Loldia House | Naivasha
20 Oct 2024 - 22 Oct 2024
Loldia House is an ideal spot to rest, taste the pleasures of Kenyan country life and explore the wonders of the Great Rift Valley.
Set amongst a family farm of 6,500 acres on the shores of Lake Naivasha, this charming property is steeped in history and dates back to 1939. Guests are invited to enjoy a gentle pace of life; relax by the pool, take in the views or head out on a game drive.
In the original family home, there is one en-suite master bedroom. Close by are three guest cottages (each housing two separate en-suite rooms) and two luxury suites (with private plunge pools), offering incredible views across the lake. Our pool-side spa offers a range of massages using 100% natural products by The Wild Herb Company.
Loldia House has been awarded a GOLD Eco Rating from Eco – Tourism Kenya due to our sustainable tourism practices.
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Loldia House Virtual Tour
Each suite has a spacious bedroom that can be converted into a double or a twin with room for an extra bed if needed. A double-sided log-burning stove provides heat to the living room and the bedroom, transforming the suite into a cosy, warm space with a stunning focal point of flickering flames. The beautiful bathrooms feature double vanities, porcelain bathtubs, and double rain showers, while a comfortable indoor seating area offers breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling windows. To guarantee privacy, each suite has its own entrance, verandah, and plunge pool overlooking Lake Naivasha.
Located just below the infinity pool and spa area and shaded by giant fig trees, the suites are perfect for those seeking a peaceful start or end to their Kenya safari. Please note that there is a supplement charge on top of the Loldia House accommodation rates for these suites.
One master en-suite bedroom overlooks the rolling lawns and beautiful gardens.
There are three external cottages set amongst the pretty gardens, each housing two separate en-suite bedrooms (six rooms in total)
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Pool, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Room Service
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Boating, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, High Tea, Massages, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Child Friendly Activities, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, Rhino Tracking, Rock Climbing, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
We can arrange day and night game drives on Loldia Ranch to see the resident wildlife, which includes abundant plains game. Night game drives typically depart after dinner and last about one hour. Animals that may be seen on night game drives include bat-eared foxes, hyenas, impalas, aardvarks, leopards, white-tailed mongooses, springhares, nightjars and spotted eagle owls, as well as numerous hippos leaving the lake to graze
Game drives on Loldia Conservancy are included in the accommodation costs.
At over 6,000 feet, Lake Naivasha is the highest lake in the Rift Valley and one of its most beautiful. It is picturesque and fringed by papyrus and with the extinct Mount Longonot as a backdrop. A boat ride is an excellent way to view many bird species and hippos in the area. Loldia House has its own boat and launching jetty.
Boat rides on Lake Naivasha are included in the accommodation cost.
We can offer a guided nature walk around the farming side of Loldia Ranch, accompanied by one of our naturalist guides and another member of the Loldia team. During the walk, it is possible to see some of the resident wildlife on the ranch and be introduced to some of its smaller flora and fauna.
Included in the accommodation price.
One of the highlights whilst staying at Loldia House is a day trip to the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park, world famous for its abundant rhinos and thousands of colourful flamingoes (seasonal).
Guests depart from Loldia after an early breakfast and enjoy a drive through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, approximately 2 hours from Loldia House. Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s smaller National Parks, yet it is one of the most beautiful. The park is abundant with a wide variety of wildlife, including white and black rhinos, endangered Rothschild giraffes, hippos, zebras, buffalos, and various bird species. Depending on the season, guests may have sightings of both the lesser and greater flamingos that famously lined the shore. Enjoy game viewing around the park in our specially designed 4-wheel-drive Landcruisers before choosing a shady spot for a picnic lunch.
Return to Loldia House in time for afternoon tea and cake on the lawn overlooking Lake Naivasha. NNP fees are $60 per adult and $30 per child, subject to change.
Eburru Forest crowns the geologically active Mt Eburru, a volcanic massif in the Great Rift Valley. Mt Eburru is key in influencing local weather patterns, creating a catchment for rains that feed Lake Naivasha and Lake Elmenteita.
