Cottar’s Safaris

What Cottar’s Safaris does

Cottar's Safaris is a privately held, fifth-generation family-run luxury safari company headquartered in Karen, Nairobi, Kenya, operating under two legal entities: Nineteen Twenties Safari Camps Ltd and Cottars Safari Services Ltd. Founded in 1919 by Charles Cottar, it is Africa's oldest established family-run safari company, currently led by CEO Louise Cottar and fifth-generation figurehead Calvin Cottar. The company serves high-net-worth individuals, luxury family travelers, photography enthusiasts, and impact-driven travelers, offering all-inclusive luxury safari experiences in the Olderkesi Conservancy, a 7,551-acre community-owned conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Serengeti.

The company operates three core products: Cottar's 1920s Camp (11 vintage-style luxury tented suites including doubles, family tents, and honeymoon tents), Cottar's Bush Villa (the first luxury private villa in the Maasai Mara, offering exclusive-use accommodation with infinity pool), and Cottar's Safari Travel Concierge, which designs bespoke multi-country itineraries across Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. Technology and proprietary offerings are anchored in physical camp infrastructure rather than software: vintage 1920s safari aesthetic, solar power systems, organic gardening, the Dugu Dugu vintage Rolls Royce roving bar, the first all-female Maasai Mara ranger unit, and a Carbon Honesty Program. Cottar's holds Global Ecosphere Retreats accreditation (1 of 12 worldwide), Kenya Gold Ecotourism Certification, and the only African Preferred by Nature Ecosystem Restoration Standard.

Revenue is generated primarily through per-night accommodation at the camp and villa (all-inclusive, seasonal pricing, quote-based), Travel Concierge fees for bespoke multi-country itineraries, and a portfolio of more than 20 premium unit-priced experiences (balloon rides from $505, conservation helicopter flights from $3,000, photography workshops from $780, spa treatments from $50, cultural experiences from $15-$20). Distribution runs through direct website bookings, a dedicated reservations team, a B2B agent portal, and regional market representatives in North America, UK/Europe, and South Africa, supported by marketing on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and an email newsletter. The company reinvests into the ecosystem via an annual $783,502 community-and-conservation commitment, with a carbon neutrality target by 2027.

Name

Cottar’s Safaris

Legal name

Nineteen Twenties Safari Camps Ltd / Cottars Safari Services Ltd

Website

https://cottars.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1919

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Cottar's Safaris is a fifth-generation, family-run luxury safari company founded in 1919 in Kenya, operating Cottar's 1920s Camp (11 tents), Cottar's Bush Villa (exclusive-use retreat), and a multi-country Travel Concierge spanning 8 African countries for high-net-worth travelers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Luxury Safari Tourism and Hospitality

NAICS

Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214), Tour Operators (56152), All Other Traveler Accommodation (721199)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Safari Lodges (Big Five/Game Reserves) (THAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Safari & Wilderness Luxury Resorts (THAGACAD), Safari & Wildlife Travel Agencies (THAKAFAG), Safari Lodges & Tented Camps (THAAAHAC)

Keywords

• Luxury safari experiences
• Tented safari camp
• Safari travel concierge
• Conservation tourism
• Maasai Mara safaris

Headquarters

HQ city

Nairobi

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Luxury Accommodation: Revenue from Cottar's 1920s Camp (eleven luxury tents) and Cottar's Bush Villa (private exclusive-use villa). Includes all-inclusive safari packages with game drives, meals, and select activities.
2. Premium Activities and Experiences: Additional revenue from optional premium experiences including balloon rides ($505 per adult), helicopter flights with Mara Elephant Project (from $3,000 donation), photography services, and professional photography experiences (from $780).
3. Spa and Wellness Services: Spa treatments in dedicated spa tent with organic, locally sourced ingredients. Treatments available from $50.
4. Cultural and Community Experiences: Revenue from village visits, Maasai Warrior School, beading sessions, and other cultural activities that directly support community livelihoods.
5. Travel Concierge Services: Bespoke itinerary planning and booking service for extended African safaris beyond Cottar's own properties, covering Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.
6. Donations and Conservation Contributions: Guest donations supporting conservation projects including Mara Elephant Project, cheetah conservation, and reforestation efforts. Conservation helicopter flights require donations starting from $3,000.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Cottar's Safaris operates a luxury tented safari camp and a private-use bush villa in Kenya's Olderkesi Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara, providing all-inclusive safari stays with game drives, guided walks, cultural immersions, and conservation activities. It also runs a Travel Concierge service that designs bespoke multi-country safari itineraries across eight African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana). The offering centers on the Cottar's 1920s Camp with eleven luxury tented suites and Cottar's Bush Villa, the first luxury private villa in the Maasai Mara.

