Governors' Camp

OVERVIEW:

Service standards at Governors’ are generally exceptional, as the camp prides itself on a personal, attentive and friendly approach. With over forty years’ experience, the camp is rightly confident in its ability to provide memorable experiences! We recommend Governors’ Camp to travelers who like to be in the thick of the action! If you would prefer a smaller and quieter option, we suggest sister camp, Little Governors'. 

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

It has a fabulous location along the banks of the famous Mara River and its name derives from the colonial governors for whom the site was reserved about a century ago. The camp is also home and base of the BBC series Big Cat Diary! It is close to the Musiara airstrip and Musiara gate, so for some travelers it feels very crowded. However, it has a lot of plus points, not least that its large size makes it ideal for big groups looking for a tented safari.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT GOVERNOR'S CAMP: 

The entire site comprises an unfenced area of 1.6 hectares, including a lot of the original woodland. The camp has its own Reception hut and a small curio shop, features that contribute to the feel of a large lodge. The lounge/dining tent is a vast marquee, with tiled flooring and comfortable furnishings. It is open-sided to provide amazing views down to the river! The bar tent is situated on the river bank and it has its own deck too. This is a great place to get settled on a chunky barstool, order in a few drinks, and swap stories with your fellow travelers! You can also get to know the wildlife around camp – elephant like to put in an appearance, while dwarf mongoose are often in residence here.

Governors’ guest accommodation is connected to its communal areas by paths laid in crazy paving. In total, there are 37 tents – 28 on the riverbank and 9 looking out over the plains. Six of the plains tents are family units. All standard tents are a good size, with a concrete base and a solid steel frame supporting sturdy canvas walls. Each has two flysheets, to keep out insects and to protect guests from strong sunlight. Inside, rush mats cover the concrete floor and there is either a double bed or twin beds. Other furniture consists of bedside tables and a compact dressing table and chair, while a table with two director’s chairs is positioned on each tent’s veranda so guests can sit and enjoy those views. The en-suite facilities comprise flush toilet, washbasin and walk-in shower, housed within the tent on a tiled floor and with wooden walls (half-height panels). Overall, the style is traditional and serviceable, with electricity for charging batteries available from 5 o’clock in the morning until 11 o’clock at night.

ACTIVITIES AT GOVERNOR'S CAMP:

• Activities at Governors’ focus on viewing the local wildlife. Due to its position along the banks of the River Mara, the camp is perfectly positioned for guests to view the Great Migration! This spectacular event occurs from July to October, after the rains have encouraged the growth of green grass upon formerly dry savanna.
• All year round, game drives are available twice per day, providing excellent opportunities to get to know the local area and beyond. There is loads to see in the reserve – all Big Five animals and an abundance of other predators and herbivores!
• Guests can also take a hot air balloon safari to experience the reserve from up high, with departures just before dawn from Governors’ sister camp Little Governors’.
• Cultural excursions are possible too, as guests are invited to visit the Maasai homestead Mara Rianda, situated a short distance outside the reserve. And if you fancy a day or overnight trip, staff at Governors’ are happy to arrange an outing to the very scenic and pristine Island of Mfangano on Lake Victoria!

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