Governors Camp, Masai Mara

Along the banks of the Mara River surrounded by forests is Governors’ camp which is located in what can be considered to be a prime location for game viewing. It was initially constructed for the colonial governors who saw it as the best way to spend prime time away from the city Centres as they enjoyed wildlife viewing. Although Governors; camp is one of the largest camps in Masai Mara, it is hard to see notice this since you will be able to see a few tents at a time amounting to about 37 tents.

The Governors’ Camp was created in 1972 and was one of the camps that set the pace for the luxurious tented safari camps in Kenya. It has been known to host a variety of tourists who keep coming back due to the perfect location of the tents that allows for clear views of the River and the vast plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve. A few of the 37 tented rooms have views of the Masai Mara plains whereas others face the Mara River.

Governors’ camp was the first permanently based safari-tented camp in Masai Mara and it was chosen because of its location later on being called the perfect Governors’ getaway destination in Kenya. The camp is not fenced and guests get to enjoy the migration action and random animals crossing through the camp as they head down to the Mara River for a drink. The camp has been awarded a Silver Eco Rating for its services and sustainable things or practices in the camp.

The fees paid at the camp include laundry services, accommodation, three meals a day, two game drives for each day you are there, WIFI, and Airstrip transfers. It however excludes park entry fees, flights, and premium drinks among others.

When booking at the Governors’ camp, consider the wildebeest migration which takes place from June to September. The wildebeest migration sees over one million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles crossing from Serengeti to Masai Mara in Kenya. The strategic location of the camp along the bank of the Mara River means that you will be given first-class viewing of the wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River and other animal species drinking water, especially during the dry season. This means that there will be a lot of tourists wanting to get a good look at the animals and we advise that you book in advance to be able to get accommodation at the Governors’ camp.

Activities offered at the camp

Game drives: there are two game drives that are offered every day to guests at the Governors’ camp throughout your stay at the camp and these are offered both in the morning and late afternoon hours. During the game drives, you get to spot the big five and enjoy the wildebeest migration and several bird species.

Masai Mara cultural visits: Masai Mara cultural visits give you a chance to experience the unique culture of the Masai people and learn several skills like hunting, tracking animals, making spearheads, and learning the famous jumping Masai dance.

Guided nature walks: These are carried out by professional guides who know the best spots for spotting animals in the Masai Mara.

A flying Safari to Lake Victoria

Hot air balloon rides

Boat rides along the Mara River

Our 3 days Flying safari to Masai Mara from Mombasa is a perfect example of a safari tour that we can organize for and include the Governor’s Camp.

Food and beverages

Food at the Governors’ camp is prepared by the best and most well-trained chefs with breakfast and lunch served at the River bank. Lunch is usually a buffet style which includes desserts, roast meats, international and local cuisines and not forgetting fresh vegetables. Dinner is a different affair served in a candlelit dining tent and a 4-course meal is served with a different selection of main courses. Cocktails and other premium drinks are usually served after dinner as guests enjoy the bonfire and share stories about their day.

The bar that overlooks Mara River serves all kinds of drinks like cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits which include both local and international premium drinks. Make your choice and sip as you enjoy the clear views of the Mara River and the sunset. The Governors’ camp comes with a complete massage parlor, manicure and pedicure services, and spa treatments for all their guests.

Note that all the guides and staff at the camp are trained and have silver qualifications from the professional safari Guides Association in Kenya making them extremely knowledgeable about what they d and the National Reserve. The staff will always be around to make sure that you are extremely comfortable throughout your stay.

Accommodation at the camp

The Governors’ camp has 37 spacious luxury tents that are filled with facilities like a private Veranda, flush toilet, en-suite bathrooms, a basin, running electricity, plug points used for charging, and many more. Many of the tents at the camp have a good view of the Mara River where the crossings of the wildebeest migration from Serengeti into Masai Mara in Kenya. They also have a family tent that is a new addition and it has a capacity of five people, and be sure to ask about the Justus Suite which is great for couples on their honeymoon. The 30 tents include 21 classic safari tents lined up along the river bank, 1 safari suite, and 8 family tents.

The main governors’ camp: the main camp has 8 double tents and 30 twin-bedded tents each of which has a private veranda and en-suite shower rooms. It also has a honeymoon tent that is secluded from the rest giving newly wedded couples their much-needed privacy.

Governors’ private camp: the private camp is filled with luxury and all the privacy that guests need and can accommodate a maximum of four guests at the same time.

Little Governors ‘camp: this is part of the Governors’ camp and can be accessed by boat ride.

The news tent is where most of the meals are served including Continental meals, a full English breakfast and buffet style lunch, and dinner. You can request private meals if you so wish as long as it is done in advance, bush dinners can also be arranged and the camp also provides picnics plus packed lunches for tourists spending the whole day game driving.