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Taking place from 9th – 14th December 2025, this safari is a dream for culinary explorers seeking a unique combination of thrilling wildlife encounters, gastronomic adventure, meaningful community engagement, and impactful conservation.
Cottar's Culinary Safari
An Epicurean Safari Expedition in The Maasai Mara
Embark on an unparalleled journey at the award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Camp, nestled in the heart of the iconic Maasai Mara. This five-night epicurean safari adventure redefines luxury in the wild, with a focus on wild foraging, authentic local flavours, traditional cooking methods, immersive culinary experiences, and wild dining. From expertly guided wildlife encounters and meaningful conservation efforts to rich cultural exchanges and unforgettable gastronomic experiences, this one-of-a-kind safari promises a deep, lasting connection to the landscape, its people and the unique culinary heritage of the incredible Maasai Mara.
Cottar’s Culinary Safari is an exclusive, set-departure experience hosted by internationally acclaimed celebrity chef and Kenyan restaurateur Kiran Jethwa, guests will experience a gastronomic journey of discovery like no other. Known for his expertise in bush foraging and wilderness cooking on shows such as Tales From The Bush Larder (Fox International), The Fearless Chef (National Geographic) and Chef Vs Wild (Disney Plus), Chef Kiran who is also a trained safari guide, brings his signature style and passion for local ingredients to this extraordinary adventure. Joining him are Boniface Muhati, Head Chef at Cottar’s Safaris, who trained at the Beau Constantia boutique wine farm and Maison restaurants in South Africa, and Doug Nagi, Cottar’s Safaris’ esteemed Gold Level Guide and foraging expert, who will lead guests in uncovering the edible wonders of the African bush.
This exceptional safari is an immersion into nature, culture, and cuisine - a rare, transformative journey through the wild flavours of Kenya.
Highlights include:
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Five Unique Dining and Immersive Experiences Curated by Chef Kiran Jethwa: From foraged feasts and a 1920s stargazing supper to a Maasai tasting menu
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Cookery Demonstrations: Featuring safari cuisine infused with local flavours and outdoor cooking mastery
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Maasai Cultural Experiences: Including a unique meal using smoked flavours, inspired by the Maasai cattle and their vital cultural importance
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Wild Foraging: Discover edible plants and learn how to incorporate them as ingredients
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Wildlife Encounters: Explore the Maasai Mara and Cottar’s Safaris private conservancy with expert gold-level guides
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Bush Brunch: Enjoy a special Maasai Mara game brunch – anyone for an ostrich egg omelette?
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Stargazing Supper: A meal inspired by the historical traditions of safari
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Seedball Reforestation: Participate in hands-on reforestation efforts through seedball throwing to restore ecosystems.
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Bush Walks & Stargazing: Explore the wilderness on foot and marvel at the vast African night sky, free from light pollution.
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Cultural Connections: Authentic interactions with the Maasai people, one of Africa’s most iconic cultures
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Coffee-Tasting: Sample some of East Africa’s finest, freshly-brewed highland coffee
Pricing and Availability
This is a set-departure trip scheduled for 5 nights in December 2025 and requires a minimum of 12 guests (maximum 4 singles) to confirm the trip.
Total per person based on 2 guests in shared accommodation: $7,420
Single Supplement US$1,135
This set-departure safari is scheduled for 5 nights from 9th – 14th December 2025.
Please note that some activities mentioned within the itinerary may incur additional costs unless noted below.
The Details
A truly wild and immersive experience offering:
Foraging and Feasting
This experience blends sustainable foraging, cooking demonstrations, and unique gourmet wild dining. Cottar’s Culinary Safari combines the excitement of Big 5 territory and safari with unique gastronomic experiences. Discover the edible treasures of the African bush with Doug as you forage for wild herbs, fruits, ancient grains, and native vegetables. Learn about outdoor cooking and creating refined African fusion cuisine using the freshest of ingredients. Each Culinary Safari meal is a celebration of local flavours and sustainable practices, set against the backdrop of the Maasai Mara and Cottar’s 1920s Camp.
One culinary experience a day is hosted by Chef Kiran, with the remainder prepared by Boniface Muhati, Head Chef at Cottar’s Safaris who trained at the Beau Constantia and Mason restaurants in South Africa.
