Cottar’s Safaris Launches AI Assistant Mara for Effortless Safari Planning in Masai Mara: What You Need To Know

Published on November 22, 2025

Cottar’s Safaris, one of Africa’s oldest family-run safari companies, has launched Mara, a cutting-edge AI assistant designed to enhance the safari planning and booking experience. This new tool, available on Cottar’s redesigned website and via WhatsApp, offers travellers and travel professionals instant access to essential information, including accommodation details, wildlife viewing opportunities, and conservation projects in Kenya’s Masai Mara.

AI-Powered Assistance for Safari Planning

Cottar’s AI assistant Mara offers a seamless and interactive experience for both clients and travel agents. The AI is tailored to provide instant, round-the-clock support for booking safaris at two of the company’s exclusive properties: Cottar’s 1920s Camp and Cottar’s Bush Villa. Designed specifically for the Masai Mara region, Mara answers a wide range of questions, from the best times to visit for wildlife sightings to the finer details of each accommodation option.

Multilingual Support for Global Travel Agents

The launch of Mara is not only a boon for travellers but also for the travel industry. With multilingual capabilities, the assistant ensures that international travel agents can access important information across time zones. The assistant responds to common queries about safari seasons, the Great Migration, wildlife viewing, and the differences between staying at Cottar’s 1920s Camp versus the Bush Villa. Mara also provides travel professionals with real-time updates on pricing, availability, and booking details, making it easier for agents to plan bespoke safari experiences for clients.

A Seamless Integration with Human Expertise

Mara is designed to complement, not replace, the personalised service Cottar’s Safaris is known for. While the AI assistant can handle many inquiries autonomously, it directs more complex or specific requests to human agents, ensuring that clients still receive the high-touch, expert guidance Cottar’s has built its reputation on. This balance of technology and human interaction provides both efficiency and authenticity, enabling travellers to feel connected to Cottar’s expertise even before they embark on their safari.

The assistant’s accessibility via WhatsApp further supports a more personalised, on-demand communication style, allowing clients to reach out and receive immediate assistance whenever necessary. This instant communication platform aligns perfectly with the needs of today’s digital-savvy traveller.

Sustainability and Conservation Focus

Cottar’s Safaris is renowned for its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. Through Mara, the company is also promoting its conservation efforts, offering detailed insights into the company’s ongoing environmental projects. The AI assistant can explain the significance of Cottar’s efforts to preserve wildlife habitats, further educating guests on the importance of eco-tourism. This effort aligns with the growing trend of travellers seeking experiences that support environmental sustainability, an aspect increasingly valued by safari-goers.

Empowering Travel Professionals

For travel agents, Mara provides a valuable resource that makes it easier to plan and book safaris for clients without needing to wait for office hours. This tool allows agents to instantly access important details such as pricing, availability, and the differences between properties, ensuring that their clients receive prompt and informed responses. By streamlining the booking process, Mara helps travel professionals close deals faster and more effectively, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and boosting sales.

A New Era of Safari Planning

With the introduction of Mara, Cottar’s Safaris is elevating the way travellers and travel agents plan safaris in the Masai Mara. This innovative AI assistant ensures 24/7 access to essential information, streamlining the booking process while preserving the personalised service that Cottar’s Safaris is known for. Whether it’s learning about the Great Migration, understanding accommodation options, or receiving updates on conservation efforts, Mara empowers both guests and travel agents to make more informed, faster decisions. As the safari industry continues to evolve, tools like Mara represent the future of travel planning, where technology and human expertise work hand-in-hand to create seamless and enriching travel experiences.