About Governors' Mugie House
Governors' Mugie House is a luxury lodge in north-western Laikipia, located in a commanding position in the Mugie Conservancy.
Lavishly furnished and decorated with art works, the lodge nestles amid carefully tended gardens alive with birdsong, on a hillside covered in a woodland of African olives (mutamaiyu). The Mugie Conservancy itself has been privately owned by the Hahn family, a wine-growing entrepreneurial dynasty from Switzerland, since the 1980s. In 2019, they licensed the long-established Governors' Camps to rebuild what had been a family home, to create a boutique lodge in the wilderness. The Hahn family relocated to a new residence west of the lodge, called Mutamaiyu House, which houses the works of oil painter-matriarch Gabbi Hahn and a large collection of African sculpture and artworks, some of which are displayed in the common areas of the lodge.
Our view
Governors' Mugie House is a top-notch, boutique safari lodge in a remote wildlife conservancy. Although Expert Africa hasn't yet stayed here, our visit in 2023 suggested it could perfectly suit honeymooners, and anyone looking for a luxury safari stay with very comfortable and well-furnished rooms, and outsandingly good meals.
Kenya expert
Accommodation
7 cottages
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Private activities
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 2 pictures of Governors' Mugie House to get the candid view.
View galleryGovernors' Mugie House: Our full report
Formerly known as Mutamaiyu House, Governors' Mugie House is an expansive country house lodge.
This is one of only two places to stay in Laikipia's most northwesterly wildlife conservancy – Mugie Conservancy – with views to the southeast across the conservancy and towards distant Mount Kenya. Driving north from Mugie airstrip to the lodge, you see a rather austere, fortress-like series of buildings up on the escarpment, partly shrouded by olive trees. Then the road curls upwards to arrive behind the property and you get your first impression of its commanding position. You walk from the parking area into a grand lounge and reception space which looks south across thousands of square miles of bush.
The interior of the building that houses this main lounge and dining area is expansive and classically stylish, with wrought iron chandeliers hanging from a beamed ceiling, big, comfy sofas, impressive sculptures and cut flowers. The old house’s original, full-height, iron-framed windows and French doors bring in loads of light, and a terrace runs along the full length of the building and down one side, with a beautifully finished, rustic palm tiled roof protecting the outside dining area from the fierce sun. Lunch is usually taken here, and indoors there’s a dining room for the dinner service. The full-size snooker table is a nice touch. There’s also a small gifts shop/display area.
Below the central buildings is the lodge’s main swimming pool and a spa.
The seven guest cottages at Governors’ Mugie (numbered #2 to #8 for some reason) are all spacious, en-suite rooms, with bath tubs and walk-in showers and attractive, wooden, twin-basin washstands with good toiletries. All the cottages are finished and furnished to a very high standard and including writing desks and day beds. You access the cottages from one side or the other of the central area, along well-shaded flagstone paths, through mature gardens, where many species of birds and butterflies are attractive distractions. Governors’ Mugie acts as something of a wildlife oasis in this relatively arid landscape, with its promise of year-round water and shade. The beautifully managed shamba (the lodge’s kitchen farm plot) is another draw for local wildlife, and the top-quality salad crops, vegetables and fruit that they grow here have to be carefully guarded. It’s well worth asking to be given a little tour – which makes Mugie’s meals even more appetising.
Cottage #2, facing out to the east, is considered the honeymoon suite and has a freestanding copper bathtub and an inviting plunge pool on its private terrace, with chairs and recliners.
Closer to the lounge-dining area are cottages #3 and #4. Then cottages #4, #5 and #6 flank the well planted hillside west of the central areas. The cottage bedrooms can all be set up with double or twin beds. All the other amenities you might expect - clothes storage, room safe, writing desk, comfy seating – are included. Cottage #4 has the best views of the wildlife hide at the base of the hill.
Cottage #8, on the far western side of the complex is the family suite, with its own large plunge pool on a private terrace. The cottage consists of a large living room, with a good sized en-suite bedroom off each side (again free-standing copper baths and walk-in showers, just like the honeymoon suite). There’s plenty of privacy here for parents at one end, while children sleep at the other, but the family cottage would also work for a group of friends.
Activities at Governors’ Mugie House include morning and afternoon game drives, as well as night drives with a spotlight. The lions on the conservancy include five collared lionesses (radio collars assist in predator research and monitoring the health of prides) and the lodge has a radio telemetry set allowing them to track their lions with guests across the conservancy (and warn the surrounding communities when lions have moved into their areas). With his gun licence, the lodge manager George van Wyk, Zim pro guide, conducts bush walks and is hoping to locate leopards, of which Mugie has many in the woodland areas. The wildlife hide by the waterhole at the bottom of the lodge’s hill, was completed in 2023, and has direct, secure access from the lodge itself.
