Cottars 1920s, Reviews , Rating Kenya Masai Mara

Cottars Safari Service earned the title of a longest serving name in business and this gives them a belief that their 80 years of experience handed down through the generations, give them an advantage in providing clients with what they expect from a quality safari experience, for example; adventure, comfort, security and many others.

In the year 1919, the Cottar Safari tradition began and yet even after eighty years, it has continued to provide an unparalleled safari experience to discerning African Mecca guests that Africa hosts.
Extending an era of luxury and quality, Cottars Safari Service returns to the original spirit and essence of “safari” reminiscent of a golden era that includes; romance, professional guiding, adventure and elegance.

The Cottars Safari, a 1920s camp is located in the Masai mara, bordering the Serengeti and Loliondo Ecosystem in an untouched 200,000-acre exclusive concession offering the discerning guests with a guarantee of privacy and a lot of wildlife.

A maximum of twelve (12) clients can be accommodated by the camp in authentic white canvas tents, which are spacious and luxuriously furnished and incorporate original safari antiques from the 1920s; private en suite dressing rooms and bathrooms (with old-fashioned styled tubs, showers and flushing toilets), the main bedroom and an outdoor verandah.

Some of the nature experience and activities at Cottars Mara Safari Camp include the following: -
§ A tented reading room with an extensive array of African, modern books and magazines or Cottar’s natural rock swimming pool with surrounding hammocks are the alternative to wildlife viewing.
§ Guided walking and night drives are also highly allowed and recommended, because Cottars Mara Camp is located outside the game park. By walking, visitors get much closer to nature, and if a chance of tracking wild game comes, guests will even be taken closer by Cottar’s trained trackers.
§ There are also game drives that Calvin Cottar or guides of equal professional standard do guide in either state of the art modern four wheel drive cars, in Cottar’s authentic and old wooden car or in oxen pulled wagon.

The Cottar’s 1920s Mara Safari Camp has got some personalities behind it and some of these include the following;
1. CALVIN COTTAR: - Calvin a fourth generation Kenyan, grew up in the bush, with the aim of gaining experience with wildlife from his father Glen and his father’s tracker Bajila. He started guiding clients on game drives and walks from the family camp in the Mara when he was 15 years old, from there, he went to Tanzania as a professional hunter spending 5 years before returning to Kenya.
When he returned, he set up a wildlife management company that provided landowners with services. He later joined the Kenya wildlife service in 1993 in the Community development department, where he developed the idea of five district wild life associations, to help landowners get user rights of their wildlife. He then rejoined the family company to initiate the 1920s project inn July 1995 and it is important to note that he has been voted Kenya’s bet guide. After passing his silver-level KPSGA exam, he also won himself a position as Honorary Warden for the Kenya Wildlife Service. Meanwhile, his wife Louise also stays with him at Cottars 1920s Camp.

2. LOUISE COTTAR: Louise was born in England and studying a degree in International Business made him come to Kenya in 1989. He is noted to have returned to Africa in 1994 as the co-ordinator of a UN program in Somalia, and this was after he had finished both an undergraduate and masters degree plus working in Europe. He succeeded in having the willingness to work in places of risks and taking risks themselves, thereby winning himself a reputation, for it true that when he was thrown in at the Africa deep in one of the most dangerous countries to live and work, he went and spent almost four years there.

3. PHIL WEST: - Phil, a member of the Field Guides Association of South Africa and the Kenya Professional Guides Association, is a young and up coming guide who was born in Kenya and spent most of his youth life in the Tsavo bush.
This well known collector of arthropods for the Nairobi Museum, with a particular interest in tracking bush craft and ethno-botany, was educated in the UK and trained as
a guide at Lewa Down and now he is a freelance guide with Walking Safaris as his particular area of specialisation.

4. JOHN SAMPEKE: - From his personal experience and perspective, John who was born and raised in Maasai land brings African Mecca clients a wealth of knowledge of Maasai culture and traditions. Passing the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association with the highest grades in his class, John who joined Cottar with over 10 years of experience, working with the best safari companies in Kenya, is believed to be highly educated, quietly entertaining and undoubtedly the best Maasai professional guide in the business.