The biodiversity of the Eburu is astounding, with some 60 species of mammal and a tiny relic population of the critically endangered mountain bongo. A gentle walk through Eburru will reveal active steam vents, many forest bird species and a rich floral ecosystem.
A truly wonderful experience is witnessing a traditional honey harvesting demonstration by the Ogiek people, the local community living on the edge of the forest. Traditionally hunter-gatherers (and very much into their honey!), the Ogieks maintain and harvest their bee hives as a sustainable livelihood.
Entry into Eburu is $7 per person. The Honey extraction demonstration is $50 per experience.
Between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru lies another of Kenya's alkaline lakes – Lake Elementeita. The area is an important feeding ground for greater and lesser flamingos and a critical breeding site for great white pelicans. A leisurely wander along the shoreline offers a chance to see flocks of flamingos in their thousands and zebras, gazelle, eland, and warthogs. We generally suggest a stop here either on your way to or return from Lake Nakuru National Park as it is on the way.
Entry to the Lake Elmenteita area costs $22 per adult and $11 per child (subject to change), which is paid directly to the Community Project.
Also of interest nearby is the Kariandusi Prehistoric Site: An African Early Stone Age site that dates back approximately 1 million years. It was discovered by renowned palaeontologist Louis Leakey in 1928 and is famous for the abundance of Acheulean hand axes thought to have been made by Homo erectus in a possible ‘hand-axe factory’ like setting.
The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust (KBoPT) is a registered Kenyan Trust (not-for-profit organisation) founded on many years of experience in bird of prey management and conservation in Kenya and worldwide. Their monitoring and research efforts are focused on using the latest methods and technologies to improve the understanding of species’ populations and ecology and inform their conservation directly.
We are proud to be a major supporter of the KBoPT. We cover the costs of providing high-quality meat for all their rescued birds each month. We have also provided funding towards poison-response kits, owl boxes, and X-ray equipment and donated a solar freezer to the Soysambu Raptor Center.
Loldia House guests are encouraged to visit the Naivasha Raptor Centre to spend time with the birds and learn about their rescue, rehabilitation and conservation. Visits are by appointment only, either at 11 am or 3 pm. A USD 20 donation per person is suggested for our guests.
We can also arrange for presentations by one of The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust directors, followed by dinner with an informal question and answer session at Loldia House. A minimum donation of USD 150 is required, and this must be booked in advance.
We can arrange guided morning or afternoon walks around this 14-hectare lake, home to a troop of over 70 Black and White Colobus monkeys and 400 bird species (100 of which can easily be spotted in a day). At certain times during the year flocks of flamingos congregate here in numbers as high as three or four thousand.
Visit Crater Lake - $25 per person (subject to change). Park Fees paid direct.
Head off on a 45-minute drive around the western side of Lake Naivasha from Loldia House, which brings you to another small lake where boats are available for hire and will take you for a leisurely cruise along the lake's edge. This lake has particularly prolific birdlife and a healthy population of hippos. Take a picnic basket of tea and cake and stop along the lakeshore to take in the beauty of this little corner of Africa.
Boat trip on Lake Olodien - $50 for the boat (maximum 6 pax).
Crescent Island is a peninsular connected to the mainland when Lake Naivasha's levels aren't too high.
With our guide, take a walk on the island to view all kinds of wildlife, including wildebeest, waterbuck, zebras, giraffes and waterbuck. The shores host abundant birdlife, such as pelicans, cormorants and fish-eagles. From the top of the hill, there is a 360-degree view across the Lake from Longonot to Hell’s Gate to the Mau Escarpment to Eburu and onto the Aberdares.
The entrance fee for Crescent Island is $33 per adult and $16 per child, subject to change. Please note that the boat charge across to Crescent Island is $30 per person.
We can arrange a climb up Mt Longonot. Mt Longonot is a dormant volcano in the Great Rift Valley, visible from Lake Naivasha. Mount Longonot is a demanding hike, but the top views across the Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha are glorious. There is a thick forest on the crater floor, and the volcano's slopes are home to buffalo, eland, leopard, bushbuck, zebra, giraffe, Grant's gazelles, as well as countless species of wildflowers and some interesting birdlife.