Further afield, you can take a canoe out on the conservancy’s dam lake (close to the other camp on the conservancy, Ekorian’s Mugie Camp) or play golf on Kenya’s northernmost course (extra charges for clubs and caddy). At the conservancy headquarters you can be introduced to the “K9” team - the anti-poaching bloodhounds and their keepers, and also near the HQ you’re likely to meet the semi-tame Tala, a reticulated giraffe with a fondness for carrots who looms impossibly tall and close as your vehicle draws alongside her.
Geographics
- Location
- Laikipia, Kenya
- Ideal length of stay
- 3-4 nights
- Directions
- The closest airstrip for most scheduled flights is Loisaba airstrip, on the neighbouring conservancy of the same name, further to the southeast. It's 35km away and the transfer takes around 1 1/2 to 2 hours. if you fly here with Governors' Aviation, you will land at Mugie's own airstrip, 15 minutes drive away. There's a helipad if required.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Although nobody from Expert Africa has stayed at Governor's Mugie, we visited in 2023 and had lunch here. The meal was outstandingly good – fresh, well presented and delicious. We started with spinach and ricotta tortellini, followed by grilled tilapia with wasabi mayo, patatas bravas, an excellent salad of butternut and feta, and little tacos of coleslaw. This tapas-style selection was followed by chocolate nut semifreddo and a berry pavlova.
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available. Bush breakfasts and picnic lunches can be booked at extra cost. All dietary requirements can be catered for.
- Drinks included
- Purified water, soft and hot drinks, beers, house wines and standard spirits are all included in the rates.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The lodge prefers children to be aged 8 and above, but can make exceptions depending on circumstances.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- Governors' Mugie has a refined and adult atmosphere and we don't think it's ideal for young families.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The lodge has a backup generator for cloudy periods. Hair dryers are available in the cottages.
- Communications
- The Safaricom signal at Governors' Mugie is generally good, and the lodge has Wi-Fi throughout the property.
- TV & radio
- There are no TVs in the guest areas, but guests are welcome to join staff in the staff canteen for special sporting events.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- The lodge is supplied from a borehole at Mugie golf course. Drinking water is purified on-site using reverse osmosis. The lodge strives to be a plastic-free environment, and all guests are given refillable aluminium water bottles.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There's a clinic at the conservancy headquarters. Emergency cases would be evacuated by air to Nanyuki or Nairobi.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- The whole property has a high fence surrounding the base of the hill.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers scattered across the property.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included in guests' stays. It is machine-washed, line-dried and ironed.
- Money
- There are safes in all the cottages.
- Accepted payment on location
- The lodge accepts all payments by MasterCard or Visa. Tips can also be paid by card.
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Governors' Mugie House's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Governors' Mugie House.
Other lodges in Laikipia
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kicheche Laikipia
Kicheche Laikipia is the most luxurious tented camp of the handful of places to stay in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in central Laikipia.
Laikipia Wilderness
Laikipia Wilderness is a rustic owner-managed bush camp, in excellent wild dog territory, offering outstanding guiding.
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp is a comfortable and homely tented lodge, located in the Lewa Conservancy and offering a relatively exclusive safari away from mass tourism.
Lewa Wilderness
Lewa Wilderness is a comfortable, fenced safari lodge with nine cottages, great views and a huge range of activities.
El Karama Lodge
El Karama is a comfortably rustic, very personal, riverside eco-lodge on a game-rich private ranch in Laikipia, an hour’s drive north of Nanyuki airport.
Sosian
Sosian Lodge is a distinctive, estancia-style ranch house on a former cattle ranch, with great opportunities for riding, relaxing and seeing wild dogs and other savannah wildlife.
Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge
The community-owned Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge sits atop a small hill in the remote Il Ngwesi Group Ranch, a two-hour drive north of Lewa Conservancy in north-eastern Laikipia.
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is a simple camp, with comfortable tents, delivering an authentic wilderness experience backed up by good food and guiding.
Porini Rhino Camp
Porini Rhino Camp is a small, simple, well established tented camp, with a keen focus on sustainable and low-impact tourism.
Borana
Borana is a comfortable and striking lodge on the Borana Conservancy in eastern Laikipia, offering pleasant accommodation with good food and service and a very wide range of activities.
Sirikoi
Sirikoi is a small, very high-quality safari camp with excellent service and food and a wide selection of activities.
