Uncharted Outposts

The First Family of Safari

The Longest Running Safari Operation in Africa

The history of this amazing family is right out of a historical yet animated novel, they are often referred to as the First Family of Safari, their history long and colorful, stories of marauding lions, glamorous and often misbehaving guests, hunting stories and conservation stories all of which hark back to a golden era of travel. Cottar family settled in Eastern Africa in the early 1900's. After reading Theodore Roosevelt's account of his 1909 East African safari, Charles "Chas" Cottar made his own safari in 1910 and in 1915 decided to sell his business and move his family (9 children) to East Africa. In 1919 he set up his own safari outfitting and guiding business "Cottars Safari Service," the oldest safari outfitting company in Africa. Over 90 years later, 4th generation Kenyan, Calvin Cottar and his family continue to provide an unparalleled experience, evoking the golden era of safari adventures. And there is now a fifth generation - 4 children (2 sons and 2 daughters) who will carry on the Cottars tradition.

A Journey Back in Time

Your journey back in time begins with a visit to this luxurious classic 1920's styled camp and become a part of its fabled history and transported back in time! The camp's vintage aesthetic harks back to the golden days of the 1920's era. Beautifully outfitted with huge spacious tents, gorgeous four-poster beds, old antique lace bed linen and ensuite bathrooms with hot and cold running water, all the furniture and furnishings are true to the style of the 1920's and no detail has been overlooked! To set the 1920's stage, Calvin decorated the camp with authentic furnishings pulled from the family storeroom. Decorated with victorolas, brass phonographs, ostrich feathers, silver tea sets and fine china, Cottars 1920's Camp exudes romance and refinement. The food is exceptional, the staff warm, welcoming and professional and the game viewing is amazing. You will most likely see lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo and just on the drive into camp! Whilst you are in camp you can participate in some great walks with their superb guides as well as day and night game drives and cultural visits to a nearby Masai Manyatta (village).

A Destination Unto Itself

Cottars 1920's Camp is often chosen as a destination in itself where guests spend their entire Safari settling into life in the African bush at only one camp, a certain way to become hooked on Africa! Chosen by celebrities for the chance to escape the crowds and a staff who guard their privacy fiercely - Cottars is without a doubt the ultimate Safari Camp with a history worth boasting about!