We arrange a picnic lunch for guests going on the climb. The park entrance fee is payable directly, and our manager will gladly advise you of the current rates. Please note Mt Longonot is a strenuous climb, and clients must be in good health and fit to take on the climb.
Climb Mt. Longonot costs $26 per adult and $17 per child (subject to change). Park Fees are paid directly.
Kenya is one of the largest growers and suppliers of flowers to the European market - it's where many Valentine's Day long-stem roses come from!
We can arrange a visit to a nearby flower farm for guests staying at Loldia House. Guests are given a guided walk through the farm's greenhouses to see how the flowers are grown, harvested and prepared for shipment to Europe. From cutting to arriving at auction in Europe the process and transport takes just over 48hrs to ensure they arrive fresh!
Entry fee is $10pp, subject to change.
We can arrange for guests to play golf at the nearby 18-hole golf course at Great Rift Valley Lodge. There are lovely views over Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot and the Aberdare Mountains. Enjoy plenty of birdlife on the course and the occasional zebra wandering across the fairways.
Guests must pay the entrance fees, green fees, hire of golf clubs and caddie fees. The manager of Loldia House can advise on these fees.
Costs for Golf at Great Rift Valley Golf Resort (also has a tennis court):
Hire of Golf Clubs $10 pp
Green fees to play 18 holes are $35 pp
These rates apply to weekdays only
After a long drive, boat ride, or bush walk, immerse yourself into the tranquil world of your Lake Naivasha surroundings in our poolside spa room while our fully-trained spa therapist pampers you using the finest products by The Wild Herb Company.
We have made a conscious effort to ensure that all products are organic. We only use skincare and massage products made from natural and plant-based ingredients. Using organic products is also a way for us to support small independent businesses committed to sustainable and ethical practices.
Please request our spa price list once you are at Loldia House.
Hell’s Gate National Park is known for its interesting geology and the steam geysers that are found in some areas. The cliffs in the park provide ideal nesting and vantage points for many birds of prey. It is possible to hike down the gorge to the hot springs and one of our resident naturalists will be happy to accompany you on the walk.
Hell's Gate Park fees are $26 per adult and $17 per child, subject to change.
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Your Stay
2 Nights
Your Rooms
1x Luxury Room/s
Fast Facts
Other
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Flora, Golf, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
Governors' Mugie | Mugie Wildlife Conservancy
22 Oct 2024 - 25 Oct 2024
Governors’ Mugie perfectly combines with our other properties, expanding an already diverse array of wildlife locations and activities. The location is Mugie Conservancy, a private wildlife conservancy in Laikipia of almost 50’000 acres hosting an array of impactful community and conservation programs.
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Governors' Mugie virtual tour
Ensuite stone cottages are furnished with fireplaces and luxurious baths. Each enjoys an expansive view over the landscape or over the colourful Mugie House garden.
Luxury suite: Enjoy a private plunge pool on your verandah, with views out over the Laikipia plains. (*** one more suite coming 2021).
An ensuite double and twin room are interconnected by a spacious lounge area and a wide verandah with private plunge pool.
A beautiful stone cottage surrounded by the pretty gardens.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Fireplace, Fridge, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Canoeing, Cycling, Elephant Interaction, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Golf, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Bird Watching, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Golf, Safaris, Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Enjoy our traditional shared game drives with a dedicated, highly qualified and experienced guide, which are available daily, in our specially-designed vehicles. Game drives can depart at any time, though are generally best in the early morning or late afternoon when animals tend to be more active as the temperature is a little cooler. If you would like to extend your afternoon game drive into the early evening, please speak with your guide.
Look out for all members of 'The Mugie Five'; there are five species living on the conservancy which guests of Governors’ Mugie won’t find at any of our other properties. Each is perfectly adapted for a life in more drought-prone regions and each needs special conservation efforts to ensure their long-term survival in the wild as all of their global populations are currently listed as ‘endangered’, or in the case of the striped hyena, ‘near threatened’
Explore the varying landscape of Mugie, from the dam to olive tree forests and acacia scrubland, host to a wealth of diverse wildlife including northern endemic species such as the Grevy's zebra, Jackson's hartebeests, reticulated giraffe and and beisa oryx.