Kifaru House
Kifaru House is a small, stylish safari lodge in the Lewa Conservancy, with beautiful views across the landscape.
Lewa House
Lewa House is a very comfortable, boutique safari lodge located on the Lewa Conservancy, north of Mount Kenya.
Solio Lodge
Solio Lodge is an exclusive and luxurious bush lodge set in the private Solio Game Ranch in southern Laikipia.
Loisaba Tented Camp
Loisaba Tented Camp is a luxury safari base of tented rooms, ranged along a ridge in the Loisaba Conservancy, facing Mount Kenya. The camp was completely rebuilt in 2016.
Tassia Lodge
Tassia offers a unique wilderness experience in a remote location: come here for cultural interaction, stunning views and something a bit different.
Loisaba Star Beds
Loisaba Starbeds is a simple camp of 4 rooms with pull-out, open-air 'star beds', located near a dam in the Loisaba Conservancy, in northwestern Laikipia.
Sweetwaters Serena
Sweetwaters Serena is a large, older tented camp – the largest camp in the Laikipia region – in the eastern part of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Karisia Walking Safaris
Karisia Walking Safaris operates camel assisted, multi-day walking safaris from its main camp, Tumaren, set in a remote part of Laikipia.
Sandai
Sandai is a pretty, owner-run homestay, set between the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya, offering a range of activities at extra cost.
Lodo Springs
Lodo Springs is a spectacularly located luxury lodge in a remote spot in the Loisaba Conservancy, sister lodge to Loisaba Tented Camp and Loisaba Star Beds.
Sanctuary at Ol Lentille
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is an unusual safari lodge in northern Laikipia, consisting of three exclusive villas, and offering a huge range of activities.
Thomsons Falls Lodge
Thomsons Falls Lodge is a simple hotel dating back to the colonial era, located above the falls of the same name, near the western Laikipia town of Nyahururu.
Ekorian's Mugie Camp
Ekorian's Mugie Camp is a pleasant, family-friendly safari camp in a remote location in northwestern Laikipia.
When to go to Laikipia
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Governors' Mugie House in Laikipia
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Laikipia in January
Clear, warm days and mild nights make this a popular time for safaris in Laikipia. It's excellent for game viewing in all the conservancies, where water sources attract diverse wildlife. The dry conditions make it easier to spot black rhinos, lions and leopards. Star bed sleep-out options at a number of lodges are particularly magical under the clear night skies.
After the New Year period, many camps and lodges treat January as mid-season, offering good value. The landscape retains some greenery, enhancing photography.
- Clear days ideal for safaris
- Excellent visibility for wildlife viewing
- Dry riverbeds attract wildlife to water sources
- Calving season for wildebeest and antelopes
- Palearctic migrant birds abundant
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
Laikipia in February
With the short dry season well established in Laikipia, wildlife gathers close to water points, making it an excellent time for safaris. Ol Pejeta and Lewa Wildlife Conservancies offer prime viewing opportunities for endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebras. Solio Rhino Conservancy provides exceptional black rhino sightings during this period. The grass is grazed down, improving visibility across the region.
February is ideal for walking safaris, where you can appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem. The clear skies make stargazing from star beds an unforgettable experience. Cultural visits to local communities are particularly rewarding, as the pleasant weather encourages outdoor activities and interactions.
- Prime time for wildlife gathering near water
- Ideal conditions for walking safaris
- Palearctic migrant birds still present
- Low rainfall makes game drives rewarding
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Laikipia in March
As March progresses in Laikipia, the weather becomes increasingly hot and humid with more rain likely later in the month. Through most of the month, conditions are still good for game drives in most districts. As the month advances, the buildup to the rainy season becomes apparent.
This period can offer unique photographic opportunities as animals congregate around diminishing water sources. Accommodation costs decrease as the low season approaches.
- Early month offers great wildlife viewing
- Hot weather transitions to occasional rains
- Lower visitor numbers
- Lush vegetation begins to appear
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Laikipia in April
April usually sees established, serious rainfall in much of Laikipia, transforming the landscape. The southeast monsoon wind brings cooler temperatures and frequent downpours. While game viewing can be challenging due to lush vegetation, the green season offers unique experiences, with new-born animals visible among the verdant scenery.
The landscape bursts into life with vibrant colours, ideal for photography. Birdwatching is excellent with many species breeding. This is a quieter time for tourism, with lower accommodation rates at many places allowing for a more exclusive safari experience for great levels of service.