Ol Seki Mara Camp Kenya

Ol Seki Mara Camp is a seasonal luxury in an area teaming with game but not tourists, and it is located on the Innisikera River North of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Adjacent to the Mara, is the Northeastern sector of Koiyaki that offers a chance to enjoy the game viewing the Mara is famed for, in an area, which the masses do not frequent. The Oasis of classic safari tents is nestled beneath the Acacia Gerardic, and the camp overlooks the river attracting a number of species of birds and many games.

With all the attractive aspects of a permanent tented camp, thoughtfully designed solar lighting and flash toilets, Ol Seki Mara Camp has kept the ambiance of the traditional mobile safari camp, in this quiet and peaceful setting.

The camp has got six spacious tents, of which 2 are doubles and 4 are twins, and these are outfitted with mosquito proofing, crisp linen, en suite hot showers available at any time and with your comfort and privacy in mind.

As far as culinary and dining experiences are concerned at Ol Seki Mara Camp, it is important to note that your own experienced camp crew makes your stay truly memorable, a delight for all senses. The dinners at the camp are lit by romantic candle, the honeymooners also have got special dining and even still, there exists a resident reflexologist/masseuse.

Ol Seki Mara Camp has got a number of activities that include the following: -
§ Bush picnics and sundowners.
§ Spa treatments.
§ Game drives in Land over/ land cruiser equipped vehicles with roof hatches.
§ Chances to walk with Masai guides who are experienced.
§ Day fishing excursion in Lake Victoria.
§ Hot air balloon safari.

Mara Explorer Camp Kenya

Mara Explorer Camp, anew luxury in the world’s oldest wilderness, is located on wide thickly forest bend of the Talek River in the middle of the Masai Mara reserve.

Open towards the end of 2000, Mara Explorer has lifted up the art of the African Safari, to striking heights. Mara Explorer is under Kenya’s first Maasai lady Manager,
Tiito Mpetti, who also manages a community charity educating Maasai girls in her native Megwarra village, to which she will happily welcome tourists who wish.

This luxurious tented camp is found at the meeting point of the reserve’s four major-viewing areas and enjoys prime views of the striking wildebeest movement between June and September. During the rest of the year, herds of watering elephants, giraffe and other animals, can be seen many times from your private verandah. Mara Explorer’s own all-weatner airstrip, meaning you can be in camp not more than an hour after leaving the bustle of Nairobi. The route from the capital offers a scenic ride of just less five hours.

Mara Explorer was built as an eco-friendly camp, and its operations are intended to have a lesser effect on the weak Talek eco-system. All biodegradable waste is spread on the ground for compost, whereas water heating is suppressed by briquettes made from used coffee husks. Together with its sister camp, Mara Intrepids, Mara Explorer helps to construct and facilitate primary schools and medical clinics in the region, tourists are called upon to tour.

The executive five-star camp offers 10 luxurious, well-spaced tents, where each has its own private deck overlooking the Talek River.
Of the tents, 6 even have got giant double beds, while three have got twin beds.

All have got furniture that is styled in a classic blend of the past days and modern, with fine hand carved mahogany furniture, rich African arti facts, luxurious bathrooms with twin basin and all modern amenities.

Every tent reflects a distinctive “Explorer” style, with old wooden chests, tin trunks and ancient prints, complemented by an extremely interesting and attractive collection of ‘African’ books in the camp’s library.

As for culinary and dinning experience, it is important to note that some have them from one of a series of specially chosen “bush sites” close to the camp. Next door, the camp bar offers nice river views and a library, which is so well-stocked, whereas the lounge provides luxurious sofas for reading, playing board games or swapping safari tales. Decorating all the public areas with old African arti facts and memorabila from the ancient days of the African safari is the order of the day.

Meanwhile, meals are served from mara Explorer’s own kitchens, and fresh vegetables and herbs grown in the camp gardens are used.

