Nestled within Kenya’s breathtaking Masai Mara wildlife reserve, Cottar’s 1920s Camp is a name synonymous with elegance, history, and grandeur. A century-old establishment, the camp offers its visitors an Edwardian-era escape complete with vintage tented suites, mahogany furniture, and crystal whisky tumblers. However, beyond its luxurious appeal, the camp grapples with the complexities of its colonial past and seeks a sustainable future for the community and environment it thrives in.
Cottar’s 1920s Camp is designed to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era, made famous by the likes of Out of Africa. Each detail in the camp from ornate writing desks to silver trays of gin and tonic takes guests back to the early 20th century. Guests can enjoy the drama of the wild from the comfort of outdoor canvas baths or antique-laden tents, complete with four-poster beds.
Yet, amidst all the luxury, the wildlife is ever-present. Stories of lions interrupting midnight strolls and eland antelopes sipping red wine from owner Calvin Cottar’s glass remind visitors that they are in the heart of the untamed bush. Such moments ground the experience in the reality of the wilderness, blending old-world charm with nature’s unpredictability.
As Kenya continues to reckon with its colonial history, establishments like Cottar’s find themselves at the center of a cultural and ethical debate. Younger generations of Kenyans and urban intellectuals increasingly question the glorification of colonial aesthetics and their role in perpetuating narratives tied to imperialism.
Interestingly, Calvin Cottar acknowledges these criticisms. His family history, intertwined with Kenya’s colonial past, gives him a unique perspective. His great-grandfather Charles Cottar, an American hunter, is remembered for his survival stories and efforts to engage with local tribes. Today, Calvin operates the camp with a nuanced understanding of its legacy.
While the camp retains its Edwardian aesthetic, Cottar’s primary focus is addressing the deeper challenges facing Kenya particularly land ownership and the relationship between tourism and local communities.
Cottar’s solution to balancing luxury tourism with ethical stewardship lies in biodiversity easements. Instead of purchasing land traditionally owned by the Masai people, Cottar advocates for leasing it. This model ensures that the Masai receive a consistent income while maintaining their ancestral lands. It also incentivizes conservation, as the survival of wildlife directly impacts the community’s earnings.
This approach stands in stark contrast to the practices of many large landowners and foreign organizations, who acquire vast tracts of land for conservation or farming, often at the expense of local communities. Cottar’s model not only protects wildlife migration routes but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility between the Masai and the camp.
Cottar’s efforts to reshape Kenya’s hospitality and conservation sectors extend beyond land agreements. His camp operates with an entirely Kenyan team, with many Masai guides now owning the land they work on. By promoting local talent and ensuring economic benefits are shared with the community, Cottar aims to create a more equitable tourism model.
Despite pushback from peers in Kenya’s White community, Cottar remains steadfast in his vision. “They think I’m mad,” he admits, referring to his call for landowners to pay rent to local communities. But for him, the future of Kenya lies in collaboration and inclusivity.
Cottar’s 1920s Camp is more than a luxury destination; it’s a symbol of transformation. While the camp preserves its Edwardian allure for travelers, it also challenges the industry to rethink its relationship with history, culture, and conservation. By prioritizing community empowerment and sustainable practices, Calvin Cottar is forging a path that honors the past while building a fairer future for Kenya.
In a world where tourism often prioritizes profit over people, Cottar’s 1920s Camp offers a refreshing example of how luxury and ethics can coexist, creating an unforgettable safari experience with a purpose.