- Long rains begin, transforming landscapes
- Green season offers unique photo opportunities
- Lower rates at Laikipia's luxury lodges
- Buffalo and zebra calving season commences
- Birdwatching excellent
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Laikipia in May
May in Laikipia is characterised by ongoing rains and lush vegetation. While game viewing can be trickier, the vibrant landscapes offer spectacular photographic opportunities with very little dust. The landscapes are a sea of green, with diverse and thriving flora.
This is an excellent time for birdwatching across the region as breeding season continues. The Ewaso Nyiro river swells impressively. Despite potential challenges, patient visitors may witness dramatic scenes of predators hunting in the thick vegetation.
- Lush vegetation makes wildlife spotting trickier
- Great for landscape and nature photography
- Rutting season for wildebeest and impalas
- Frog breeding season in Laikipia's wetlands
- Mount Kenya views improve with clearer air
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Laikipia in June
As June progresses in Laikipia, the rains give way to slightly cooler, cloudy weather. This transition marks the beginning of a long, generally dry, high season for visitors. Game viewing improves as vegetation starts to thin, and conditions are comfortable.
The Ewaso Nyiro river, still full from the rains, attracts diverse wildlife. Accommodation rates begin to rise, reflecting the start of peak season.
- Rains subside, ushering in cooler weather
- High season begins with increased visitors
- Comfortable conditions game viewing
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Laikipia in July
July in Laikipia brings cooler temperatures and ideal conditions for safaris. Animals concentrate around water sources on the conservancies, providing excellent game viewing opportunities.
July marks the peak of the high season, with higher accommodation rates and visitor numbers. The dry conditions make it easier to spot elusive species like leopards and black rhinos.
- Cool weather perfect for walking and riding
- Wildlife concentrates around water sources
- Excellent conditions for photography tours
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
Laikipia in August
August in Laikipia offers mild, dry weather, perfect for safaris. The conservancies teem with wildlife, including endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebras. The landscapes offer stunning vistas and excellent conditions for game drives and walking safaris. The dry conditions make it easier to spot big cats across the region. This is peak season, so expect higher visitor numbers and accommodation rates.
You might consider combining your Laikipia safari with a stay at the nearby Samburu National Reserve, known for its “northern five” species – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.
- Peak season for wildlife viewing in Laikipia
- Mild weather ideal for outdoor activities
- Busy period requires advance bookings
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
Laikipia in September
As September progresses in Laikipia, the weather typically remains dry with clearing skies, signalling excellent safari conditions. Early September can be busy, but visitor numbers decrease later in the month. In the conservancies, game viewing is exceptional as animals congregate around limited water sources.
September generally offers excellent conditions for photography.
- Hot, dry weather with good visibility
- Quieter period for more exclusive safaris
- Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Laikipia in October
October in Laikipia brings generally hot and mostly dry conditions, ideal for safaris. It's a favourite month for many visitors due to the good weather and fewer visitors. The conservancies offer excellent game viewing, with animals concentrated around water sources. The Solio Rhino Conservancy provides exceptional rhino sightings in the dry conditions.
Birdwatching is rewarding as Palearctic migrants begin to arrive. Cultural visits to Maasai communities remain a highlight. Consider combining your Laikipia safari with a trip to the nearby Samburu National Reserve for a diverse wildlife experience.
- Warm or hot and mostly dry conditions for safaris
- Migratory birds start arriving
- Perfect for photography
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Laikipia in November
November in Laikipia marks the beginning of the short rains, usually in the latter half of the month. This transition brings about dramatic changes in the landscape. Early November can still offer good game viewing before the rains intensify. Then the bush begins to green, creating beautiful scenery.
As the low season begins, accommodation rates decrease, and visitor numbers drop too, allowing for a more exclusive safari experience. Birdwatching becomes excellent with the arrival of many migratory species. November is ideal for photographers capturing the changing landscapes and dramatic skies, with low dust and clear air. Cultural visits to Maasai communities offer insights into how local life adapts to the changing seasons.
- Short rains begin, transforming landscapes
- Low season offers better rates and privacy
- Excellent time for birdwatching in Laikipia
- Lush scenery provides stunning backdrops
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Laikipia in December
In a typical December, Laikipia sees the short rains finish by mid-month, leaving the landscape at its most beautiful. Clear blue skies return, heralding the start of the second peak visitor season from around 20 December onwards. The conservancies offer excellent game viewing with lush backdrops.
Christmas can occasionally be wet, but most years see perfect safari conditions by the festive season. This is an ideal time to combine wildlife viewing with cultural experiences, such as visiting Maasai communities.
- Rains typically end, leaving landscapes lush
- Peak tourist season begins mid-month
- Christmas safaris popular in conservancies
- Night sky clarity ideal for stargazing
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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