Mara Explorer camp has got nature experiences and other activities, which include the following: -
§ Hot Air balloon Safaris.
§ Arrangements for Lake Victoria Fishing Safaris.
§ Riverside bush breakfast, sundowners and dinners.
§ Lectures and shows about Maasai culture and wildlife.
§ Private game drives with expert local guides.
§ Walking Safaris in the Mara Conservation Area.
§ Between June and September is when Mara Explorer enjoys prime views of the spectacular wildebeest migration and for the other remaining period of the year, its normally rewarding daily game viewing, and this is mainly due to the fact that it is situated in the heart of the reserve.
§ The camp also provides guests with ultimate wilderness retreat, where you can view elephants or giraffes drinking from the privacy of your verandah-or your own outdoor bathtub

Richards Camp Masai Mara Kenya

Richard’s Camp, is a tented camp where the pioneer traditions of hospitality and comfort continue, and important to note is that, it was originally built as the Roberts’ home, while carrying out conservation work in the Mara. The Camp’s perimeter which is situated on the edge of a small forest, has got regular visitors that include; elephant, plains game and bird life.

Guide and host Richard Roberts, was raised in the Masai Mara and it is his intimate knowledge of the bush and the Maasai people, together with his family’s traditional warm hospitality, which makes sure that guests get a very special experience, generally, Richard’s Camp designs one’s day to be as relaxing and exciting as one may wish.

Richard together with his family has played an important part in preserving the valuable eco-system in this area. Willy, Richard’s father, helped to form the Community Conservation Area in 1992, on which the camp is situated. The camp is also concerned about conservation and apportion of every overnight stay cost is put back into the community and local projects.

The camp avails doubles, together with twins and triple accommodation for families, and this accommodation is in five specious en suite tents with a verandah.

In the evening, guests can take part in a Victorian bathroom, which is located inside the forest where the canopy of trees opens to show the breath-taking African night sky whilst that flickering candles surrounds.

Some of the nature experience and activities at Richard’s camp include the following: -
§ Escorted bush walks.
§ Day and night game drives in the Masai Mara and in the conservation area.
§ Bird watching.
§ Cultural activities for children following honey guides to source delicious Kenyan honey, bush skills for example fire making.
§ Full day game watching with spectacular lunch in the bush

Siana Springs Masai Mara Intrepids Camp

Siana Springs Intrepids Camp-Masai mara.
At the base of the Ngama Hills, on the Eastern edge of the Masai mara National conservation is where Siana Springs Intrepids Camp is located. It covers a lush indigenous forest watered by the largest natural springs in the Mara ecosystem-Siana Springs, or ‘the plentiful springs’ in Maa, the language of the Maasai people. The camp’s location in the heart of the Siana group Ranch provides guests with unique opportunities for private bush walks and drives on the game-rich plains and along the seasonal streams under the Ngama Hills. Siana’s related properties in the Mara Reserve also provide lunch, swimming and other activities in the middle of the reserve, which break all-day game drives. The journey to the Siana Springs Intrepids Camp, which is 240 Kilometres southwest of Nairobi, involves a 30-40 minute flight to its airstrip, or a four-hour drive from the capital.

Siana Springs Intrepids Camp tries as it can, to uphold the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility and this, it does with an eco-tourism approach plus focus on conservation. There are very good ties between the camp and the Maasai landlords, who contribute to its workforce by more that 60 percent.
It is important to note also that the Siana Springs Intrepids contribute and support the surrounding community. For example, it put a hand during the building of local Nkoilale primary school and yet it continues to help the school reach t a higher level. More on that, is the camp’s effort to protect the area’s rich game and to limit degradation through livestock grazing, by supporting an initiative to develop a local conservation area. Siana Springs Intrepid Camp is managed on strict ecological principles with water heating fuelled by waste charcoal dust, wastewater recycled through the camp’s extensive constructed wetland system, and biodegradable waste covered for compost.

The dining area where Siana Springs Intrepids camp is located is larger, and it has got a beautiful open-air terrace which looks out across the camp’s lush lawns to the open plains of Africa and beyond.