Included in the accommodation rate.
There are currently around 55 lions on Mugie Conservancy with four identified prides and two dispersal groups. Research on predators in the area has seen three females and one male collared, in order to monitor the pride’s movements and better understand where interactions occur, that can lead to human-wildlife conflict.
Guests can head out with our very own guide and tracking equipment to look for the collared lions and learn about the use of this technology assists the conservancy in aiding pastoralists and wildlife to live alongside each other. Please note, the uneven topography dense bush in some areas means that tracking can be challenging and although you may pick up their signal, you might not necessarily find them.
Included in the accommodation rate.
Get up close with nature on a foot safari and experience the untamed beauty of the Laikipia region. Being out of a car will allow you to get down to the same level as the wildlife and the smaller creatures that inhabit this incredible ecosystem. Learn all about them and their importance from your guide. Please note that for safety reasons, participants must be 16 years and over for guided bush walks.
Included in the accommodation rate.
Explore Mugie’s spectacular landscape and unique wildlife by venturing out on a sustainably powered electric mountain bike with your safari guide.
E-biking on Mugie Conservancy is a great opportunity to embark on an eco-friendly adventure along a stunningly scenic route, with plenty of (close-up) wildlife encounters along the way. We suggest heading out early morning or late afternoon while the day is still relatively cool and the game is more likely to be out in the open. Expect a variety of animals such as zebras, giraffes, oryx, buffalo, warthogs, elephants, impalas, hyenas, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, to stare curiously as you cruise by.
How do electric bikes work? Simply start peddling which kicks starts a motor that gives consistent electrical energy to the bike. You can literally pedal at your own pace and with ease, feeling completely relaxed with your guide for company and a support car that drives a little distance a head, for safety.
Guests must be 12 years+ for this activity and groups are limited to four people at a time. There is no need to book this activity in advance, nor is there any extra charge.
Included in the accommodation rate.
Tala is most definitely one of Mugie's ‘cast of characters’.
Tala became an orphan at just a few days old after her mother was killed by lions and she was brought to Mugie Conservancy by a local herder after she began following his herd of goats. There, she was cared for by Margaret who quickly became her surrogate mother. Today she wanders freely within the conservancy, but often returns to her chosen ‘home’ at the Head Quarters - where the staff are quite accustomed to being overseen by this towering presence.
Included in the accommodation rate.
Mugie Dam is Kenya's third largest private dam with 156 acres of surface area to explore. The dam welcomes a variety of game which comes to drink or graze along the shore - especially elephants that are partial to a playful dip in its refreshing waters.
Governors' Mugie House has four beautiful Canadian canoes which guests can enjoy during an early morning's entertainment. Canoeing on the dam offers a thrilling opportunity to view wildlife from the water, out in the open air, armed with the spirit of adventure. If a family of elephants happens to be bathing at the same time, rest assured that you have just witnessed one of life's most enchanting adventures.
Please note that for safety reasons, participants must be 12 years and over for canoeing excursions.
Included in the accommodation rate.
The Mugie Rangers are based close by with a team of bloodhounds who are used for daily anti-poaching patrols. Visit their headquarters to learn about the work they do, and experience the power of their keen scenting skills with a tracking demonstration.
Ask the manager to book a visit for you to meet the dogs and their handlers. If they are available, they will be happy for you to participate in a mock search, to demonstrate the hounds incredible sense of smell, with you hidden away as the ‘poacher’! You’ll be impressed with just how quickly they find you! A small gratuity given directly to the handlers will be greatly appreciated if you enjoyed your experience with them.
A visit to the bloodhound unit is not "charged for" per se, however guests are encouraged to make a donation towards the upkeep of the dogs.
Mugie's undulating landscape offers some excellent lookout points for a perfect sundowner or bush picnic. As the sunsets, this is a lovely time of the day to take a minute out and watch the sunset over the Laikipia landscape with a cold drink in hand.
Included in the accommodation rate.
