Harper’s Incredible Luxury Safari Adventure at Cottar's 1920s Camp Maasai Mara, Kenya

Hey everyone! It’s Harper, and I just got back from one of the most amazing trips ever—staying at Cottar's 1920s Camp in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. If you’ve ever wanted to experience an authentic luxury safari, this is the place to be. Let me tell you all about my adventure, the animals, and the unforgettable experiences I had!

Getting to Cottar’s 1920s Maasai Mara Camp: A Wild Ride

To start off, getting to Cottar's 1920s Camp Maasai Mara was an adventure in itself. We had to charter a plane to get us as close to the camp as possible—how cool is that? The Cottar’s staff greeted us at the airstrip with their jeeps, and we were whisked away to the camp, feeling like true explorers! The excitement started right away.

My First Tented Luxury Safari Camp Experience

This was my first time staying in a tented safari camp, and I was super excited! Our guide, Mako (who we affectionately called “Mr. Fantastic” because he always said “Fantastic!” whenever we told him something), made the experience even better. He was so knowledgeable and answered all my endless questions about animals, plants, and the Maasai Mara with a smile. At Cottar’s, we stayed in a family tent, and let me tell you—it’s not your typical tent. These spacious canvas tents are like a cross between glamping and camping. They have real beds, actual bathrooms, and even running water. It felt like I was outdoors but also in complete comfort! At night, you could hear the sounds of the wild, like elephants trumpeting, which was amazing. It was like camping with a luxury twist!

A Thrilling Safari Encounter

Oh my gosh, guys, one of the most thrilling moments of our safari happened on an early morning safari game drive. It was still a little dark outside, and I was a little tired, but then we spotted the African Buffalo—one of the Big 5! We were super excited to get a good photo, but when we tried, something wild happened. The buffalo was NOT having it. It came charging straight at our jeep! We had to drive away as fast as we could to avoid getting too close. It actually chased us for a little while—so intense!

Our guide kept saying, “That buffalo is crazy, I’ve never seen one do that before…” but I think he was just camera shy! 😂 After that, I was wide awake, and I couldn’t stop talking about it the whole day. It was hands down one of the most exciting moments on safari, and I’m so glad I was there to witness it.

Unique Safari Experiences at Cottar's

During our safaris, I got to see incredible animals up close, like lions, giraffes, and even cheetahs. On one of the days, I was swimming in the pool when a herd of zebras walked right past me—it was one of the coolest things ever! Cottar’s is right in the heart of the Maasai Mara, so it’s not unusual to wake up to elephants grazing outside your tent!

The activities at Cottar’s were amazing too. One day, we got to try the warrior camp, where we learned to use bow and arrows made from wooden sticks and throw spears—no modern-day archery here! It was so much fun and gave me a real sense of what it’s like to be a Maasai warrior.

A Taste of Kenya: Delicious Farm-to-Table Meals

The food at Cottar's was AMAZING! The camp has a single restaurant, but you’ll never get tired of it because the chef prepares everything farm-to-table, using fresh ingredients from their huge garden. Every day was something new, and every meal was absolutely delicious. I loved the homemade chips—they were the best I’ve ever had. And the little store at the camp was so fun to explore! They sell unique items made by the local Maasai people, and it was such a cool way to bring home a piece of Kenya.

A Life-Changing Visit to a Local Maasai Village

One of the most special parts of my trip was visiting a local Maasai village. We got to learn how to say "hello" in their traditional language and see how they live in clay houses with no running water or electricity. But you know what? They were so happy, and it was really eye-opening to see how they live so simply but with so much joy. We even sang songs with them, and it was such a humbling and magical experience.

Why Cottar's 1920s Camp is Perfect for a Family Safari

If you’re looking for a family safari that’s both thrilling and luxurious, Cottar’s 1920s Camp is the perfect place to stay. It combines authentic safari adventures with comfort, stunning views, and meaningful cultural experiences. Whether you’re out on safari, learning from the local Maasai, or enjoying the delicious food, this is a trip I will never, ever forget.

If you’re planning a safari in Kenya, Cottar’s is a place you cannot miss! The combination of wildlife, luxury, and cultural immersion is unbeatable. I feel so lucky to have had this experience.

Have you ever been on a safari? What animals would you want to see up close? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time,

Harper