Guests to Siana Camp like having their meals from outside, because there they can watch Siana’s Springs, resident bush bucks, vervet monkeys and tree hyraxes during say and genet cats and mongooses at night. However, it is important to note that this camp has got a dining room with a large sitting area.

Siana Springs Intrepids also has some nature experience and activities, which may include;
§ Walking Safaris and nature walks.
§ Night safari wildlife watching, with the opportunity to watch animals not viewed during daytime may also be organized.
§ The local Maasai normally get dancing and singing performances on the terrace. There is also a nice bar and a comfortable lounge area, a conference room, which has got modern business facilities, and more still, is the boutique selling local handcrafts and safari essentials.
§ With fly-in safaris, vehicles of choice are custom-built four-wheel drive vehicles.
§ Romantic sundowners at Ngama Hills.
§ Children can participate in the Camp’s Adventurer’s Club programme.
§ For discerning guests who may want to be as close to nature as possible, bush meals can also be organized.

Governors Bush Masai Mara Reviews

Governors’ Bush Camp-Masai mara:
Efforts to introduce new exciting activities for the more present discerning guests.
Governor’s camp have been having walking safari with experienced guides for some years and are now putting this together with the option of staying in their Bush camp. For example, many of the Governor’s camp walks are led by Patrick Reynolds because he has many years of walking safari experience in the African Bush and this makes the walking safari interesting to the client because they feel secure in the lands of one of Africa’s most experienced walking safari guides. There are two other delightful Maasai scouts who accompany the walk, because their rich cultural background has enabled them to get enough experience in walking safari for many years, and these are Bernard and Jackson. Staying at the Governor’s Bush camp is normally completed by the fact that there should be mouth-watering meals, canvas leading all the facilities, a nighty campfire, freshly made bread and falling asleep to the sounds of Africa.

The Governor’s Bush camp, which is located in Kijyaki conservation area, has got 4 double tents with ensuite bathrooms with all the traditions of the bush.

There are also spacious luxurious safari tents under canvas each with private verandah, not forgetting the gas and paraffin lamps in tents and in the camp.

The bush camp also has en-suite bathrooms with his and her bucket showers, hot and cold water, basin and flash toilets.

With the Culinary and Dining experience at Governor’s Bush camp, we can note that,
There are wake-up calls after which tea and coffee is served at the rooms, and
there is also room service on request.

More still, is the fact that Bush breakfast, lunches and dinner are held beneath the
stars at Governor’s Bush camp.

Governor’s Bush camp has got other activities, some of which include the following: -
§ Game Drives: For those who wish that get them experienced driver guides in the Masai mara Game Reserve, and those take them for the game drives which are available.
§ Night game Drives: African Mecca are able to give night game drives because of the fact that Governor’s Bush camp is set outside the Masai mara Game Reserve.
§ Masai mara Hot Air Ballon Safari: These are done with the professional ballon pilots and it is done early morning in the Masai mara game Reserve, before a champagne bush breakfast and a game drive back to the camp are done.
§ Highly specialized Governor’s Camp Walk Safari: Qualified guides in a private concession area adjacent to the Masai mara Game Reserve are got on a daily basis and these guide in an all day walking safari. However, before setting off, clients first take champagne bush breakfast in the morning, they then wait for the afternoon sun downers and snacks.

Saruni Lodge Reviews , Rating Kenya Masai Mara

Saruni Lodge-Lemek Conservation Area:
Saruni the deluxe and intimate lodge located in a private reserve area outside the most famous park in Africa-that is Masai mara National Reserve.

Saruni is set in a remote valley at the heart of the most exciting wilderness of Kenya and it has got an accommodation for only 12 guests in six spectacular cottages. It offers a real African adventure lived in harmony with the Maasai warriors, coupled with high standards of style and comfort, which is a new concept of African safari.

Saruni Lodge which, Mark Glen, a Kenyan architect designed and built, has got six large cottages where one experiences both the elegance and safety of permanent accommodation with the thrill of sleeping in close contact with nature.
There are old colonial but valuable furnitures in the accommodations, Persian carpet and African art, and the atmosphere itself which is at the camp is so attractive.

