Cottar’s Safaris is delighted to announce Eagles, Vultures, and The Big Five – an extraordinary NEW 6-night conservation safari running from 24th to 30th May 2025. This immersive experience, led by expert guides from Cottar’s Safaris and The Kenya Birds of Prey Trust (KBOPT), will take place at the multi-award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Camp, where breathtaking wildlife encounters merge with vital conservation efforts in the heart of the Maasai Mara.
Eagles, Vultures, and The Big Five conservation safari will be hosted by an esteemed team, including renowned safari guide, ornithologist, and raptor expert Stratton Hatfield, raptor carers from KBOPT, and Cottar’s Safaris Gold Guide, Douglas Nagi. This enriching adventure provides guests with a unique opportunity to explore Cottar’s Safaris’ exclusive Olderkesi Conservancy, witness the remarkable wildlife of the Maasai Mara, and engage with the crucial conservation work of KBOPT. Throughout the safari, guests will be able to follow the latest updates from 500 monitored raptor nests and gain rare insights into the fascinating world of raptors. From the majestic martial and crowned eagles to elusive owls and the often misunderstood vultures of the Maasai Mara, this safari will highlight the ecological importance of these species and examine the severe extinction threats they face.
As one of the Wonders of the World, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is famed for its incredible wildlife. Despite covering only 0.01% of Africa’s total landmass, the Maasai Mara is home to almost 90 species of mammals and nearly 500 bird species. Throughout the trip, guests will not only deepen their understanding of the world of raptors, but also have countless opportunities to encounter iconic wildlife such as elephants, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, lions, antelopes, hippos and other fascinating mammals and birds. Additionally, guests can enjoy all the facilities of the award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Camp and participate in their carefully curated Impact Experiences, such as the Maasai Warrior School, stargazing sessions, foraging walks, wildlife drives, and more.
Stratton Hartfield, Manager of Conservation Science and Development for the KBOPT, says, “Raptors play a pivotal role as keystone species and top predators in the Maasai Mara ecosystem. The impact of poisoning, electrocution, and habitat degradation has led to a drastic decline in certain species, with some populations decreasing by up to 90% over the past 50 years. Many of these species are currently under threat of extinction (endangered, vulnerable or near threatened) according to the IUCN Red List. Through our partnership with Cottar’s Safaris, we aim to provide guests with a dynamic and comprehensive safari experience, ensuring a holistic understanding of the Maasai Mara’s ecosystem – from the land to the skies.”
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Unprecedented access to the KBOPT Mara Raptor Project’s initiatives: monitoring 500+ nests in the greater Mara
- Sightings of the ‘Big 5’ and other iconic African wildlife
- Witnessing intimate moments in the lives of these incredible birds, and capturing images and experiences that few have the privilege to encounter
- Observing unique raptor behaviour such as hunting and feeding
- Walking through Olderkesi Conservancy up to the cliff to see Verreaux’s Eagles
- Bush walks and wildlife drives led by expert safari guides
- Full board accommodation in a luxury tented suite at Cottar’s 1920s Camp
- Experiencing optional ‘Impactful Activities’ at Cottar’s 1920s Camp
- Guests will receive a complimentary adoption package to adopt a raptor in need
- *A $1,000 contribution per guest is built into the safari package price and directly supports a fund-raising drive to raise funds for Lemein Par, Project Manager for the Mara Raptor Project, towards obtaining his master’s degree in raptor conservation
6-night Eagles, Vultures and The Big 5 hosted safari available from $8,200 per person, based on two adults sharing. Price includes full board accommodation, guiding, wildlife drives and park and conservation fees.
*A portion of your booking fee will be donated to the Kenya Birds of Prey Trust.
To book, contact Cottar’s Safaris www.cottars.com
T&Cs apply, and space for this safari experience is limited, based on a first-come, first-served basis.
For enthusiasts unable to participate in this Eagles, Vultures, and The Big 5 hosted safari, Cottar’s Safaris partners with the KBOPT year-round to offer guests an incredible half-day immersive raptor experience for $780 per group (subject to availability and requires one week’s notice).
