Opulently styled and well-serviced safari camp, slightly out on a limb
Guide Price: From: $580 To: $870
Opulently furnished in the style of the early 20th century camps with zebra-skin rugs, four poster beds and high canopied tents, the camp is quite overwhelming in terms of style, and perhaps won't suit everyone. It does, however, provide an unusual experience and certainly stands apart from the other more traditional camps.
The one draw-back of giving such a magnificent first impression is the necessity to ensure that the 'back-stage' lives up to the high standards of style by providing an equally breathtaking experience in service, food and wildlife. Service and food can be a little bit shaky and the it is quite a distance from the centre of the wildlife action.
Calvin Cottar, the son of one of the great pioneers of hunting and subsequently photographic safaris, is an excellent guide and a very pleasant host. However, contrary to the implication on the web-site which leads you to expect to be personally guided and hosted by Calvin, his services come at an additional fee and there are managers responsible for hosting in-camp.
Cottars is a great experience for those wanting a little bit of 'Out of Africa' but probably not the best place to be for the die-hard nature enthusiasts or those that want to get down and see the real, unadulterated Africa. It is worth comparing other places in the Mara for value once you have an idea of what your priorities are.
10 vast tents
From: 580 To: 870
Opulently styled and well-serviced safari camp, slightly out on a limb
Incl. FB, soft drinks, beer, house wine & spirits, laundry, game & night drives, bush walks, airstrip transfer, cultural visits, bush meals, river swimming & fishing, massage & aromatherapy. Excl. Balloon trips, champagne & premium sp
The Mara Conservation Area surrounds the main Masai Mara Reserve. This land is owned by a series of different Maasai communities (although mmuch of it falls under conservation partnership ageements with the private camp-owners), and differs from the main reserve in a couple of important ways. First, the Maasai to whom this is home are allowed to use this area to graze their cattle. Second, because it lies outside the main reserve, walking is allowed in this area. While many of the camps located here - the likes of Kicheche Mara Camp, Ol Seki Mara Camp, Richards Camp and Elephant Pepper Camp are within relatively easy reach of the main reserve, we would council against using this area simply as a dormitory for visiting the main park. Like Loliondo in northern Tanzania the Conservation Area really offers another side of the Mara ecosystem. It's probably worth recognising that the game viewing may not be quite on the scale of the main park - and that for the major river crossings you'll need to make the journey. However, in our experience, game viewing here rarely disappoints and the added dimension of the Maasai involvement makes this an excellent place to spend a few days. Read more?
Kenya is the most established safari country, and consequently you have to step a little off the conventional route to find real wilderness, but it’s certainly there. Kenya also has much going for it as a family destination, and also a good number of very individual safari camps and lodges with a personal approach that makes your experience very special. Kenya also has a particularly diverse ecology which ranges from snowy mountains to true desert, rolling grassy plains filled with wildlife to craggy scrub intersected with dry riverbeds, sparkling beaches and volcanic ranges. Read more?
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Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.
