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Essential Guide to Governors' Camp: Experience the Best of Maasai Mara
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You’re in the right place to plan an epic trip! Let me tell you about a truly special safari camp: Governors’ Camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara. This isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a place where you can feel the pulse of the wild.
Prime Location in the Masai Mara
Governors’ Camp is situated in a fantastic location, directly on the banks of the Mara River, within a lush riverine forest. Its location is a significant reason why it’s so popular, as it places you in the heart of all the action. This is the place to see the Great Migration and the river crossings up close. It’s the front row seat to one of the natural world’s greatest shows.
Interestingly, this camp has a history. It was founded in 1972 and was the first permanent tented camp of its kind in Africa. Since then, they have been a leader in eco-tourism, with a strong focus on conservation and supporting the local communities. By staying here, you are contributing to a long legacy of responsible tourism.
Experience Migration
Due to its location, Governors’ Camp is renowned as one of the best places to witness the wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes crossing the river during their migration. This means it fills up quickly in July and August. We recommend booking your stay at least 12 months in advance to secure the room of your choice. The rooms can cost around GBP 600 per night per person, sharing, from July to September.
Your Home in the Wild
Governors’ Camp features comfortable and well-appointed tents that allow you to feel at one with nature without sacrificing comfort. They have a total of 30 tents, including classic safari tents, family tents, and a safari suite, each combining traditional safari charm with modern amenities.
Each tent features an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, as well as hot water bottles for chilly nights. The private verandas are a lovely touch, offering a perfect spot to sit and watch the river and forest. The tents are spaced far enough apart to give you a real sense of privacy, so you feel like you have your piece of the Mara. The camp’s Silver Eco Rating from Eco Tourism Kenya shows their commitment to sustainable practices.
Dining and Activities
Dining at Governors’ Camp is a treat. Meals are a mix of international and local cuisine, with options catering to various dietary requirements, including halal meals. You can eat in the dining tent or, on a nice day, have a lovely alfresco lunch in the bush. They’ll even pack breakfast and lunch for your game drives so you can spend more time exploring.
The camp offers a range of activities to get you into the Mara. The game drives are led by knowledgeable guides who know the best places to find wildlife. For a different perspective, consider a guided walking safari to get up close and personal with the finer details of the ecosystem. For a special treat, a hot air balloon safari at sunrise is breathtaking, accompanied by a champagne breakfast upon landing. After a day of adventure, you can unwind with a massage at the luxury spa.
Dining with the Lions
One of my favourite memories from a trip to the Mara was the smell of dewy grass and the sound of distant lions roaring as the sun rose. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Combine this with the champagne breakfast and the elephants walking nearby, and you will create a memory of your time. This is only possible when you book a safari to the Masai Mara with one of the best tour operators around, AjKenyaSafaris.com.
For Couples and Families
Governors’ Camp is an excellent destination for couples seeking a romantic escape. The peaceful surroundings and luxurious tents create an intimate atmosphere. You can have private dinners under the stars or a couple’s massage. For families, the camp is just as welcoming. They have family tents that can accommodate two adults and two children. There are plenty of activities for kids, from game drives with experienced guides to visiting a local Maasai village.
Conservation and Community
The camp is committed to conservation and community. They collaborate with the local Maasai community on projects such as schools and health clinics. You can even visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about their culture firsthand, which is a truly enriching experience. By staying here, you are supporting the conservation of the environment and the local people.
Demerits of Camps in the Masai Mara
While most camps and lodges are highly regarded and long-established in the Masai Mara, their operations do come with demerits due to the sensitive nature of the ecosystem. This is also true of Governor’s Camp, which causes some social and environmental issues. That said, it is essential to note that the team has implemented measures and efforts to mitigate the negative impacts. Some common problems include human footprints, waste and pollution, energy and water consumption, and wildlife disturbance. The mere existence of the camp inside the Masai Mara means that it has encroached on a land that animals used.
TripAdvisor Review of Governors Camp
People often leave both positive and negative reviews after visiting the camp, but the majority have left positive ones, with the camp having a 5-star review on TripAdvisor.com. Here are some of the reviews; there are over 1,300 reviews as of writing.
“The little Governors camp is tucked away in the middle of the Mara near the great Mara River wildbeast migration crossing. The camp is serene and quiet, and not far from the airstrip. If you plan to ride a hot air balloon, then this is the place because the launch is located inside the compound. The tented camps have all amenities, with security being a top priority.
Inside the camps, we got lucky to experience a family of Elephants grazing peacefully. The Manager & staff are super friendly. The meals were not as good as I had expected, and I had hoped for more from them. Overall, I had a great time and would recommend them to anyone. P.S. Two nights is not enough, 3 nights and above would be ideal.” – Kenneth K.
“We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary there. What can I say? The place is magical, the staff is incredible, and everything is done to make you never want to leave!
Gladys and Daniel are wonderfully kind and attentive. A huge thank you to Frida for the incredible surprise for our anniversary. Another special comment for our guide, Saidi; he’s the best guide in the world. We’ll be back to revisit you soon.”- Cvull.
Plan Your Trip
To get the most out of your trip, plan. The dry season, from June to October, is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources. It’s also the time of the Great Migration. The wet season, from November to May, is lush and green, making it a good time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds. Book well in advance, especially during peak season.
About the Author
Gladys Mwangi is a passionate traveler and the manager at ajkenyasafaris.com. With a deep love for authentic safari experiences, she has personally visited most of the camps in the Maasai Mara, including Governors’ Camp, to gain a firsthand understanding of what makes each one unique.
Her writing combines a flair for storytelling with a genuine appreciation for the natural world, offering readers clear and engaging insights into Kenya’s top safari destinations. Through her work, Gladys helps others envision and plan their perfect African adventure.
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