This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Governors' Camp
Governors' Camp
Governors' Camp
Governors' Camp
Governors' Camp
Governors' Camp
Governors' Camp
Governors' Camp
Governors' Camp
Governors' Camp

Governors' Camp: Information from the owner

General information

Type
Safari Lodge
No. of rooms
30

About this information

All the information on this page is supplied to us directly from the lodge owner and reflects their view, not ours.

For Expert Africa's view, see our own full report on Governors' Camp, which contains our own observations and views.


Last updated by Owner
18 Mar 2024
1 of 50
2 of 50
3 of 50
4 of 50
5 of 50
6 of 50
7 of 50
8 of 50
9 of 50
10 of 50
11 of 50
12 of 50
13 of 50
14 of 50
15 of 50
16 of 50
17 of 50
18 of 50
19 of 50
20 of 50
21 of 50
22 of 50
23 of 50
24 of 50
25 of 50
26 of 50
27 of 50
28 of 50
29 of 50
30 of 50
31 of 50
32 of 50
33 of 50
34 of 50
35 of 50
36 of 50
37 of 50
38 of 50
39 of 50
40 of 50
41 of 50
42 of 50
43 of 50
44 of 50
45 of 50
46 of 50
47 of 50
48 of 50
49 of 50
50 of 50

Facilities at Governors' Camp

Property facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Spa
Room facilities
Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Activities on site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Massages, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Nearby activities
Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Hot-air Ballooning, Massages, Safaris, Wildlife Tours
Languages
English, Swahili

Room types at Governors' Camp

1 of 1

Classic safari tents

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.

1 of 1

Family Tents

We have 8 family tents at Governors' Camp, all of these overlook the iconic plains of the Masai Mara. The family tents are the same as our classic safari tents except the family tents have an extra children's bedroom area on the front of the tent. There is a main sleeping area behind this and an ensuite bathroom with a shower at the back of the tent. There is also a private verandah overlooking the plains.

1 of 1

Justus Suite

Perched on a bend of the Mara River, this is a lovely suite for honeymooners.

1 of 1

Wheel chair and disability friendly tents

Five of our classic safari tents have ramps for wheel chair access. The flooring inside the tents is level and the tents are spacious enough to be able to manoeuvre a wheelchair around comfortably.

One tent has both a ramp and a specially modified bathroom to offer complete bathroom assistance.

Activities at Governors' Camp

1 of 1

Bush Dinners

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 dinners are a non-inclusive activity, please request costs from our office. You can book these in advance or while staying with us. Bush breakfasts are also available.

1 of 1

Cultural Visit

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.

1 of 1

Game Drives

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 Our vehicles are custom built 4 wheel drive landrovers. 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.

1 of 1

Hot air balloon safaris

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.

1 of 1

Maasai blessing ceremony

Governors’ Camp offers a breathtakingly beautiful location the wild where you can celebrate your recent nuptials with a Maasai blessing ceremony and more.

Governors’ Camp is Africa’s first permanent 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, hippo and crocodile. It is perfect for your Maasai blessing ceremony and we are certain that that you will make great memories for this special occasion.

We are absolutely delighted that you are considering Governors’ Camp as the venue for your celebration. We can organise and provide the following as part of your Maasai Blessing Ceremony at Governors’ Camp:

- The venue: A beautiful location for the ceremony, either at camp or on the banks of the Mara River.
Maasai elders and senior women from the village to grace the occasion.
- A group of young Morans and beautiful Maasai ladies will perform a celebratory dance while you read your vows.
- Maasai ornaments for the bride and groom. Maasai shukas for the groom and the ceremony.
- Flowers to decorate the venue and your vehicle. We suggest earthy tones to blend in with your natural surroundings but the choice is yours.
- A three-tiered vanilla cake and a bottle of sparkling wine.
- A group dinner on the day of your ceremony, will be beautifully set up at Governors’ Camp.
- An exclusive use of a vehicle on the day of the blessing.
- After the occasion, the bride and groom will receive a Maasai name.

1 of 1

Mara-Meru Cheetah Project

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 for advice on costs.

1 of 1

Mongoose Club for Kids!

We welcome guests of all ages at Governors’ Camp - you are never too little to experience your first African safari together with the family!

Safaris open up a world of wonder and discovery of nature, and over the years we have hosted many families at Governors’. Some of our camps are better suited to small children; Governors’ Camp has specially designed family tents which can comfortably sleep a family of four - we can provide cots for babies and infant travellers (on request).

We will happily arrange early meals and sole use of game drive vehicles (please enquire in advance as this depends on family size and is subject to availability).

On your 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 new kid’s club after them, and so the Governors’ Mongoose Club has been formed.

The idea behind this club is to educate and inspire our youngest visitors in ways that they would never have access to in their mainstream schooling systems abroad. Game drives are, of course, wonderful 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 and we know that these experi- ences 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 just have a siesta while Julius (Our “chief Mongoose”) who is a local Masai guide, and the rest of our friendly team keep 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.

1 of 1

Photographic Safaris and resident photographers

Governors’ Camp hosts a wildlife photographer in the Mara who is available to be booked by our guests for accompanied photo safaris and in-depth tutorials on all elements of photography, including editing. Do let us know if you would like to guarantee a full day with them capturing the very best of this incredible wildlife reserve. Please note that guests will need to secure an exclusive use vehicle at a daily rate if their group size does not already secure one, on top of the photographer's daily fee.

Governors' also has 3 'photo safari' vehicles. Listening to the specific needs and recommendations of the photographers we've hosted over the years, we've modified three Landrover vehicles to include same level seating throughout, cut-out side panels in the middle row to get those much desired low angle shots, high roofs, fully folding windscreens and wide side panelling to offer the perfect place for resting a beanbag and long lens. The cars are available on an exclusive use basis and can be requested for and reserved while making your Governors' booking. They are available at all our camps in the Masai Mara.