Wildlife Exploration
Explore the African savannah and the unique ecosystem of the Maasai Mara with Cottar’s Safaris expert guides on thrilling wildlife drives and walking safaris. Witness breathtaking wildlife, from leopard, rhino, elephant, lions, to hippo, zebra, giraffe, antelope and a myriad of bird species. Each encounter is an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.
Conservation Initiatives
Cottar’s Safaris is not just about observing wildlife; it’s about preserving it. Engage with ongoing conservation projects that are critical to the survival of endangered species and the protection of the ecosystem. Learn about the innovative practices and community efforts that make Cottar’s Safaris a leader in sustainable tourism. With guest hosts including experts from either The Kenyan Birds of Prey Trust or The Mara Meru Cheetah Project. This is an opportunity to participate in activities that allow you to contribute to the preservation of this incredible environment, ensuring its beauty endures for future generations.
Cultural Immersion
Step into the rich tapestry of Maasai culture, one of Africa’s most vibrant and storied communities. Through interactions with the Maasai people, gain insights into their traditional way of life, customs, and lore. Participate in cultural activities, such as traditional dances, storytelling, and craft-making. This immersion provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the symbiotic relationship between the Maasai and their land, fostering a respect for their invaluable role in the region’s conservation efforts.
Expert Guiding
Your journey will be enriched by the expertise of Doug Nagi, a seasoned Gold-level Guide who possesses an intimate knowledge of the land and its inhabitants. His stories and insights turn each excursion into an educational experience, deepening your connection to the environment and its history. Whether it’s tracking elusive wildlife, identifying rare plant species, or explaining the intricate balance of the ecosystem, Doug’s guidance ensures a comprehensive and immersive adventure.
Unforgettable Feasting
Every evening culminates in a feast as unforgettable as the day’s adventures, from 1920s dining under the stars to wild foraged meals and a Maasai-inspired celebration of cattle. Every meal throughout the Cottar’s Culinary Safari experience immerses guests in the essence of Cottar’s 1920s Camp and the Maasai Mara.
Chef Kiran
Born and raised in Kenya to an Indian father and an English mother, Kiran Jethwa is widely recognised as East Africa’s first international celebrity chef. Having fronted multiple shows for various broadcasters worldwide, his TV programs have been viewed in over 180 countries.
Kiran’s globally recognised brand is often been described as “Bear Grylls meets Jamie Oliver”. With a passion for the outdoors, sourcing ingredients, coupled with his culinary flair and creativity Kiran is renowned as the go-to face for food, adventure and travel.
His “TV” resume speaks for itself. His latest show with Disney, Chefs Vs Wild has just been released in the US, and soon to be released globally. Kiran is the host and judge of this world-first in cooking competition formats. Filmed in British Columbia, award-winning chefs are dropped into the wilderness to survive and forage for four days, after which they must prepare a five-star meal using only the ingredients they find. Kiran has also been selected as one of the Judges for “The Great Kenyan Bake Off”, which has run for two seasons.
Doug Nagi
Doug holds the KPSGA Gold Level Guiding Award and is the Head of Guides at Cottar’s Safaris, as well as director of the company. He has undertaken numerous research projects on ethnobotany and ethnography in the Northern Regions of Kenya. Doug completed gun handling with the British Army in Nanyuki and is also certified in astronomy, having studied under a visiting professor from Oxford University.
Maasai Mara
The Mara conservancies are Maasai owned group ranches that have joined forces to conserve a total area nearly the size of the Maasai Mara National Reserve itself, covering 1,450 km2 (560 square miles) across fifteen conservancies. The wildlife in the conservancies is comparable to that of the main Maasai Mara game reserve, and in some areas predator densities are even higher than in the central reserve. Because there are fewer camps, the conservancies offer a more exclusive experience than the central reserve, with generally fewer vehicles around sightings.
In some conservancies, there are opportunities for night drives and walking safaris, as well as visits to some of the villages of the local Maasai who own the land.
The conservancy approach is widely regarded as the way forward for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism in Kenya, as it not only secures vital space for wildlife but also includes the local population as custodians of their national heritage. This has been vital for the conservation of the whole greater Mara wildlife corridors, and the prosperity of many hundreds of Maasai families. Nearly forty tourist camps contribute to employment within the communities and provide a presence, alongside Maasai anti-poaching units, for the protection of the wildlife.