All Saruni cottages have got hot and cold running water, 220-volt electricity, attractive Italian bathroom fittings, polished wooden floors, and large bathrooms where the canvas front can be totally open to offer you an amazing “shower with a view”. On the Saruni Lodges’
Massive cedar beds, your safari actually begins, because from here you can see in a lot of privacy the elephant, leopard, waterbuck, bushbuck and impala as they cross freely and peacefully in the grounds of the grounds of the camp.

As far as dining experience is concerned, it is important to note that this lodge entertains a mixture of old-fashioned Africa and modern design, which are served from Kuro House-the common dinning area. While reminiscing, they can begin to savor the exceptional cuisine that is served around Saruni Lodge’s long table and uses fresh, locally grown and organic produce in inventive ways.
By separate arrangement, a candle light dinner can be served on your own verandah. Meanwhile, meals can be taken in the bush among the wild animals, with birdsong and animal calls as a back drop.

There are many activities at Saruni Lodge which include; fly camps, visits to Maasai communities Safari walks in the forests and in the plains accompanied by Maasai trackers, bird watching, Maasai wedding ceremony, day excursions to Rusinga island, game drives in special “game viewing” land Rovers with itineraries tailored to suit each guest’s requirements and finally bush breakfast, bush dinner, bush lunch, bush picnic and sundowners.

Mara Sopa Lodge Reviews , Rating ,Kenya Masai Mara Accommodation Guide

Mara Sopa Lodge-Masai mara:
In Maasai language, Sopa means “Welcome”.
Mara Sopa Lodge is located in the Oloolaimutia valley, where it blends in perfectly with its surrounding hillside landscape. The accent here is on the Maasai people and the fabulous wealth of wildlife, bird life and natural flora to be found in the Maasai mara National conservation which is believed to be famous, and often talked about but rarely seen.
More still about the Mara Sopa Lodge, is that it is located 20Km south of the Equator on the eastern boundary of the Masai mara Game Reserve in southern Kenya, 2Km from the Oloolaimutia Gate.
The reserve which is the best known game area in East Africa, is 1,120 sq. km. Of prime safari wildlife-viewing territory bordering the Serengeti National park.

Mara Sopa Lodge has got 77 rooms with 200 beds, 12 suites ad I presidential suite, and all these are “rondavel” style. It even has en-suite bathroom facilities that provide sharing sockets and hair dryers. All rooms and suites have got a private, elevated verandah with splendid views across the valley and on which guests can sunbathe, relax and view resident wildlife and birds.  Meanwhile, each room avails mini-bars.

There are also direct dial telephone facilities as well as satellite television and video options. The nearby springs help in supplying water, filtered water is given in flasks in every room and bottled water is ever there for sale.

The Sopa Lodge of an altitude 2,104 meters (6,400 ft) above sea level, experiences warm days and cool evenings, because of cool breeze through the valley where it is located. The conservation is fresh and green almost throughout the year, and this is a result from the rainy seasons of April/June, October/November. For early mornings and late evenings, a light sweater might be needed, otherwise only the lightest of clothes are recommended. For the pool, a swimwear is needed, while amore formal attire might be advisable for cocktails and theme evenings.

Mpata Safari Club Reviews , Rating ,Kenya Masai Mara Accommodation Guide

Mpata Safari Club-Masai mara
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents voted Mpata Safari Club “The Best safari Lodge in Kenya”. Mpata safari Club a Five Star Safari accommodation, got the name after a great Tanzanian artists whose paintings are held in high esteem world-wide and that is S.G Mpata. This Club which is placed on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment overlooking the endless savannah, allows visitors to feel the heart beat of the African wilderness To the Great Masai mara-Serengeti migration” natures’ greatest spectacle involving millions of wildebeests and large numbers of Zebra and gazelle crossing the savannah in quest for lush pasture, Mpata Safari club a romantic and exclusive club offers a ringside seat.
Generally, the Mpata environment is designed for those who love African, by those who know it.

