Governors' Private Camp: Our full report

Located in a wooded area on a secluded bend of the Mara River Governor’s Private Camp is a small camp of ...

... eight tents booked on an exclusive basis.

Governors’ Private Camp is nestled in a forested area on the banks of the Mara River in the northwest corner of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It is a peaceful and picturesque spot with wonderful birdlife as well as plenty of hippo and crocodile in the river below.

This camp has a similar vibe to the other camps in the Governors' Camp group; a scenic location, friendly staff and good guiding. For an exclusive booking camp, this is relatively large camp, but would be perfect for larger families or groups travelling together, looking to avoid the sometimes hectic feel of the main Governors’ Camp. In order to book Governors’ Private camp guests must pay for a minimum of six tents for two nights.

The central areas are simple but thoughtfully designed. There is a dining tent, with a very large dark wooden dining table. Evening meals are usually taken inside the tent, although if guests are in camp then you usually have lunch outside under the shade of the trees.

The separate lounge tent, has a few cream sofas and armchairs, scattered with colourful cushions and throws. Antique touches, such as the gold gilded dresser, old gramophone and oil lamps bring a bit of an artistic flair and a touch of luxury to the room.

The tented bedrooms are a reasonably good size, and feel light and airy, despite the fairly dark coloured wooden floor and décor. There are four tents with king-sized beds and four twin rooms. Each room has a large en-suite bathroom at one end, with a flush toilet and an open sided powerful shower. Locally produced eco-toiletries are provided.

As at the other Governors’ camps, daily activities are centered around game drives. You typically go out first thing in the morning, returning to the camp for a late breakfast (if this is not taken to go) or lunch, and then you head out again in the late afternoon. Being a private camp means there is the opportunity to be more flexible with timings. Arrangements are made with the guides who will always try to fit in with guests’ wishes. Balloon flights can easily be organized from here. The launch site is at sister camp Little Governors’, a ten-minute drive away.

Our view

Governor’s Private Camp has a picturesque and secluded wooded location and offers the Governors' experience on an exclusive basis, making this an ideal camp for larger families or groups travelling together.

Lyndsey Marris

Kenya expert

Geographics

Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Ideal length of stay: Four nights.
Directions: From Musiara airstrip it is a 15 minute drive to camp.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: We have not yet had the chance to dine at Governors’ Private Camp, but would expect that the quality of the food here matches that of the sister camps.

Guests often go out for a long morning game drive, or take a balloon flight – which both include a bush breakfast – so the opportunity to enjoy a big breakfast in camp doesn't arise every day. But if you are here for breakfast, then a cooked breakfast to order, and plenty of choice, from fruit, cereals, pastries and bread is always available.

Lunch is usually served as a small buffet and includes varied choices from dishes such as tandoori chicken curry, rice, moussaka, freshly baked breads and salads.

Dinner is served a la carte, usually with two options per course.

Dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: Drinks included. Extra charge for premium spirits and wines.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children welcome, but there are no specific activities or special equipment for children.
Property’s age restrictions: None.
Special activities & services: None.
Equipment: None.
Generally recommended for children: As the camp is booked on an exclusive basis this is a good option for family groups, however there are no specific activities or special equipment for children.
Notes: As usual, children will always need very close supervision in an environment where wildlife is present.

Communications

Power supply notes: Charging points and lights in rooms 24 hours.
Communications: There's usually patchy cell phone network. Wi-fi is available in camp.
TV & radio: No.
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: Reverse osmosis system in place for drinking water.

Health & safety

Medical care: First-aid kits are located in the camp. There is a medical professional located at the main Governors’ Camp. The camp has links to the flying doctors service for serious medical emergencies.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Askaris patrol the camp day and night. After dark, guests are always accompanied around camp.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers dotted around the camp.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Laundry service included. Soap powder is provided in rooms for washing your own underwear.
Money: There are no safes. Valuables can be sent to Governors' main camp for secure storage. No currency exchange facility.
Accepted payment on location: Cash payments may be made in US dollars, euros or Kenyan shillings. Visa and Mastercard are accepted with no surcharge.