Governors' Camp

Set amongst the trees lining the Mara River, Governors' Camp inside the Masai Mara National Reserve was once an exclusive luxury safari escape reserved for Kenya's Colonial Governors because of its prime game viewing location. Today, the camp offers luxurious tented accommodation for couples, families and groups of friends looking to experience an authentic wildlife safari in the Masai Mara.

Safari tents in the heart of the Masai Mara

Tucked into the riverine forest, Governors' Camp has 37 classic safari-style luxury canvas tents, each with its own private verandah. The spacious luxury tents are filled with natural light and their en-suite bathrooms all have a flush toilet, a shower and a basin with hot and cold running water. Electric lights are used in the tents and plug points for charging cameras and phones are available. Most of the tents have views of the Mara River which teems with birdlife, hippo and crocodile. Other tents look out onto the endless plains of the Masai Mara. If you're travelling as a group of friends or you're a family travelling with children, ask Governors' Camp about their new family tents which sleep up to five people. The private and secluded Justus Suite is perfect for honeymooners.

Guest areas and other facilities

The mess tent which overlooks the plains, the outdoor campfire and the river-facing bar tent and deck are all situated in the centre of Governors' Camp. A continental or full English breakfast and a buffet-style lunch are served alfresco while dinner is served in the mess tent. A roaring traditional outdoor campfire is lit every evening around sunset. The camp provides picnics and packed meals to guests who prefer to head out on a full- or half-day game drive and bush meals are available at an extra cost. In addition to a souvenir shop, there is also a spa tent where guests can book massages, facials, body scrubs, manicures and pedicures.

Game drives in the Masai Mara

Game drives take place inside the Masai Mara National Reserve in open safari vehicles with experienced driver guides three times a day departing from camp at sunrise, in the late morning and in the afternoon. Guest also have the option of going on an extended full- or half-day game drive with a take-along picnic meal. Most famous for the Great Migration from July to October when over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra cross over into Kenya from the Serengeti, game viewing in the Masai Mara is a remarkably rewarding year-round experience. Home to an unprecedented variety and profusion of animal and birdlife, it's highly unlikely you won't encounter the Big 5 at some point during your safari. Other sightings you can expect to have include cheetah, hyena, jackal, hippo, crocodile, baboon, various antelope species, waterbuck, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra.

Optional activities

Other activities you can book in advance at Governors' Camp include

• a visit to a traditional Masai homestead or Manyatta
• a guided walking safari in a private concession area adjacent to the Masai Mara Game Reserve
• a hot air balloon flight and sparkling wine bush breakfast
• a flying safari to Lake Victoria and an overnight stay at Mfangano Island Camp
  

Getting there

By road - It is possible to drive from Nairobi to Governors' Camp. Depending on the condition of the roads, it takes approx. six hours.

By air - There are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Musiara Airstrip which take about 45 minutes. Guests are met on arrival and transferred by vehicle to Governors' Camp. The short trip takes approx. 10 minutes. Scheduled flights from other airstrips in Kenya such as Nanyuki, Samburu, Lewa, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa and Ukunda are also available.

Our take on Governors' Camp

The Great Migration, which ends in September, is a big peak safari season drawcard for visitors to Kenya and there have been times when the wildebeest and zebra have migrated through Governors' Camp. The safari camp's location on the Mara River means you're treated to the sight of wildlife drinking from its waters from your private tent as well as from the communal guest areas. We thoroughly enjoyed the short trip across the river from Little Governors' to Governors' Camp by pontoon boat on arrival and we think the camp is a wonderful option for families or small groups of friends travelling together.