In an endeavor to champion the conservation of raptors and celebrate the biodiversity of the Maasai Mara, the award-winning Cottar’s Safaris is delighted to introduce its new expert-led, immersive 6-night Raptor Safari from May 24-30, 2024; a unique opportunity for guests to delve deep into the world of raptors while supporting vital conservation efforts.
The Raptor Safari promises an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust (KBOPT) and esteemed experts Stratton Hartfield, Lemein Par, and Cottar’s Safaris Gold Guide, Doug Nagi. During this safari, guests will gain rare insight into the extraordinary world of raptors, from the majestic martial eagle and elusive owls to the misunderstood vultures of the Maasai Mara, uncovering their ecological significance, tracking raptors and monitoring their nests, and witnessing firsthand the groundbreaking work of the KBOPT’s Mara Raptor Project, which is dedicated to securing healthy raptor populations and preserving critical habitats.
“Raptors play a pivotal role as keystone species and top predators in the Maasai Mara ecosystem” remarks Stratton Hartfield, Director of Programmes in southern Kenya for the KBOPT. He continues to highlight that “the impact of poisoning, electrocution and habitat degradation has led to a drastic decline in certain species, some by up to 90% over the past 50 years. Through partnering with Cottar’s Safaris, we aim to give guests a dynamic and comprehensive safari experience, ensuring a holistic understanding of the Maasai Mara’s ecosystem from the land to the skies.”
Louise Cottar, co-owner of Cottar’s Safaris comments “sadly, the Mara is home to one of the most threatened raptor communities globally”. Her hope is that by working with the KBOPT they can “create a safari experience with purpose, by not only helping to raise awareness of the critical importance of raptors, but enabling our guests to actively contribute to their preservation by supporting Lemein Par in obtaining his master’s degree, thus ensuring this important work continues well into the future.”
Highlights of this 6-night Raptor Safari include:
- Unprecedented access to the Mara Raptor Project’s initiatives
- Exploration of the Maasai Mara with cameras strategically placed in 250 nests (increasing to 750 by 2025) and tracking devices on select raptors
- Witnessing intimate moments in the lives of these incredible birds, and capture images and experiences that few have the privilege to encounter
- Observing unique raptor behavior such as hunts and feeding
- 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 a master’s degree in raptor conservation.
- Accommodation in a luxury tent at Cottar’s 1920s Camp with all meals and beverages included
Although the Maasai Mara National Reserve only makes up 0.01 percent of Africa’s total landmass, it contains more than 40 percent of the large mammals on the continent and close to 500 bird species. Therefore, this safari is not limited to just raptors, and there will be significant opportunities to see iconic wildlife such as elephants, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, lions, antelopes, hippos and other interesting mammals and bird species.
The 6-night Raptor Safari is available from $8,286 per person, based on two adults sharing with all meals and beverages included. Price includes safari activities and raptor experience as per the itinerary. Terms and conditions apply and spaces for the Raptor Safari experiences are limited and based on a first come, first serve basis. There is an additional requirement for participants to make a $500 scholarship donation directly through this link that is going through Cottar’s Safaris 501c3. As a donation, it is tax deductible.
For bookings contact Cottar’s Safaris at www.cottars.com.
For enthusiasts who aren’t able to take part in the Wild Raptor Safari this May, Cottar’s Safaris is working with the KBOPT year-round to offer their guests an incredible half-day immersive raptor experience for $780 per group.
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