Guests staying at Governors’ Mugie have the opportunity to visit the Pokot at a nearby village and learn about the traditions and customs of this colourful tribe who hail from the districts of West Pokot and Baringo.
Watch highly adorned women carry out vibrant song and dance while an elderly lady prepares cloth out of a goat hide. Meanwhile, a village elder demonstrates the art of fire making by rubbing two pieces of wood of different hardnesses together and other men play a fast-paced game of ‘bao’ in the sand.
You are also welcome to take a peek inside one of their homes and understand the importance of gourds; how they are made and the way in which they are used to store milk.
This is a truly fascinating experience and should not be missed. This should be booked in advance if possible and a donation is requested - please ask for more info.
We are now offering guests another truly authentic cultural experience from Governors’ Mugie – a visit to a nearby Samburu homestead. Interested guests will learn first hand about this colourful and culturally rich tribe.
The Samburu are a Nilotic people of north-central Kenya that are related to, but distinct from, the Maasai. They are semi-nomadic pastoralists who herd mainly cattle but also keep sheep, goats and camels and are widely known for their beautiful attire.
You will be welcomed inside their home, which is made of wattle and plastered with a mixture of cow dung and earth. The houses are dark and smoke from their constantly mouldering fireplace fills the air inside.
Well-used gourds are prized possessions, used to make the traditional drink of cows blood and milk. The houses are divided into two small rooms, one for the women and children and the other for the man. The whole family sleeps on slightly raised beds which are covered by cow hides.
Outside you will enjoy a vibrant song and dance performance by the ladies, learn how to make a fire in the traditional way by rubbing two sticks together and will have an opportunity to appreciate all of the comings and goings of Samburu daily life.
This should be booked in advance if possible and a donation is requested - please ask for more info.
Enjoy a round of golf on this 9-hole private course, which is also Kenya’s most northern golf course! Caddies are available to help you whether you are a beginner or a pro. A tip is suggested for the caddy as they are not employees of Governors’ Mugie. The golf course is also a perfect place for a walk or jog, or a spot of birdwatching!
The cost for golfing is USD $40 per person if guests need to hire clubs, or USD $25 per person if guests bring their own.
Mugie Conservancy is at the forefront of conservation, operating as a low-impact cattle ranch and farm alongside preserving the delicate and productive ecosystems that host abundant wildlife, and provide key corridors for wildlife between the Laikipia plateau, the Mathews Range and the Samburu lands to the north and east. Guests are welcomed to visit the ranching and farm operations to understand how each functions alongside securing essential habitat for wildlife.
Mugie Trading Stock has brought about a new era of community livestock management, based on the premise of shared resources. This is a program unique to Mugie, it's a program from which all parties benefit and furthers conservation, environmental and ecological conscientiousness.
Head down to visit the Mugie farm to collect freshly laid eggs or watch the dairy cows being milked at dawn. Learn about the Miraa plant and how it provides much needed income for many of our community neighbours. Saturday is Mugie's 'Dip Day' - a fascinating experience for those that wish to see this cutting-edge program for themselves.
Included in the accommodation rate.
Discreetly sunken into the ground, our newly constructed hide offers an unobtrusive perspective and eye-level views of animals and birds at the waterhole. Guests can spend any amount of time (even overnight) in the well-designed structure, which has four bunk beds, a bathroom and a wide working bench with charging sockets.
Expect all kinds of activity throughout the day; elephants, giraffes, impalas, buffalos, zebras, and more will come and go to quench their thirst, especially in the dry season. At night, patience pays off to see a range of nocturnal species such as striped and spotted hyenas, lions, leopards, porcupines, bat-eared foxes, genet cats and bush pigs. Being "one-on-one" with wildlife that is completely oblivious to your presence allows for some exceptional photo opportunities.
Located just 200 meters below the main house, one of our armed guards will escort you to the hide as part of our walking experience, or we can drive you down. Once you are settled in, we can keep you company or leave you to enjoy this enriching experience alone.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Your Rooms
1x Cottage
Fast Facts
Hotel
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Golf, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
Governors' Il Moran Camp | Masai Mara National Reserve
25 Oct 2024 - 28 Oct 2024
Governors' Il Moran Camp is widely regarded as one of the premier camps in the Masai Mara, with the best game viewing right on your doorstep.