1 of 1

Sundowners

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.

1 of 1

Visit Community Projects

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.

Find more information about the projects here:

https://www.governorscamp.com/discover/community-conservation/new-health-centre-at-mara-rianda/

https://www.governorscamp.com/discover/community-conservation/mararianda-school-program/

1 of 1

Walking Safari

Leave your vehicle behind and take a walking safari with one of our experienced and qualified naturalists for the true thrill of the bush. Down on the same level as the animals you will experience the untamed beauty of the Mara. Our walking safaris take place in the morning in a private concession area adjacent to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The scenery here very much differs from the Masai Mara. Picturesque acacia trees characterise the hilly landscape. The walk takes approximately 21⁄2 to 3 hours but can be tailored to any needs.

Ask for a 5.30am wake up call. Depart from your camp by vehicle at 6.00am and a 45 minute drive will
take you to the walking area. Hot beverages and biscuits will be available during which time the guide will brief you. Most walks commence at 7.00am, with the walk will take you through differing habitats from open grassland plains to acacia thickets and riverside forests. You will track game, unsure what waits round the next corner - giraffe, buffalo, hyena, zebra or even lion. You will catch the scents and sounds of the wild Africa.

The walk ends approximately at 9.30 – 10.00am in the Lemek group ranch under the shade of African Olive trees. A classic Governors Camp champagne breakfast is served after which a game drive will take you back to your camp in time for lunch. Your drive back to the camp again is a game drive through the Masai Mara. Afternoon walking safaris are finished with sundowner drinks and canapés.
Participants in a walking safari should be in good health and be reasonably fit and active. There is no path as such and some parts of the walk lead through hilly and rocky areas. Children under 12 years are, for safety reasons, not allowed to participate in walking safaris. Walking safaris can either be booked in advance or in camp subject to availability.

Other lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Little Governors' Camp

Little Governors'

Little Governors’ Camp sits by a swamp (an old oxbow of the Mara River) in the Mara Triangle sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It has its own balloon-launching site.


95% (30 reviews)
Rekero

Rekero

Rekero is an unpretentious, high-end safari camp, for travellers who take their wildlife watching seriously and are prepared to pay for an exceptional location.


98% (28 reviews)
Tangulia Mara

Tangulia Mara

Tangulia Mara is a rustic and traditional safari camp on the border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve owned by Jackson Looseyia of Big Cat Diary fame.


100% (13 reviews)
Serian Nkorombo

Serian Nkorombo

Serian Nkorombo is a luxury bush camp in the Musiara sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve on the east side of the Mara River.


100% (7 reviews)
Sand River Camp

Sand River Camp

Luxury colonial-style tented camp on the banks of the Sand River close to the Tanzania border – a great spot to see the wildebeest migration.


97% (6 reviews)
Sala's Camp

Sala's Camp

Sala’s Camp is a comfortable and intimate tented camp, with seven tented rooms, located on the banks of the Sand River, in the far south of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


96% (5 reviews)
Governors' Il Moran Camp

Governors' Il Moran

The smallest and most expensive of the three camps in the Governors’ group, Governors’ Il Moran Camp hugs a meander of the Mara River just 1km north of the main Governors’ Camp.


95% (4 reviews)
Angama Mara

Angama Mara

Angama Mara is a top-end luxury tented camp on the Siria-Oloololo escarpment of the Maasai Mara ecoystem, just above the Mara Triangle sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


100% (2 reviews)
Basecamp Maasai Mara

Basecamp Maasai Mara

Basecamp Maasai Mara is a family-friendly, award-winning eco-camp on a U-bend on the north bank of the Talek River, on the boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


70% (2 reviews)
Mara Ngenche Safari Camp

Ngenche Safari Camp

Mara Ngenche is a non-hosted, luxury tented camp with an antique style, which is perfect if you're looking for private dining while staying somewhere small and personal.


90% (2 reviews)
Mara Expedition Camp

Mara Expedition Camp

Mara Expedition Camp is a small luxury camp located on the banks of the Ntiakitiak River inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


100% (2 reviews)
Tipilikwani Mara Camp

Tipilikwani Camp

Tipilikwani Mara Camp is a larger, mid-range tented camp offering good value from its base on the Talek River just outside the Mara National Reserve.


100% (1 review)
Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Mara Serena Safari Lodge is a large safari hotel with views of the Mara River, in the Mara Triangle sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


No reviews yet
Mara Explorer Camp

Mara Explorer Camp

Mara Explorer is a smart tented camp is in a scenic location on a bend in the Talek River.


No reviews yet
Governors' Private Camp

Governors' Private Camp

Located on a secluded bend of the Mara River, Governor’s Private Camp has just eight tents and is booked on an exclusive basis.


No reviews yet
Topi House

Topi House

Topi House is a very good, three-bedroom fully staffed private house on the fringes of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


No reviews yet
Entim Camp

Entim Camp

Entim Camp is well located in the heart of the Mara National Reserve, offering traditionally styled tented accommodation.


No reviews yet
Ilkeliani Camp

Ilkeliani Camp

Ilkeliani Camp is a smart elegant camp overlooking the Talek River, on the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


No reviews yet
Naibor Camp

Naibor Camp

Naibor has a great location in the Mara reserve, and offers accommodation to suit different budgets, with stylish high-end tents and some simpler ones too.


No reviews yet
Ishara

Ishara

Ishara is a highly luxurious safari camp in the Maasai Mara, located on the Talek River, which is one of the best areas in Kenya for wildlife.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa