COTTAR’S 1920s CAMP
Vintage luxury at its best, the award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Camp has its own 7608-acre private conservancy and is situated one kilometre from the famous ‘seventh’ natural wonder of the world, the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Tanzania Serengeti game reserve. Owned and managed by the oldest established and continuing safari family in Africa it extends an era of luxury and quality and returns to the original spirit and essence of ‘safari’.
The Cottar family have been providing safaris for 101 years and focus on providing an authentic and individualized safari experience and supporting an ongoing legacy of wilderness, wildlife, comfort and security and honouring a balance between conservation, prosperous commerce, community and culture.
The 1920s Camp provides the romance of safari under cream canvas tents, the style of the bygone era of the twenties, while at the same time supplying the amenities required by today’s modern world travellers and professional guides whose qualifications are some of the highest in Africa.
SAFARI ITINERARIES
Stay Longer | Classic Africa Safaris | Global Eco-sphere Retreats
COTTAR’S BUSH VILLA
A contemporary, elegant private villa, the only real luxury private villa in the Masai Mara, Kenya. Cottar’s Bush Villa won the World Travel Award for Africa’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2016 and is Global Eco-sphere Retreat accredited. The award-winning villa borders the latest addition to the ‘7 Wonders of the World’, the Masai Mara and Serengeti game reserves. The Bush Villa provides a luxury private stay option for 10 guests and comes complete with its own private 25-meter swimming pool. Offering an abundance of wildlife, a guarantee of privacy, and the highest standards of professional guiding in a luxurious and elegant safari environment.
The villa was designed by Louise Cottar and built by hand using indigenous and eco-friendly materials. The villa is managed within the same area as Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, and guests can enjoy the same levels of service and standard for which the camp is known. For those that want absolute privacy in the Masai Mara, combined with dedicated and discrete staff, award-winning guides, and an abundance of wildlife, Cottar’s Bush Villa offers the only real private luxury home in the Masai Mara.
SAFARI ITINERARIES
COTTAR’S CONSERVATION CAMP
The Cottar team are proud to introduce the Cottar’s Conservation Camp. This Camp has been designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the local community and culture, and experience the day to day conservation efforts of a working conservancy. The camp is set adjacent to the Maasai Mara game reserve, in a tranquil spot by a trickling stream, under an oasis of tall trees with the dramatic Olentoroto hill as it’s the backdrop.
This experience is ideal for those who want the exhilaration of a night in the bush, who are prepared to sleep in small tents with simple amenities and be actively part of sustainable safari experiences. With just 7 tents, this is an intimate camp that has all the essential elements for a memorable safari experience. Each tent has its own private bathroom in a cubicle located behind the tent with a washbasin, hot safari-shower and long drop toilet. An experienced safari cook is at the camp to prepare the daily meals, served in a beautiful large mess tent. Guests can also relax in the dedicated Zen Tent.
The camp is hosted by the manager and a support crew to look after all of the guests’ needs.
SAFARI ITINERARIES
OL JOGI
Ol Jogi is one of the most exclusive properties in all of Africa and perfect for high-end clientele and multi-generational families looking for an authentic Kenyan experience reminiscent of when mass-tourism and minivans were a thing of the past. From the exquisite setting, service and style to the leading Wildlife Rescue Center, conservation projects and community programs, Ol Jogi can cater to every whim. We have one of the most robust conservation platforms within Kenya, which guests are welcome to participate in and learn about while on property. Our guest feedback has been that we create transformational travel at the highest level. We are thankful and honoured to have been listed as the #7 Best Safari Property in Africa on the recent Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice awards (and the #17 of the Best Resorts in the World).
GROOTBOS
A luxury eco-reserve close to the Southern tip of Africa tucked between mountains, forest and sea. A Melting Pot of Biodiversity, Culture and Natural Wonder.
At Grootbos, they go beyond simply conserving this pristine wilderness they call home. They are constantly researching, innovating and pioneering new ways of doing things – in order to transform the lives of community members as well as preserve 2500 hectares of botanical and wildlife treasures.
All of their accommodation has been designed to reflect the exquisite natural setting of the Grootbos Nature Reserve, while never compromising on style or luxury. Their two private villas are the last word in secluded luxury, offering unforgettable experiences to their discerning guests. With intuitive service provided by your own private chef, butler and nature guides, your every need will be met in a home-away-from-home environment of unsurpassed quality.
