It has been an exciting week in Kenya. The Kenyan government opened up airspace for international flights and lifted quarantine requirements for travellers coming in from 16 countries (a covid-19 negative certificate essential). Cottar’s 1920s Camp and Bush Villa reopened on the 1st of August 2020, after extensive staff training and testing, the development of covid-19 standard operating procedures, passing a thorough inspection and issuance of the Ministry of Health Covid-19 Clearance certificate, and complying with the Kenya Tourism and Travel Health and Safety Protocols.

Since the reopening of the country, it has been truly inspiring and so very encouraging to see new enquiries convert to firm short-notice bookings from both domestic and international travellers. We are delighted and very excited to be welcoming guests back to camp.

Travelling is not as straightforward as before; more forms to fill in, and more health screens. At Cottar’s, we have implemented extensive health and safety PROCEDURES, such as protective clothing and masks for staff, complimentary face masks for guests, sanitizer stations, processes for regularly cleaning and sanitizing of rooms and vehicles and private dedicated dining locations. Additionally, there are various options available covering travel and medical insurance for those countries where government travel advisories are still in place and wise insurance GUIDELINES from the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The good news is that travel to Kenya is now really very possible and the July-October migration this year especially is phenomenal, making all the additional steps we have to take so very worthwhile.

We have worked hard to ensure guests who visit us have protection, as well as privacy through our private airstrip, private guides, private conservancy, private groups, and more. We also wanted to ensure, given how tough the last few months have been, a good amount of spoiling and pampering with complimentary massages and bush baths. Lastly, we encourage everyone choosing to stay with us, to share our purpose of supporting all our conservation efforts while we provide a highly professional and truly memorable safari experience for our guests.

Cottar’s is one of only eleven Long Run Global Ecosphere Retreats in the world, therefore it was incredibly apt for us to welcome Eliud Kipchoge, the only sub 2-hour marathon runner and winner of 12 of 13 marathons, to camp this weekend. Eliud and his family stayed with us for a personal family safari as well as supporting the Kenyan Tourism Board (KTB) in their excellent marketing of Kenya. The KTB coverage of his trip can be found here.

“To Cottar’s, Thank you for the warm welcome to your premises. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours. No human is limited. Together we can make this country a beautiful and peaceful Nation.” – Eliud Kipchoge

The Cottar’s camp team, our female conservancy rangers, and the Maasai community all tried (but failed!) to keep up with Eliud. The dynamic Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala, who also stayed with us, and also tried to keep up with Eliud.

To entice guests we have added a ‘Stay Longer’ safari in the Maasai Mara to help clients mitigate further covid-19 risks of moving from one camp to another and from one flight to another.

It has been an incredibly challenging few months for us all at Cottar’s in particular ensuring the team and  conservancy were looked after but it seems there are some green shoots appearing. The last week since opening has been wonderfully motivating and a real boost for everyone with the guests we have enjoyed in camp.

Calvin and Louise want to send out their personal thanks to you all for your ongoing support as do I and we hope very much to see you out in Kenya on safari again very soon.

Another batch of Tribal Textiles masks received. Contact us if you are keen. I received a lovely message from Kirstie saying how much this is appreciated ensuring the team are back working and supporting the local community and to date nearly 12,000 masks have been donated. In addition I read an astonishing fact that over 129 billion disposable masks are being used every month which of course sadly turns to waste so do go for re-usable masks which as a bonus are also beautiful and bright and cheerful to wear.

FYI – The masks are double layer with a slit for you to insert a filter.