Product overview

Cottar's Safaris is a luxury safari company offering a portfolio of three distinct products: Cottar's 1920s Camp (an award-winning vintage-style tented camp with eleven luxury tents), Cottar's Bush Villa (the first luxury private villa in the Maasai Mara for exclusive-use stays), and Cottar's Safari Travel Concierge (a bespoke travel planning service spanning eight African countries). The company operates in the Olderkesi Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara and combines over 100 years of heritage with sustainable luxury experiences.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cottar's 1920s Camp Luxury tented safari camp featuring eleven luxurious tented suites in vintage 1920s style located in the Olderkesi Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara. Includes five elegant double tents, four spacious family tents with central living area and two en-suite bedrooms, and two romantic honeymoon tents. Facilities include a main mess tent and bar, Explorers Tent for conservation talks and cultural experiences, pool, spa tent, and signature canvas safari baths. All-inclusive safari packages include game drives, meals, and select activities.
• Cottar's Bush Villa Exclusive-use luxury private villa in the Maasai Mara offering privacy and personalized service for families and groups. Features an infinity pool with panoramic views of the Olderkesi Conservancy.
• Cottar's Safari Travel Concierge

Quantifiable outcome

• USD $783,502 invested annually in ecosystem services and community initiatives
• +4 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The Long RuncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCottar's Safaris is a member of The Long Run, living by the 4Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce. This partnership provides the Global Ecosphere Retreat accreditation and access to a global network of sustainability-focused tourism businesses.
• Cottar's Wildlife Conservation Trust (CWCT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCWCT works to secure land for biodiversity and expand conservation support beyond the Olderkesi Conservancy, helping preserve natural habitats, protect wildlife, and safeguard land from poaching while ensuring tangible benefits for the surrounding community.
• The Maa TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership ensures communities are central to conservation by integrating well-being with environmental stewardship. Together they undertook a comprehensive needs assessment covering 97% of households in Olderkesi, supporting sustainable livelihoods, education, and enterprise projects.
• Mara Elephant ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint conservation initiative offering private helicopter flights with MEP CEO and rangers, providing guests rare insight into elephant protection and the conservation of the Greater Mara Ecosystem.
• Kenya Bird of Prey TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting raptor conservation. Trust members join guests at camp to present their work and may visit birds undergoing rehabilitation or observe nests with installed cameras.
• Marc Meru PhotographyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhotography partnership contributing to visual documentation of conservation and safari experiences.
• Ecotourism KenyacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertification partnership providing Kenya's Gold Ecotourism Certification, the highest certification recognizing responsible management of energy, water, waste, and community engagement.
• Preferred by NaturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertification partnership providing Ecosystem Restoration Standard accreditation, making Olderkesi Conservancy the only conservancy in Africa to achieve this global benchmark.
• Mara-Meru Cheetah Project (MMCP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerScientific research partnership for cheetah and lion protection. Guests can participate in educational experiences with Dr Elena V. Chelysheva, Head of the MMCP.
• Canon (Georgina Goodwin)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional photography experience partnership with Canon Ambassador Georgina Goodwin. 20% of proceeds support conservation through Cottar's Wildlife Conservation Trust.
• Maasai CommunitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership leasing land from 6,000 households to secure vital wildlife corridors. Every guest stay supports education, healthcare, clean water, and livelihoods, with support for land rights and community-led initiatives.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wilderness Safaris: Large luxury safari operator with owned and partner camps across Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Comparable in curating multi-country luxury African itineraries and operating conservation-tied high-end tented camps.
• &Beyond: Luxury safari and travel operator running high-end lodge camps and bespoke itineraries across Africa (including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa) and beyond. Directly comparable to Cottar's in target HNW customer, all-inclusive luxury tented product, and conservation-led positioning.
• Lion Sands Game Reserve: Private game reserve in Sabi Sand (South Africa) offering multiple luxury lodge options including treehouse experiences. Comparable on luxury safari lodging, private concession access, and experiential breadth beyond standard game drives.
• Sanctuary Retreats: Luxury safari and cruise operator with tented camps and lodges across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa. Comparable in offering tented luxury safari experiences in East Africa plus multi-country itinerary design.
• Great Plains Conservation: Luxury safari and conservation company operating high-end tented camps in Kenya (including the Mara ecosystem), Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Directly comparable in HNW positioning, conservancy-based tented product, and conservation-impact branding.
• Singita: Owner and operator of ultra-luxury safari lodges and tented camps across East and Southern Africa (including Serengeti and Mara-grading regions), with a strong sustainability and conservation brand. Closely comparable to Cottar's on luxury tier, tented-camp product, and eco-tourism credentials.
• Ker & Downey Africa: Boutique luxury safari operator running small camps and curated itineraries across Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, and Uganda. Comparable in boutique scale, multi-country concierge-style planning, and HNW target market.
• Asilia Africa: Africa-focused safari company operating tented camps and lodges in Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda, including in the Serengeti and adjacent ecosystems. Comparable on tented luxury product in East Africa and conservation/community-linked positioning.
• Royal Malewane: Ultra-luxury safari lodge in a private concession in South Africa's Greater Kruger, with a strong guiding culture and conservation focus. Comparable on boutique luxury positioning, exclusive-use/private concession model, and emphasis on guiding quality.

Emerging players

• Roar Africa: Boutique luxury safari operator focused on high-end, design-led experiences in Southern and East Africa with a strong sustainability narrative. Comparable in target HNW segment, curated multi-country trips, and ESG-led brand storytelling, though smaller in capacity.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/cottars
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cottars-safaris
• Instagraminstagram.com/cottars.safaris
• TikToktiktok.com/@cottarssafaris
• Xx.com/cottar_s

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cottar’s Safaris