Essential Guide to Governors Camp: Experience the Best of Maasai Mara
Table of Contents
Location and Setting
Nestled in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Governors’ Camp occupies a prime location along the winding banks of the Mara River. This serene setting within a lush riverine forest offers guests a tranquil retreat amidst nature’s splendor. The camp’s proximity to the Mara River and the expansive Masai Mara National Reserve ensures unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, including the iconic Mara River crossings.
Established in 1972 as Africa’s first permanent tented camp, Governors’ Camp has been a pioneer in immersive and transformational safaris, setting the standard for eco-tourism in the region. With a strong focus on community and conservation projects, the camp not only provides an authentic

Accommodation Options
Governors’ Camp offers a variety of luxurious accommodation options designed to provide guests with comfort and a genuine connection to the natural surroundings. The camp features spacious and well-appointed permanent tented camps, with a total of 30 tents, including 21 classic safari tents, 8 family tents, and 1 safari suite. Each tent offers a unique blend of traditional safari charm and modern amenities. Guests can choose from a range of tents, including family tents that cater to larger groups, ensuring everyone enjoys a memorable stay.

Each tent is equipped with en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water, hot water bottles for chilly nights, and private verandas that offer stunning views of the riverine forest and the Mara River. The tents are strategically positioned to ensure privacy while allowing guests to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the Masai Mara. With a focus on sustainability, the camp operates with a Silver Eco Rating, emphasizing its commitment to eco-friendly practices and conservation efforts.
Facilities and Services
Governors’ Camp provides an array of facilities and services to enhance the guest experience. The on-site restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring both international and local cuisine, with options to cater to dietary restrictions, including specially prepared halal meals. Guests can enjoy their meals in the dining tent or opt for alfresco dining amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Masai Mara. The camp also offers a range of activities, including hot air balloon safaris over the Masai Mara at an additional cost, game drives, and guided walking safaris, allowing guests to explore the rich wildlife and scenic beauty of the region.
For those seeking relaxation, the camp provides spa treatments and massages, ensuring a rejuvenating experience. Guests can enjoy a luxury spa that offers various treatments after a day of safari activities. The attentive staff members are dedicated to making each guest feel like not just a customer but a welcomed guest, providing personalized gifts and exceptional service throughout their stay. With its prime location, outstanding facilities, and commitment to sustainability, Governors’ Camp offers an unforgettable safari experience in the heart of the Masai Mara.
Dining and Cuisine
At Governors’ Camp, dining is an experience in itself. Guests can savor delicious meals in the dining tent or enjoy alfresco dining surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Masai Mara. The on-site restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring both international and local cuisine, with options to cater to dietary restrictions, including specially prepared halal meals

Meal times are a highlight, with guests treated to continental and full English breakfasts, leisurely alfresco lunches, and elegant a la carte dinners. For those embarking on game drives, the camp provides packed breakfasts and picnic lunches, ensuring you never miss a moment of wildlife viewing. A particularly special experience is the champagne breakfast, offered to guests who take part in the hot air balloon safaris, providing a luxurious start to the day with stunning aerial views of the Mara. Governors’ Camp’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of locally sourced ingredients and its Silver Eco Rating from Eco Tourism Kenya, reflecting its dedication to responsible tourism practices.
Activities and Experiences: Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Romance and Honeymoon
For couples seeking a romantic escape, Governors’ Camp offers an idyllic setting perfect for honeymoons and special anniversaries. The luxurious tents and suites provide a serene and intimate atmosphere, complete with private verandas and en-suite bathrooms.
Couples can indulge in romantic dinners under the stars, enjoy relaxing massages and spa treatments, and take in the breathtaking views of the Masai Mara from a hot air balloon safari, complete with a champagne breakfast. The camp is known for providing spectacular views of wildlife from each tent’s private veranda, adding to the magical experience. The magical settings and personalized service at Governors’ Camp create an unforgettable experience, allowing couples to connect with nature and each other in a truly unique way.

