Governors' Camp | Masai Mara National Reserve
Governors’ Camp is Africa’s first permanent luxury tented camp, remaining in its original site since 1972. It occupies the best wildlife viewing location in the Reserve, nestled in the riverine forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, its waters teeming with bird-life, hippos and crocodiles. It is perfect for couples, families and friends wanting to experience the best of what a safari in the Masai Mara has to offer.
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Governors' Camp Virtual Tour
The camp is located right in the heart of the best game viewing area of the Masai Mara. There are 16 'classic safari tents' (twins and doubles), all facing on to the Mara River. The tents are big, bright and allow in lots of natural light. All the tents have been designed in the classic safari style, each with en-suite bathrooms and a private verandah.
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Drinking Water Filtration System, En Suite Bathroom, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Shower, Verandah
We are delighted to share an early preview of our new family-style accommodation at Governors' Camp (ready by the 1st of June this year). Shaded by riverine forest and offering spectacular views across the open plains, five spacious tents will replace the original eight with enhanced privacy and comfort. Two units are wheelchair friendly, with a ramp and supporting grab rails for guests with mobility challenges.
Each family tent features a (fixed) double bed on one side and a twin on the other, with the option to add a third single bed for larger groups. The twin room can also be converted into a double - perfect for two couples sharing. A central living area seamlessly connects the two bedrooms, while a wide verandah with outdoor furniture ensures you stay close to the action at all times. Please note that the interiors and colour scheme are for guideline purposes only.
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Drinking Water Filtration System, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Family Safari Tent, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Safe, Shower, Table, Twin Bed, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Perched on a bend of the Mara River, this is a lovely suite for honeymooners.
One of our classic safari tents has a ramp for wheelchair access and a specially modified bathroom to offer complete assistance. The flooring inside the tent is level, and the tent is spacious enough to manoeuvre a wheelchair around comfortably.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Available), 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, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Safaris, Wildlife Tours
Governors’ Camp 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 behind Little Governors’ Camp. 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
On arrival at Governors’ Camp, you will notice our numerous little furry friends - the dwarf and banded mongoose - who are well-loved members of our famous "cast of characters"! We wanted to celebrate these entertaining critters by naming our kid’s club after them, so the Governors’ Mongoose Club was formed.
The idea behind this club is to educate and inspire our youngest visitors in ways they would never have access to in their mainstream schooling systems abroad. Game drives are, of course, extraordinary experiences in themselves to be shared with family, but there is so much more for your children to take away from their Kenyan safari.
The activities are designed to be fun and informative; we know these experiences will provide your children with lifetime memories. You, as the parents, can take some well-deserved timeout, enjoy a spa treatment, read a book, or have a siesta while our friendly team keeps your children as entertained and educated as they would like to be, whilst, of course, ensuring their complete safety at all times. Please note that the Mongoose Club is only available at Governors’ Camp.
Included in the accommodation price.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 24
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