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Il Moran virtual tour
Luxury tent
Governors’ Il Moran Camp has ten vast, luxurious tents that feature super ‘king size’ beds fashioned from ancient fallen olive trees and Victorian style baths. Il Moran is an ideal camp for honeymooners and couples who are looking for a very special safari experience.
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Shower, Twin Bed
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Restaurant, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Massages, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Hot Air Ballooning, Rhino Tracking, Safaris
Governors’ Camp Collection properties combine the best locations in the Masai Mara with the best-designed vehicles and exceptionally highly trained and experienced guides to give our clients un-matched game-viewing and photographic opportunities in the world’s prime wildlife area.
We are in the heart of the best game viewing area of the Masai Mara; we take you out twice a day into the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve and surrounding areas. Our driver-guides are hand-picked and nurtured by us. They undergo a continuous guide training scheme mentored by experts in the field. Having operated in the Masai Mara for 50 years, our driver-guides have an un-paralleled knowledge of the reserve combined with a deep understanding and respect for the importance of this wilderness area, its flora and its fauna.
Game drives are included in the accommodation rate.
For those looking for an adventure of a different kind, we suggest a magical hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara.
The adventure begins just before dawn. Departure is from a launch site just 15 minutes drive away. Guests assemble at the launch site for a briefing as the flames from the hot air balloon burners light the darkness as the crews inflate their craft. As the dawn breaks, the hot air balloon fills and then rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow-coloured canopy, you’re off for a wildlife viewing adventure with an entirely different perspective.
What amazes most first-time balloonists is the absolute stillness – the silence as you float above the plains, the forest and the rivers of the Masai Mara.
After about an hour or so, your balloon safari finishes with a flourish. In the time-honoured tradition of balloon flights the world over, toast your return to earth with sparkling wine and enjoy a delicious breakfast that is set up and served at a very special spot. The experience ends with a game drive back to your camp.
There is an extra cost for a hot air balloon safari and the price depends on the time of year.
For a very unique experience, enjoy the excitement of a bush dinner in the wild. You will arrive at a special secluded location on the banks of the Mara river. A welcoming drink awaits by the warming campfire, followed by a delicious meal prepared by our Bush chefs, served under the stars, with the soft lights of safari lanterns and accompanied by the sounds of the African night and the grunting Mara river hippos.
Bush breakfasts and bush lunches are also available. Please try to book bush meals in advance. Costs: bush breakfasts and lunches USD $75 per person, bush dinners USD $92 per person
The Masai people of East Africa are a striking image, synonymous with safari. A proud people with many traditional practices still very much alive in their culture. Visit a local Masai village and learn about who they are in their own words.
Entry to the Maasai village is currently USD $40 per person and is paid directly to the community.
Visits to our responsible tourism projects can be organised from camp. Mara Rianda Primary School and Mara Rianda Medical Centre are two inspirational projects supported by Governors’ Camps.
There is no extra charge for this activity but donations to any of the projects are welcome.
Since the beginning of the 20th Century the cheetah population has fallen dramatically from 100'000 individuals to 7'500 individuals with human activity a major cause. It is therefore important to understand the cheetah-human interface, which is one of the key works of the Mara-Meru Cheetah Project, led by Dr. Elena Chelyseva.
Our Governors' Guides play a critical role in the data collection for Dr. Elena and her team, reporting through sightings and behaviour observations of cheetah spotted. Dr Elena enjoys sharing her expertise on the cheetahs in the area with our guests through talks or by accompanying guests game drives.
Please let us know if you would like to pre-book a talk or a guided game drive with Elena when booking your safari. There is a minimum donation requirement of USD $500 for a presentation in camp.
After your late afternoon game drive, end the day with a 'sundowner' at our very special spot on the banks of the Mara River. Our team will have set up a traditional 'safari bar' ahead of your arrival.
Sundowners are included in the nightly rate but premium drinks are extra.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Your Rooms
1x Luxury Tent
Fast Facts
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
