Tag Archives: African safaris

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp. Kenya

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Staying at Cottar’s 1920s camp is like taking a time machine back to the golden age of elegant British safaris. Located on 6,00- acres of private conservancy, the camp is situated right next to the Masai Mara National Reserve, the latest addition to the 7 Wonders of the World. Each tent is covered in rich warm colors and textures, taking luxury safaris to new heights. Staff members will put hot water bottles at the foot of your bed to heat up the chilly nights, just one example of the thoughtfulness of the staff. The camp has ten tents in total. The camp is situated to ensure that tents are private and quiet whether you are traveling with a family or on your honeymoon. What’s truly amazing about the camp is the sincerity and friendliness of the staff and management; it is a rarity that is a breath of fresh air.

One of the new additions to the camp is the Cottar’s Homestead, a private home designed by Calvin and Louise Cottar and built by hand using indigenous and eco-friendly materials. What is great about this home is that it is the only real private luxury home in the Masai Mara, making sure your experience is one-of-a-kind. The home has breathtaking views onto the savannah plains where guests can enjoy the annual wildebeest migration, a spectacle for all. Cottar’s Private Homestead is rented only on an exclusive basis and comes with a dedicated staff of eight people. If and when you come to stay at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, this is the experience I recommend the most!

Cottar’s Camp creates and organizes individually tailored safari experiences, from personalized itineraries to hand-selected safari guides; each expedition will be unique to the next. They aim to provide but the right amount of adventure, adrenaline, elegance, and comfort to their safari trips. The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to the largest concentration of terrestrial animals on the planet, which makes it the most exciting place to go on a safari.

What is also so special about the camp is that they received the Zeitz Foundation’s Global Ecosphere Retreat accreditation, a global recognition for leadership in sustainable tourism. Only ten elite camps in the world are awarded this honor. Cottar’s 1920s camp has made it their mission to not only educate their guests on conservation and sustainability, but also to incorporate it into every aspect of the camp, which is why this camp is easily one of the best safaris in Africa.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Giraffe Manor. Nairobi, Kenya

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Picture this: You’re blissfully asleep in your comfy four-post bed. You hear a soft rustle and quiet thump at your window. You look up, there’s a Giraffe staring back at you from the with the expression, ”good, you’re awake, now give me a snack”. Giraffe Manor is one of the only hotels in the world where you can feed a giraffe from you window. The staff is impeccable and so nice they treat you like family. “There is no schedule for anything, because you are at home”, said Barbara Coppel.

The manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous Nairobi forest. The manor itself is made of stone with ivy growing up the sides reminding me of a grand historic 1930’s house. The manor is filled with big brass plumbing, from the shower-head to the doorknob and its beauty has been known to inspire writers from all over the world. Some rooms come with balcony that seem to stretch across the plains—the views are expansive. The giraffes feed from several of the rooms such as Betty, Daisy, Jock, Finch Hatton Suite, Kelly and Helen, however all the rooms are equally magnificent! This manor is perfect for a family safari trip. They really cater to people of all ages and their family rooms can sleep up to 5 people.

Each room boasts art deco pieces and fantastic views. Each room has it’s own distinct personality to match the Giraffe’s own individual personalities. But the most fascinating part of this hotel, aside from its grandeur, is its resident herd of Rothschild Giraffes. They often visit morning and evening during your meals in hope of a little treat before retiring back to their forest sanctuary. During your stay I recommend going to the AFEW Giraffe Centre to learn about these endangered creatures and it also features a guided walking tour.

Giraffe manor also offers sightseeing vehicles to take you on local excursions, including the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where guests can meet, feed, and even adopt (OMG!!!!) baby elephants. They even had a baby rhino last year. The best time of the year to go would be June, July, and August (their winter). Of all the safaris in the world, this is a truly unique place that must be experienced to grasp all Giraffe Manor has to offer.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.