Roberta Zallen 
 26 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a wonderful time on our trip.  Tamsyn Young was our agent and was extremely helpful, answered our multiple questions and was very available with answers when needed.  Everything was arranged - people met us at airports, all flights were arranged which included many changes on small planes and all the information was communicated to us in a timely manner.  In addition, I sustained an injury and at the last minute needed  to get met by wheelchairs for our flights.  All was perfectly arranged.  We highly recommend  Ker and Downey!!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kyle Palmieri 
 29 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My father and I put our trust into Ker & Downey to put together a once in a lifetime trip to Egypt and they did not fail. Everything went flawless and K&D provided a true white-glove experience, that was above and beyond our expectations. I am so thankful we went with K&D, working with this team was fantastic and paid off. Thank you all.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tracey de Kock 
 49 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The most incredible travel company I have ever dealt with! They tailor make your trip to exactly what suits you and do not miss a detail. No one else comes close to them when it comes to African safari curated holidays. Thank you we already looking at our next trip !
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Shani Dass 
 61 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked a safari in Kenya through Ker & Downey and had a wonderful experience. Sarah and the team were very professional and communication was exceptional and were always available. The hotels they recommended were great and matched what we requested. It was stress free from start to end.
We will definitely go with them again
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Lynn Beard 
 95 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We returned home from our safari in Tanzania about two weeks ago. It was arranged by the incomparable Tamsyn "Tam" Young of Ker & Downey and was hands down the best vacation we've ever experienced. From my first inquiry to today, Tam made the entire experience outstanding. She was with us when our flights to Tanzania (arranged by us) were all messed up by delays. While we were sitting in airports, she was busy rearranging our plans so we wouldn't miss a beat. The camps where Tam booked us were unforgettable and staffed by unforgettable people. Our game drivers were absolutely outstanding. We saw gobs of animals, including close ups with elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. We also saw two wildebeest crossings on the same day. We are convinced our trip would not have been the same if not for Tam and Ker & Downey. Top notch service!
  
 
 
  
 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

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