Wilderness Mara

OVERVIEW:

Formerly Little Governors’ Camp, the new Wilderness Mara is set to open in June 2026, following a complete overhaul. This is major news, given the property’s longstanding status as one of the finest camps in the Maasai Mara with a truly splendid location. Indeed, Wilderness Mara is the only camp that allows guests to access both sides of the Mara River, guaranteeing an intimate, personalised safari experience with enhanced wildlife-viewing opportunities. A classic safari camp with all the Wilderness touches and expertise, Wilderness Mara will undoubtedly be one of the year’s most exciting openings. Rates are full board and include accommodation, all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, game-viewing activities, airstrip transfers, and laundry.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Wilderness Mara occupies a superb location in the Mara Triangle within Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. Kichwa Tembo is the closest airstrip, served by Governors’ Aviation, Air Kenya, and Safarilink. The flight time from Nairobi Wilson is approximately 45 minutes, followed by a 15-minute game drive transfer.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT WILDERNESS MARA:

The new Wilderness Mara offers 12 generously sized tented suites, spaced well apart from each other for maximum privacy. Now in keeping with a smaller, more intimate experience, the style connects to the surrounding environment while incorporating all the comforts Wilderness is known for. Completely re-designed, each tent is elevated off the ground on its own shaded deck overlooking an active marsh brimming with wildlife. All units have indoor and outdoor showers, ensuring guests maximise their time in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife-viewing regions. It should be noted that there are currently no family tents, making the camp more suitable for those travelling with older children.

Wilderness Mara’s semi-open communal areas include lounge, bar, and dining spaces with views of the marsh, a relaxing spa with a selection of wellness treatments, a gym, and an outdoor swimming pool with plenty of shaded space for lounging between safari activities. There’s also a photographic studio where guests can process their favourite wildlife captures from the day’s action. The camp runs on solar power, with Wi-Fi access for guest use.

ACTIVITIES AT WILDERNESS MARA:

With its incredible location in the Mara Triangle, Wilderness Mara’s activities mainly focus on game drives. Cultural visits can also be arranged, and hot air balloon rides launch from a point close by.

• Game drives

  - Wilderness Mara is the only camp that offers guests access to both sides of the Mara River. This means safarists benefit from the full drama of river crossings with more space to escape the crowds. Morning and afternoon game drives are led by professional guides, though please be aware that night drives aren’t permitted within the reserve.

• Birding

  - Home to more than 470 bird species, the Maasai Mara is an ornithologist’s delight, and drives can be tailored specifically towards birding for those with a keen interest. Don’t forget your binoculars!

• Community visits

  - For insight into Maasai life, stop at one of the local villages on a community visit, where you’ll have access to a traditional manyatta (homestead).

• Hot air ballooning

  - Soar high above the Maasai Mara on an exhilarating hot air balloon excursion, viewing the wildlife from an aerial perspective as it traverses the plains. Please note that this experience incurs an additional cost.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request a staff member to escort you if you have any concerns. Guests are escorted after dark as a matter of course.