Mpata Safari club was designed by Edward Suzuki, n internationally renowned Architect who put the whole club under one great roof that covers the restaurant, bar, library, gift shop and office. The lodge has got 11 suites and 12 delux units, each with separate bathroom, bedroom and verandah, and so guests stay in individual cottage well spaced along the top of the escarpment offering panoramic views.

With the dinning experience, it is important to note that most of the meals served at Mpata Safari Club are prepared basing on recipes by Kiyomi mikuni, a world-renowned chef and even so, the menu at Mpata Club are ever changing because they have got a variety and this by less doubt enhances your stay.
Meanwhile Mpata Safari Club combines African flavour wit international recipes, which are prepared by internationally trained chefs, underscoring Mpata’s vision to consistently maintain a 5 star rating.

Mpata Safari Club, which is located in Masai mara Nation conservation, has got some activities and nature experience which include the following: -
Mpata is placed on top of the Oloololo Escarpment, which is next to the Masai mara Nation conservation that is located to the southwest of Kenya near the Tanzanian border. With the club’s land cruiser which has a custom designed roof that opens tom enhance guests’ game viewing and photography experience, you can go on early morning and evening game drives twice a day. The evening game drive begins at 3:00pm to around 6:00pm, while the morning game drive begins at 6:00am, before sun rise. Clients then head for the large savannah in Masai mara, which is sometimes called, “Kingdom of Lions”. It is so rare for the lions to hunt during day, they normally hunt at night, however, you can sometimes see them eating zebra or impala in the morning. Many other animals can be observed and they include; Zebra, Topi, Elephant, Ostrich, Giraffe, Fish Eagle, Vulture, Hyna, Crocodile, Hippopotamus, Thompson’s Gazelle, Buffalo, Warthog and Gnu (wildebeest). You may also wish to take a long game drive that may last a little more than half a day, while trekking many animals. This is allowed, but then you need to leave the club before the time of the day when light first appears and you therefore leave with packed lunch.
Another popular option that you can like for seeing game from air is the Balloon safari. Maasai village is so interesting and yet unusual, mere visiting it shows a sense of love for mankind and wildlife, no wonder therefore, a tour to the Masai mara National Reserve is ever incomplete, unless you visit Maasai village as well.

Mara Simba Lodge Reviews , Rating ,Kenya Masai Mara Accommodation Guide

Mara Simba Lodge-Masai Mara: Kenya
It was not as just an overnight stop that Mara Simba was conceived as the ultimate lodge in Masai mara, but rather as a safari resort. The lodge, overlooking a dramatic bend in the river, is designed to complement its natural setting. The grounds extend almost a kilometer along the Talek River. The river bank is left in its virgin state, while further bank lush, landscape gardens of indigenous plants and trees, attract colourful birds and butterflies. Guest rooms and public areas are linked by the wide, well-lit pathways.

More information about Mara Simba Lodge and safari Accommodation is as follows: -
§ More to the lodge, Mara Simba has got a few luxury tents just if you decide to be accommodated in one.
§ Each spacious room, which can easily accommodate a extra bed, opens onto its own private verandah with uninterrupted views across the river.
§ The installation of a waste water treatment plant has been done by only one lodge in Kenya and that is Mara Simba. The plant which treats all the sewage and produce crystal clear water, that is used for irrigation, was exported to Kenya from U.S.A.
§ The 84 guest rooms which comprise of 60 twin rooms, 12 double, 4 double plus single and 8 tripple rooms are arranged in cluster of 6 in each natural wood and stone banda.
§ They have ensuite (showers, tiled bathrooms with natural granite and twyford, (UK) bathroom fittings.
§ All rooms have a magnificent view of the Talek River and the surroundings from the verandah. The rooms are big enough to add extra beds required.

Meals and Relaxation in Mara Simba Lodge:
§ Mara Simba has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that makes it an ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing. The restaurant itself and bar offer first class food. There are stone fireplaces, focal points in the cool of the evening in each of the dining area and a bar where a delicious meal of succulent meat dishes and vegetarian menus are served.
§ Meals at the lodge are as follows: -
- Breakfast 7:00am -9:30am
- Lunch 12:30pm -2:30pm
- Dinner 7:30pm-9:30pm

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