Family and Children
Governors’ Camp is an ideal destination for families, offering a range of activities and amenities designed to cater to guests of all ages. The spacious family tents can comfortably accommodate up to two adults and two children, featuring en-suite bathrooms and private verandas. Children can engage in a variety of activities, from wildlife viewing and tracking animals to visiting the local Maasai village.
Daily game drives at Governors’ Camp are led by experienced and qualified guides who know the best wildlife spots, ensuring families have the opportunity to witness the incredible wildlife of the Masai Mara. The camp’s kids’ club provides fun and educational experiences, teaching children about the local wildlife and conservation efforts. With its welcoming atmosphere and supportive environment, Governors’ Camp ensures that families have an unforgettable African safari experience, where children can learn and grow while creating lasting memories.
Wildlife Viewing and Conservation in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike, offering some of the most exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. At Governors’ Camp, guests are immersed in the heart of this natural wonder, where the diverse ecosystems support a rich variety of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The reserve is also home to cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and an abundance of bird life, making it a prime location for both game drives and walking safaris.
One of the most spectacular wildlife events in the Maasai Mara is the Great Migration, a breathtaking phenomenon where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores traverse the Mara River in search of greener pastures. This dramatic crossing is a highlight for visitors, offering an unforgettable experience as they witness the raw power and beauty of nature. The camp’s strategic location along the banks of the Mara River ensures guests have front-row seats to this awe-inspiring event.
Governors’ Camp is deeply committed to conservation efforts within the Maasai Mara, actively participating in projects aimed at preserving the delicate ecosystems and protecting endangered species. The camp collaborates with local communities and conservation organizations to implement sustainable practices and support initiatives such as anti-poaching patrols, wildlife monitoring, and habitat restoration. Guests are encouraged to engage in these efforts, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs of wildlife conservation in the region.
By choosing to stay at Governors’ Camp, visitors contribute to the ongoing preservation of the Maasai Mara, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of this iconic reserve. The camp’s dedication to conservation and community involvement provides guests with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between people, wildlife, and the environment, creating a truly enriching safari experience.
Culture and Community
Governors’ Camp is deeply committed to supporting the local Maasai community and conservation projects within the Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp collaborates closely with local communities to promote sustainable tourism practices and support conservation initiatives, such as protecting wildlife habitats and preserving traditional Maasai culture. Governors’ Camp also funds projects such as schools and health clinics, further contributing to the well-being of the local community.
Guests have the opportunity to visit the local Maasai village, gaining insight into the traditional way of life, and participate in community-based projects like tree planting and wildlife monitoring. By engaging with these initiatives, guests at Governors’ Camp can enjoy a unique and authentic cultural experience, contributing to the preservation of the local environment and community. This commitment to responsible tourism practices underscores Governors’ Camp’s dedication to making a positive impact on both the environment and the local communities.
Scenic Landscapes
The Masai Mara is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, offering a visual feast for nature lovers and photographers alike. The vast savannahs, dotted with acacia trees and teeming with wildlife, provide a stunning backdrop for any safari adventure. The winding banks of the Mara River and the lush riverine forest create a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Visitors to Governors’ Camp are treated to some of the best wildlife viewing locations in East Africa, where they can witness the incredible spectacle of the Great Migration and the dramatic Mara River crossings. The camp’s prime location within the Masai Mara National Reserve ensures guests are never far from the action, whether it’s spotting the Big Five or observing the rich bird life that calls this area home. The scenic landscapes of the Masai Mara offer an unforgettable experience, where every moment is a chance to connect with nature and capture the beauty of this iconic African wilderness.
Serene Masai Mara landscape bathed in warm light, showcasing a few majestic giraffes gracefully moving across the savanna, their long necks reaching above the low-lying vegetation.
Planning Your Trip
Planning a trip to Governors’ Camp requires careful consideration to ensure you make the most of your safari experience. Start by choosing the best time to visit, with the dry season from June to October being ideal for wildlife viewing, while the wet season from November to May offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred accommodation and activities.
Governors Camp Social Media profiles:
Other Lodges in Masai Mara National Reserve:
Welcome to AjKenya Safaris
Thanks for stopping by! We’re excited to help you plan an unforgettable safari.
- Phone: +254 748 258880
- WhatsApp: +254 748 258880
- Email: [email protected]
- Email: [email protected]