Governors Camp in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya - Review & Photos.
Governors Camp is a special place nestled in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Since its establishment in 1972, it has been a leader in providing the ultimate safari experience. The camp is located next to the winding banks of the Mara River, offering breathtaking views of the river and the abundant wildlife that calls this place home. Guests can enjoy an unforgettable adventure, surrounded by one of Africa’s most stunning natural wonders. The camp’s unique location and dedication to excellence make it a truly immersive experience in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
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Geography and Climate
Governors Camp is situated within the Masai Mara National Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in southwestern Kenya. Nestled beside the winding banks of the Mara River, the camp enjoys a prime location that serves as a lifeline for the abundant wildlife in the area. The Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and lush riverine forests, creating a diverse and breathtaking landscape that captivates visitors.
The climate in the Masai Mara is generally warm and temperate, making it an ideal destination year-round. The region experiences two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from November to December. The dry season, which spans from June to October, is particularly favorable for game viewing. During this time, wildlife congregates around the Mara River and other water sources, offering guests unparalleled opportunities to witness the rich biodiversity of the reserve.
Places to Visit
The Masai Mara National Reserve is a treasure trove of natural wonders, home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the reserve’s abundant birdlife, with over 470 species recorded. Some must-visit locations within the reserve include:
The Mara River: This key location is a hotspot for game viewing, especially during the great migration when thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross its treacherous waters.
The Oloololo Escarpment: Offering stunning panoramic views of the reserve, this scenic viewpoint is perfect for capturing the vast beauty of the Masai Mara.
The Mara Triangle: Known for its high concentration of wildlife, this region provides excellent opportunities for spotting predators and their prey in action.
The Musiara Swamp: A haven for bird species and other wildlife, this swampy area is a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Accommodations
Governors Camp offers 30 spacious tents, including 21 classic safari tents, 8 family tents, and 1 safari suite. Each tent is designed to be light, bright, and airy, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of adventure. The en-suite bathrooms are equipped with a shower, basin, flush toilet, and both hot and cold running water, ensuring all the comforts of home. Decorated in a classic safari style, the tents feature comfortable furnishings and private verandas that offer uninterrupted views of the Mara River or the surrounding bush. Governors Camp offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.
Activities at Little Governors’ Camp
In the middle of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Governors’ Camp has lots of fun things for visitors to do, like exciting game drives. These drives are a chance to see the amazing animals that live in the Masai Mara all year round.
Guests can go on game drives three times a day, choosing to leave camp at sunrise, late morning, or in the afternoon to explore the vast African landscape. The guides are very experienced and know all the best places to spot the Big Five animals. They take guests in open-top vehicles, perfect for seeing and taking pictures of the animals. For those who want to see the Masai Mara at night, there are also special night game drives.
Another exciting activity is the hot air balloon safaris. These safaris take place over the stunning landscapes of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, starting before dawn. Guests leave camp early in the morning and take off in a balloon to float over the Mara River, forests, and open plains. It’s a thrilling way to see the animals from high above. After landing, guests enjoy a celebratory champagne breakfast and more animal watching on the way back to camp.
Guests can also go on sunrise walking safaris to see the beauty of the Masai Mara up close. Led by expert guides, these walks let visitors get closer to the wildlife. After the walk, there’s a tasty bush breakfast and a drive back to camp for lunch. There are also guided bush walks to learn about the plants and animals in the area.
Governors’ Camp loves to share African traditions and invites guests to visit local Maasai villages. These trips include meeting people from the Maasai villages and learning about their culture and way of life.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Governors Camp is during the dry season, from June to October, when the wildlife is most active and the grasslands are dry, making it easier to spot animals. This period also coincides with the great migration, typically occurring from July to October, when an abundance of wildlife traverses the reserve, creating a spectacular natural phenomenon. The Wildebeest migration is celebrated as the largest overland animal migration on earth.
Getting There
Governors Camp is easily accessible by both air and road. The nearest airport is Keekorok Airstrip, just a 10-minute drive from the camp. Guests can also fly into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and take a charter flight to Keekorok Airstrip. For those preferring a road trip, the camp is approximately a 5-hour drive from Nairobi, offering a scenic journey through Kenya’s diverse landscapes.
Governors Camp Masai Mara National Reserve – Wrapping Up
Governors’ Camp is nestled within the Masai Mara National Reserve, adjacent to the meandering Mara River. This prime location allows guests to witness an array of wildlife, including diverse bird species, hippos, and crocodiles. The camp is discreetly situated in a riverine forest, providing a refreshing retreat from the Kenyan heat, and offers a magical setting for wildlife sightings.
In the Masai Mara, guests may encounter a lioness and her cubs traversing the golden plains, while antelope and wildebeest cross the Mara River, creating unforgettable vistas.
Governors’ Camp boasts 30 tents strategically placed along the riverbank, comprising 21 classic safari tents, 8 family tents, and 1 safari suite. This unique setting ensures that only canvas separates you from the expansive Kenyan wilderness. Each tent is nestled within the forest, offering unobstructed views of the Mara River or the surrounding bush. Designed to be light, bright, and airy, the tents feature private verandas that showcase the landscape’s beauty, regardless of the weather. All tents are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, complete with a shower, basin, flush toilet, and both hot and cold running water for your convenience.
Dining at Governors’ Camp includes a variety of options, such as continental and full English breakfasts, al fresco lunches, and a la carte dinners. For those embarking on excursions, picnics and packed meals are available, and special bush meals can be arranged for an additional fee.
Governors’ Camp is proud to hold a Silver Eco Rating and provides Cinnabar Green toiletries, crafted in Kenya with natural ingredients to safeguard the environment. Products like shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, and body lotion are replenished in reusable containers to minimize plastic waste. Guests are encouraged to use these eco-friendly products during their stay.
Additionally, Governors’ Camp features a luxurious spa where guests can indulge in massages, facials, body scrubs, manicures, and pedicures after a day in the African savannah. Above all, Governors’ Camp offers a welcoming atmosphere of comfort and adventure.
