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Cottar’s Safari Services is Africa’s oldest established family-run safari company – a story of heritage, pioneering spirit and experience that spans five generations. With over a century of safari expertise, our knowledge and commitment to Africa is reflected in every journey we create.
Today, under the stewardship of fifth-generation Calvin Cottar and his business partner and CEO, Louise Cottar, the family’s vision continues to evolve. In 1998, they established Cottar’s 1920s Camp in the private Olderkesi Conservancy on the edge of the Maasai Mara – a tribute to the elegance and authenticity of early safari, reimagined with modern purpose. In 2012, they introduced Cottar’s Bush Villa, the first luxury private villa in the Maasai Mara, setting the standard for exclusive-use retreats in East Africa.
In the 1960s, Glen Cottar – Charles’s grandson – and his wife Pat led the way in photographic safaris, founding the first purpose-built tented camp in Tsavo. Their legacy expanded in the ‘70s and ‘80s with camps in Amboseli and the Maasai Mara, laying the foundation for the conservation-focused luxury eco-tourism that defines the industry today.
In the 1960s, Glen Cottar – Charles’s grandson – and his wife Pat led the way in photographic safaris, founding the first purpose-built tented camp in Tsavo. Their legacy expanded in the ‘70s and ‘80s with camps in Amboseli and the Maasai Mara, laying the foundation for the conservation-focused luxury eco-tourism that defines the industry today.
Our guiding style is unlike any other. Located within one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich regions, we combine exploration with immersive, close-up encounters. Our acclaimed guides are intuitive, warm, extremely experienced, and quickly become trusted companions in a landscape where instinct and knowledge leads the way.
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Founded in 1919, Cottar’s Safari Services is Africa’s oldest established family‑run safari company, with a proud heritage spanning over 100 years and five generations of the Cottar family.
Fifth‑generation Calvin Cottar and his co-founding business partner and CEO, Louise Cottar, currently lead the company. In 1998, they established Cottar’s 1920s Camp within the private Olderkesi Conservancy, and in 2012, Cottar’s Bush Villa was introduced, the first luxury private villa in the Maasai Mara.
Cottar’s Safaris award winning guides are among the top reasons guests choose Cottar’s Safaris. With the highest number of Gold Level guides - recognised as some of the most highly qualified in Kenya - Cottar’s Safaris offers an unparalleled guiding experience. Operating within one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich regions, their guiding style blends exploration with immersive, close-up encounters. Intuitive, warm, and exceptionally experienced, Cottar’s Safaris guides quickly become trusted companions in the bush, sharing their deep knowledge and passion for the natural world.
Cottar’s Safari Services traces its origins to 1909, when Charles Cottar left Oklahoma for East Africa, inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous adventures. In 1919, he and his sons founded Cottar’s Safari Services, becoming the first safari outfitter on the continent to use motorcars. (noted on the Experiences page).
Calvin Cottar serves as the figurehead of the company, while Louise Cottar is the Chief Executive Officer. Together, they uphold the family heritage and oversee all operations, ensuring Cottar’s Safaris remains true to its roots while continually innovating for future travellers.
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Safari is in my DNA. I have been guiding since the age of 14 and am deeply passionate about showcasing the intersection of tourism, land for conservation and biodiversity, and community upliftment. I encourage all my guests to slow down and take time to witness Africa as it unfolds. Nowadays, my guiding has to be pre-booked and carries an additional charge.
Whilst we all offer Big Five and migration wildlife drives, I love being able to provide guests with experiences not offered in other parts of the Maasai Mara, such as night safaris and walking safaris. I have a soft spot for warthogs, who often forget when they are chased by predators and, unlike cats, don’t always have nine lives. My most memorable wildlife encounter was being stuck on a narrow road and having to give right of way (in reverse for 2kms) to an in-musth bull elephant.
I am a proud Maasai guide, and I have always wanted to work at Cottar's Safaris. I love sharing the wildlife and wildlands with our guests, whether by car, on foot, or even on an e-bike! One of my most memorable moments on safari was being charged by a dik-dik (google it, and please don’t laugh!). I also have a quirky hobby of mimicking animal calls, which sometimes helps bring wildlife closer for guests to see.
I grew up close to camp and know the landscape and wildlife intimately. I especially love teaching children on safari with us how to be 'warriors', and whilst guiding I always emphasise the importance of conservation, community, and cultural heritage. If I were ever to write an autobiography, it would be called 'The Wise Elder'
I am known fondly by our guests as ‘Mr Fantastic’. I began my journey at Cottar’s Safaris as a floor sweeper and am now a Silver-rated guide. Over the years, I’ve represented Cottar's Safaris at events in London, Shanghai, and Beijing. I am very proud to be able to share my culture and knowledge to advocate for conservation and biodiversity both within my community and internationally. One of my most memorable wildlife sightings was coming across five black rhinos together - an unforgettable moment.
I’m proud to be one of just two female Maasai guides at Silver level. I love being with guests, not only out on wildlife drives, but also sharing some of the twenty or so activities we offer at Cottar's Safaris. The activities are inspiring, fun, and impactful. While many camps focus only on wildlife drives, I think the variety of experiences we have here makes a stay with us extra special.
I have been a wildlife enthusiast since I was a child, and I love being on safari with our guests. I believe my knowledge, sense of humour, and ability to connect with families and children make the experience especially rewarding. My most memorable, and scariest wildlife sighting was being charged by a hippo in labour (the baby hippo is fine).
I came to Cottar's Safaris because I wanted to be part of what is widely considered, within the guiding community, to be the best guiding team in Africa. I love wildlife drives around camp in the Olderkesi Conservancy and the Maasai Mara, not only for the incredible wildlife but also because it is quiet and wild. My most memorable sighting was watching six lionesses hunt a buffalo in labour - a powerful and emotional experience. I also love ornithology and stargazing, and I am currently training for my Gold-level professional rating.
I am the Head Guide at Cottar's Safaris, passionate about wildlife, botany, entomology, and stargazing. For me, guiding guests is more than spotting the Big Five, it’s about revealing the critically important fragile ecosystem of the Maasai Mara. My most unforgettable sighting was watching a leopard snatch a gazelle from a python, eat the gazelle and then (for dessert) battle with the python for 40 minutes before killing it and dragging its prize into a tree
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