Conservation Projects this property supports: Vocational Training (Eco-tourism & horticulture training), Biodiversity stewardship training, youth sport for development projects (in 20 local schools and after school), conservation education programmes, employability, careers & entrepreneurship training, an community agricultural co-operative, early childhood development centers
SAFARI ITINERARIES
LENGISHU
Lengishu is an exclusive-use family home offering unparalleled luxury accommodation in Laikipia at the heart of Kenya’s 32,000 acre Borana Conservancy, the country’s newest and most successful rhino sanctuary Nestled into a ridge with stunning views across the Laikipia plains and deep into the Northern Frontier, Lengishu is a luxury home for up to 12 guests, offering sustainable tourism and safari adventures in one of Kenya’s leading wildlife destinations.
With friendly staff to cater for your every need, Lengishu offers the freedom to choose your own itinerary, not bound by the constraints of other safari lodges. It features six beautifully appointed bedrooms within four cottages, which are situated apart from the main house. All rooms face East over the valley below, offering spectacular sunrise views. Fish Eagle and Goshawk are standalone double rooms, perfect for couples. The Upper and Lower Cottages work well for guests travelling with young children or couples on safari together, with the bedrooms leading off a shared sitting room that is found at the centre of the cottage.
All bedrooms are spacious with fireplaces or wood-burning stoves for the cooler evenings and have en-suite bathrooms with rain showers and freestanding copper bathtubs. Floor to ceiling windows provide majestic views of the undulating plains beyond, perfect for bathtub game viewing.
Conservation Projects this property supports: We support the Borana education support programme, mobile clinic. We provide sanitary pads for all girls at Lokuseru school & support children through tertiary education.
SAFARI ITINERARIES
ALFAJIRI CLIFF VILLA
Considered by many as the finest Villa on the East Africa coast, the Cliff Villa overlooks the Indian Ocean and its elevated position ensures privacy and stunning view. The concept is as you please! Private dining is a la carte, served al fresco or in your villa – your choice, as too is the cuisine.
Up to 8 guests can be accommodated in 4 bedrooms, as size and interior decor in the rooms are not the same, the Cliff Villa would not be suitable for 4 couples, but ideal for families. The turret suite has 270- degree view of the sea and must rate as one of the top five most romantic bedrooms ever, on the first floor we have 2 double rooms with their private veranda and 1 twin room on the ground floor.
Alfajiri boasts a range of activities; golf at a nearby 18 hole Golf course, Kite surfing, snorkelling, diving, safaris – even docile whale sharks in the ocean and the elephants in the hills are there for the asking.
Conservation Projects this property supports: Fondazione Germano Chincherini
SAFARI ITINERARIES
THANDA ISLAND
Thanda Island is one of the world’s most exclusive island getaways, a paradise for guests to enjoy in complete privacy with family and friends. One private villa with five suites accommodating ten adults plus nine additional children sharing. On request, there is an option to accommodate up to four guests each in two traditional Tanzanian Bandas (double-storey beach chalets).
8ha in size, 1,1km in circumference and 350m wide, the Island is surrounded by coral reefs which protect it from stormy seas. Situated within Tanzania’s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, the surrounding seas are home to the gentle whale shark, sea turtles, dolphins and dugongs.
Depending on the season, guests may be able to watch turtles nesting and their eggs hatching. Five species of marine turtles occur in Tanzania’s waters. These include green, hawksbill, loggerhead, olive ridley and leatherback turtles. Two species – green and hawksbill – have recently returned to nest on the Island. All are categorised by the IUCN as endangered or critically endangered species. The whale shark, the largest fish in the world, feeds just south of Thanda Island. Its size, gentle nature and tendency to swim at the surface at known sites make it a focal species for marine tourism. Guests are encouraged to rest, rejuvenate and enjoy a variety of water and island activities as they explore this remarkable sanctuary.
SAFARI ITINERARIES
CHEETAH PLAINS
The newly rebuilt 5-star Cheetah Plains is an exclusive ultra-modern setting, blending seamlessly into the natural backdrop of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Cheetah Plains provides a 5-star luxury safari experience like no other. Dreamier and more opulent than one could ever imagine a safari to be, one visit to Cheetah Plains just won’t be enough. Featuring 3 exclusive-use, contemporary bush homes for 4 – 8 guests, each luxury retreat boasts state of the art features and luxury elements for discerned guests to indulge in.