Cottar's 1920s Camp
Step back in time at this award-winning, conservation-led, authentic, and luxurious tented camp. One of only eleven designated Global Ecosphere Retreats in the world, chosen for its commitment to global sustainability and community support.
Located in the private Olderkesi Conservancy, a wildlife-rich area leased from the Maasai community on the border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
This charming 1920s Camp provides the romance of safari under cream canvas tents, capturing the style of the bygone era of the twenties, while offering the modern amenities required by today’s world travellers. The camp features eleven tents in total, two unique honeymoon tents, five luxury double tents, and four family suites, all very spacious and with en suite bathrooms.
Managed by the fifth-generation Cottar family, with over 100 years in Africa, they embody the perfect East African safari.
Cost Includes
The culinary experience:
- 5 incredible unique culinary dining experiences hosted by Chef Kiran
- Cooking demos, wild foraging, coffee tasting
Cottar’s 1920s Camp
- Full board accommodation, water, tea and coffee
- Local drinks – soft drinks, house wines, beers, and select spirits
- All safari activities unless specified otherwise
- Cottar’s Safaris Warrior School
- Cottar’s Safaris Airstrip transfers
- Canvas Bush Baths
- Transfers to cultural visits (entry fees payable directly)
- Laundry
- Nanny service available – must be booked at least two weeks prior to arrival date
- All statutory taxes (approx. 25%). Including VAT
- Conservancy fees
Included Activities:
- Wildlife drives
- Wilderness run/walk with a Maasai warrior
- Cottar’s Safaris famous traditional canvas bush bath
- Maasai Warrior School
- Maasai warrior singing and dancing
- The Explorer’s Tent educational visit
- Foraging and medicinal walk
- Swimming and/or fishing at the waterfall
- Pool time
- Coffee tasting experience
- Stargazing experience
- Reforestation seedball dispersal activity
- Kids entomology safari activities
- Carbon footprint, recycle and upcycle talk and experience
- One hour learning with female conservation rangers
Cottar’s Safaris Talks:
- Talk on the history of Cottar’s Safaris
- Talk on maasai culture
- Talk on sustainability and conservation
- Talk on history of african travel
- Talk on the life of a hunter-gatherer
Cottar’s Safari Service Arrangements:
- JK International Airport VIP meet and assist on arrival & departure
- All road transfers as per the itinerary
- All domestic scheduled flights. The luggage limit for Mara flights is 15kgs per person (including hand luggage)
- Half-day vehicle disposal on the last day
- Amref Emergency Evacuation (covers evacuation from camps to major hospital in Nairobi. Medical bill payable direct)
Cost Excludes
Cottar’s 1920s Camp:
- Champagne, luxury wines and spirits
- Cultural village entry fee ($20 pp)
- Massage and Spa treatments (starting from $50)
- Exclusive use of vehicle – $330 per day
- Balloon Ride over the Maasai Mara
- Certain activities (see separate activities list)
- Transfers to and from Keekorok Airstrip*
Activities at additional cost:
(Some of these activities will need to be pre-arranged with our reservations team, please request our activities list)
- A conservation helicopter flight with the Mara Elephant Project (MEP) – $4,870
- Mara cheetah educational experience – $780 for the experience plus an additional $50 per person on the experience
- Visit our local Maasai village – $20 per person
- Beading with Mamma Nashiro Batian – 2 hours = $25, full day 2 inch bracelet or similar = $50
- Massage and other spa treatments – starting from $50
- Balloon flight over the Maasai Mara – $505 pp. PLEASE NOTE: The day begins with an early morning wakeup call at 3.30am with tea and coffee followed by a 4am departure to the launch site to enjoy balloon safari over the Maasai Mara. The drive from camp to the balloon site takes about 1.5 hours
- Professional photography experience – from $112 and 20% of all proceeds go towards CWCT
Cottar’s Safari Service Arrangements:
- Travel Insurance (Please make sure that you secure appropriate travel insurance before departing for your trip)
- Meals and drinks at Nairobi restaurants unless otherwise specified
- Items of a personal nature, gift shop purchases, telephone calls
- All tips
- Accommodation in Nairobi
