Governors' Camp

Governors' Camp is a tented safari camp standing in a forested setting beside the Mara River. The camp is in the premier game-viewing area of the Masai Mara – only a century ago, it was reserved for the exclusive use of Kenya’s colonial governors; and Governors’ has hosted the Big Cat film crew for over a decade. 

Accommodation

Governors’ (Main) Camp has 37 comfortable, luxury tents, all with en suite shower, basin and flush w.c. Some tents enjoy open views over the Mara River; others provide view of the plains; all have a private verandah. The Justus Suite has a particularly private location and is the icing on the cake for a romantic safari.

The eight upgraded tents of Private Camp, on a bend in the Mara River, provide an authentic safari experience for private groups of 4-16. With a dedicated camp manager, guides, tracker and chef, Private Camp is perfect for an unpretentious, exclusive safari – or family celebration.  Lighting is provided by gas and paraffin lamps, preserving the atmosphere of an authentic safari. Power points for charging electrical equipment are available at reception, and there is a special area for hair-dryers.

Food

Weather permitting, breakfast and lunch are served outside, but there also is a spacious dining tent with views of the Mara River and the plains. Breakfast is a buffet offering an enormous choice, with hot dishes cooked to order. Dinner is a 4-course affair, with a choice of main course and dessert. Governors’ has made a big investment in new menus and staff training and people are enthusiastic about the meals at the camp.

Activities

Game drives with experienced driver-guides in the Masai Mara National Reserve are the main activity, and Governors’ offers three per day: early morning, after breakfast and an afternoon game drive. Safari vehicles are open Landrovers.

A traditional campfire is lit each evening and the opportunity to exchange stories by its flickering light rounds off a memorable day on safari. Governors’ also offers game walks in a private concession, hot-air balloon safaris, and visits to a nearby manyatta and the local school. 

Facilities

The bar offers views of the plains and the Mara River. The curio shop also stocks essential items you may have forgotten. The camp has phone, fax and email, as well as a satellite phone.

Community & Conservation

Governors’ was a finalist in last year’s The Times Green Spaces Awards. It is a good employer, which is reflected in the number of long-serving staff it retains. It has provided major support for the Mara Rianda Primary school over many years and successfully enlisted further support from other sources. It has an ambitious tree-planting project to stem, and maybe reverse, the decline of the riverine forest by making good on elephant depredations with indigenous trees. Governors’ has a zero-waste policy and an ambitious energy-reduction programme. My own favourite project is the inspiring bio-gas plant near Mara Rianda village. And there’s more…