Offering personalized game-viewing, each home is accompanied by a private game viewing vehicle & designated field guide for the duration of your stay. Two daily game drives offer the opportunity to be awed by Africa’s Big Five at the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Fittingly, the 3 luxury homes are named after 2 of Sabi Sand’s legendary leopards, and a dominant lion coalition: “Mvula”, “Karula” and “Mapogo”.
Cheetah Plains offers a truly exceptional luxury safari experience from the innovative architectural design to culinary details with private chef catering. This is an immersion into the heart of the African bush that will be etched in each guest’s memory forever.
SAFARI ITINERARIES
TSWALU TARKUNI VILLA
They have had guest feedback about their new Motse after a fabulous refashioning, and of course Tarkuni, their 5-bedroom homestead, which is available at pro-rata pricing starting with just four guests. Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest privately-owned game reserve, with a beautiful landscape of arid savannah and grasslands under conservation. They offer an intimate, enriching, safari experience with diverse and unique animal viewing paired with immersive activities. Tswalu is a founding member of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, and as such has a platform of philanthropic community and conservation projects guests can participate in. And they have Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, South Africa’s first Michelin-star Chef, inspiring the culinary program at Tswalu.
Tarkuni homestead is the ultimate private sanctuary, with a maximum of 10 guests in 5 suites, and includes a private spa, pool, fire pit area, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, and more.
Conservation Projects this property supports: Tswalu is in a remote region of the Kalahari that is sparsely populated. Tswalu operates a Public Health Care Centre that is accessible to anyone from inside or outside the property at no charge. The PHC Centre is driven by the acronym WARMTH (War Against Malnutrition, TB and Hiv) and a wide range of medical care is provided by a resident professional nurse as well as dental and ophthalmic clinics from time to time. During the Covid 19 pandemic, Tswalu has provided financial and food support for our nearest community (70km away).
Tswalu also supports a “Tracker Academy” where dwindling tracker skills are taught to students selected from communities across Southern Africa.
SAFARI ITINERARIES
TSWALU MOTSE
A secluded ‘village’ of nine legae (dwellings), each with an open viewing deck and open fireplace. Casually elegant with a focus on simplicity and comfort. It evokes a mood of peace, authenticity and intimacy and it delivers a new world of luxury and privacy.
6 luxury legae & 3 luxury family (2-bedroomed suites) legae (maximum 18 adults and children welcome)
SAFARI ITINERARIES
DECKENIA
In the Seychelles
With the ocean in clear sight and the landscape looking like a painting, Deckenia welcomes you to its oasis of peace and serenity. Nestled on Anse Gouvernement beach, in Praslin, Seychelles, the villa of this sumptuous property opens out onto the sea and transforms itself into your shelter. Here, as the seasons pass by, time stops, nature takes over, and you will forget everything else.
It’s a 5 bedroom luxury villa with an infinity pool and two guest houses with a private pool. Ideal for accommodating large families or groups of friends, the villa and guest houses all offer beautiful views of the ocean.
World-renowned for its flora and fauna, its turquoise sea and heavenly beaches, the reputation of Seychelles is second to none. Among the hundreds of islands that form the archipelago, “Praslin” is the most famous. A symbol of serenity and harmony with nature, it is home to a myriad of endemic species, especially in its “Vallee de Mai”, classified as a World Heritage Site.
SAFARI ITINERARIES
LOISABA STARBEDS
The biggest bedroom in the world, where the night sky is your ceiling and the hills in the distance are your walls.
Loisaba Conservancy lies just off the equator; they have the most beautiful night skies. Unique to Loisaba, the Starbeds are an African adventure in themselves – handcrafted four-poster beds which sit on wheels are rolled out onto raised wooden platforms so that guests can sleep under the endless African night sky.
The main communal area at the Starbeds offers a cosy and homely dining room, sitting room and a wooden deck – which is the perfect spot for a sunny breakfast. Guided and hosted by a team of traditional Samburu and Laikipia Maasai Warriors this cultural experience will most definitely be a memorable one.
