4 Night Kids Entomology Safari

Entomology is the scientific study of insects

2024/2025 – From $12,468 for 4 pax in a Family Tent for 4 nights.

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

Suited for children 5 years and older. For travel from 1st Feb – 31 May 2024 & 2024 and 01 November – 19 December 2024 & 2025 only at no extra cost, our standard rates apply.

We believe that children should be connected to the natural world’s beautiful creatures – great and small, wild places, and local communities from an early age. Our mission is to involve the whole family in our conservation vision, and Cottar’s Safaris is an exceptional place filled with wonderful people and experiences for children.

A family safari is a great shared adventure, and an opportunity to learn together and create lifelong memories. Children of all ages soon become immersed in this captivating outdoor classroom, where the guide and tracker become the teachers and learning about the importance of conservation is not only educational but great fun. Whether learning the art of patience, identifying animals, or becoming friends with a Maasai warrior, a safari with children is very special.

On arrival children receive a bag which includes the following Cottar’s Junior Entomology training kit items

Bug jar – A handy transparent pot (recycled glass jam jar with air holes poked in the top) to hold insects in while you identify them
Wooden paint brush to gently sweep insects into your bug pot
Magnifying Glass – For close inspection of insects
Net – A long-handled collecting net to sweep insects and other mini-beasts from long grass, bushes or even water. Handmade by each kid with the help of Moses Kinyaika
Wooden tweezers – for picking up dead insects
Entomologist Notebook filled with all the interesting information on insects in the area, insect groups, the different wing types etc. also for jotting down discoveries and observations. It also includes an insect spotter list.
A pot of local Maasai honey
Top Trumps – BUGS version card game
Drawstring Bag – The perfect-sized, drawstring bag to keep all the Entomology Kit components safe

Head out on an early morning wildlife drive so that the kids are back in time to make some ‘Butty-bait’ at 10 am. This is a mixture of old bananas and beer (can also add certain animal poop, Leopard works well). During the wildlife drive each vehicle has a bag of Seedballs that the kids can throw out of the vehicle during the drive to help with our reforestation efforts
Then head out on a late morning bush walk to set up your hanging butterfly nets with the butty-bait. Collecting and learning about other insects along the way.
In the afternoon our guide will find some Antlions and show the kids how they dig pits in the sand to trap passing ants or other prey. You can catch them in your hand and they’ll try to dig into it, a fun and unique experience
After dinner kids can help set up a ‘Moth trap’ – Matt says It’s a simple method of hanging up a white sheet, turning off the nearby lights and shining a strong torch onto the sheet. This is an amazing way to draw in beautiful moths in the evenings to identify.

Have pancakes with local Maasai honey for breakfast as one of our guides explains all about the life and importance of bees to the ecosystem and how the honey is carefully gathered
After breakfast go on a hunt for a Dung Beetle. Our guides will explain what they do and why it’s important for the ecosystem
In the afternoon head out on a bush walk to check on the butterfly nets that you hung up the day before. Identify the specimens in your trap, noting down details and you can even draw a picture of it in the entomology notebook, before letting them go.
Spend the afternoon at the Maasai Warrior School, learning all about our local Maasai culture. Learning the art of spear throwing from a Maasai warrior, Maasai archery (the kids make their own bows and arrows) and the importance of Maasai customs.
After dinner, spend the evening stargazing with toasted marshmallows. Learn all about the mysteries of the African night sky, while listening out for hyenas calling and lions roaring.

Start the day off with a bush walk with Letilet, our local hunter-gatherer. Learning all about our flora and fauna and the medicinal value of local plants. There are sure to be a lot of bugs to collect along the way.
Spend the afternoon exploring and swimming at the waterfall or learning how to bead for our loca Maasai beading expert Mamma Naishuro Batian
Head out on an afternoon/evening game drive

As well as the above activities, we have many more to keep the little ones entertained throughout the trip

Tracking animals on foot
Visiting a Maasai’s home
E-biking (age/experience dependent)

Insider tip: We recommend requesting a private vehicle when travelling with young children. When using a private vehicle on wildlife drives, you’re able to dictate exactly how long you stay at each sighting and how long you’re out in the bush for – which will really come in handy if your little one gets restless while out.

Children at Cottar’s Safaris

Cottar’s is located in a malaria-free area
There are child-friendly swimming pools at both our 1920s Camp and private Bush Villa
Children under 5 stay absolutely free
We have four specially designed family tents that easily accommodate families with younger children
There is a children’s menu, and any individual meal preferences are catered for
Flexible dining times and venues for families
Complimentary babysitting to allow parents to enjoy more formal or private evenings (this needs to be booked in advance, during the booking process)
We encourage including younger children on wildlife drives

Rates Include

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 Warrior School, available at the 1920s Camp and Bush Villa only
Cottar’s Private Airstrip transfers
Canvas Bush Baths, applies to the 1920s Camp only
Transfers to cultural visits
Laundry included at the 1920s Camp and Bush Villa
Nanny service available – must be booked at least two weeks prior to arrival date
All statutory taxes (approx. 25%). Including VAT

RATES EXCLUDE

Champagne, luxury wines and spirits
Park and Conservancy fees (Adult $116 pppn, Child 6-17 yrs $58 pppn)
Cultural village entry fee ($20 pp)
Massage and Spa treatments (starting from $50)
Exclusive use of vehicle – $330 per day
Balloon Ride over the Masai Mara
Certain activities (see separate activities list)
Transfers to and from Keekorok Airstrip*