The Loisaba Starbeds are located among a kopje of rocks in one of the Eastern Valleys, overlooking the Kiboko Dam. Home to a resident hippo family and the main water source for passing game, the Starbeds bring you close to nature.
SAFARI ITINERARIES
SARARA TREEHOUSES
Sarara Treehouses are found within the lands of the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust. An area of approximately 850,000 acres which lies folded around the southern corner of the fabled Mathews Mountain Range of northern Kenya. This is home of the proud Samburu tribespeople, a group of semi-nomadic pastoralists who have long shown tolerance for the wildlife that co-exists alongside their cattle.
This truly unique tree lodge encompasses the atmosphere and vibrancy that Sarara has become renowned for, whilst offering an incredible platform to experience the wildlife and culture of the Mathews Range. Nestled into a forest glade at the foot of Uarges mountain, the Treehouse’s emerge from the forest canopy.
SAFARI ITINERARIES
WOLWEDANS
Wolwedans is more than a collection of camps. It’s a collection of dreams. Its ethos lies in setting an example in sustainability and continually fulfilling its commitment to the conservation of the NamibRand Nature Reserve.
They strive to set an example in conservation-centred, sustainable tourism. All camps at Wolwedans are designed to minimize environmental impact, exploring innovative building techniques and utilizing sustainable technologies. A proud member of The Long Run, Wolwedans is also the first-ever recipient of the Green Flowers Environmental award 2018, provided by the Eco Awards of Namibia.
Their collection of camps nestles into the dunes and is set against a backdrop of diverse and breathtaking desert scenery. Located in the heart of NamibRand Nature Reserve in southern Namibia, the portfolio of timeless and elegant safari camps provides the perfect base from which to embark on exciting and interpretative safari activities or simply relax and enjoy the grandeur of the pro-Namib landscape.
SAFARI ITINERARIES
SABYINYO SILVERBACK LODGE
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is Rwanda’s first ever community-owned lodge. The lodge was built and is operated by Governors’ Camp Collection, but the ownership rests with a Community Trust, SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association) which uses rentals and community fees from the lodge to drive socio-economic and conservation initiatives in the communities adjacent to the National Park.
The lodge is located close to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park from where clients trek on foot to see the gorillas. Situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas, the chain of 15,000 ft volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sabyinyo offers wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. Guest cottages and the main lodge building have been beautifully constructed – the perfect base from which to explore this unique and fascinating corner of Africa.
Conservation Projects this property supports: SACOLA (Community welfare) and numerous small projects
SAFARI ITINERARIES
TONGABEZI LODGE
A romantic hideaway on the banks of the Zambezi River, upstream of the majestic victoria falls. Their friendly team welcomes guests to a selection of houses and cottages, each beautifully styled with furniture and embellishments from all over Africa. Guests set their own pace and itinerary. A range of dining locations all features exquisite views of the Zambezi. Privately owned and run, Tongabezi combines an exclusive ambience with the legendary warmth and hospitality of the people of Zambia.
The lodge consists of six private houses and five river cottages nestle on the banks of the Zambezi River, accommodating two to five guests each. Enjoy luxury, romance and a range of activities whilst being spoiled by a private valet.
Conservation Projects this property supports: The Tongabezi Trust School, Tujatane
SAFARI ITINERARIES
CHEETAH PLAINS
The newly rebuilt 5-star Cheetah Plains is an exclusive ultra-modern setting, blending seamlessly into the natural backdrop of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Cheetah Plains provides a 5-star luxury safari experience like no other. Dreamier and more opulent than one could ever imagine a safari to be, one visit to Cheetah Plains just won’t be enough. Featuring 3 exclusive-use, contemporary bush homes for 4 – 8 guests, each luxury retreat boasts state of the art features and luxury elements for discerned guests to indulge in.
Offering personalized game-viewing, each home is accompanied by a private game viewing vehicle & designated field guide for the duration of your stay. Two daily game drives offer the opportunity to be awed by Africa’s Big Five at the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Fittingly, the 3 luxury homes are named after 2 of Sabi Sand’s legendary leopards, and a dominant lion coalition: “Mvula”, “Karula” and “Mapogo”.
Cheetah Plains offers a truly exceptional luxury safari experience from the innovative architectural design to culinary details with private chef catering. This is an immersion into the heart of the African bush that will be etched in each guest’s memory forever.