Governors’ Main Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve

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About This Lodge

Governors’ Camp is Africa’s first permanent luxury tented camp, established in 1972 on the site once reserved for Kenya’s colonial governors. This pioneering history defines its prime location and traditional safari feel. The camp is set within a riverine forest along the winding banks of the Mara River.

The atmosphere is one of classic, unpretentious safari luxury. The entire camp is under canvas, allowing guests to be fully immersed in the sounds of the wild, while still enjoying all the comforts of a hotel. It is a world-renowned destination, frequently hosting wildlife film crews for its consistent and rich game viewing.

Location & Setting

The camp is situated in an unparalleled position in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, nestled in the riverine forest. Its location on the banks of the Mara River ensures immediate, close-up sightings of hippos and crocodiles. The surrounding area is renowned for its highest concentration of wildlife in the Mara and serves as a key crossing point during the Great Migration.

Guests arrive exclusively by Governors’ Aviation flights to the nearby Musiara Airstrip, followed by a short game drive transfer to the lodge. The unfenced camp allows wildlife, including elephants, to walk freely through the grounds.

Accommodation

Governors’ Main Camp has 37 tents, all under canvas and set along the riverbank or overlooking the open plains. The tents are classic safari style, large, bright, and airy.

Each tent features a private veranda, an en-suite bathroom with a shower, basin, and flush toilet. For a touch of traditional luxury, a hot water bottle is placed in your bed each evening, and a warm drink is delivered to your tent each morning.

Facilities & Experiences

Meals are a focal point, with buffet breakfast and lunch served alfresco on the riverbank, and dinner a candlelit, four-course affair in the dining tent. The bar, tent, and deck offer views over the hippo-filled river.

The camp offers a spa tent for relaxation. A traditional campfire is lit every evening, providing a central spot for guests to share their day’s sightings.

  • Air Conditioning
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Family Rooms
  • Kids-Friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa & Wellness
  • Wildlife Viewing

Seasonal Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

Important Rate Notes

  • Location: Inside Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara River banks
  • Access: Flight to Musiara Airstrip (Governors’ Aviation)
  • Accommodation Units: 37 Classic Tents
  • Facilities: River-view bar, Spa tent, Campfire
  • Rate Range: Luxury

Activities

  • Witness the Mara River crossings from a prime location
  • Receive a wake-up call with a hot drink delivered to your tent
  • Enjoy a bush breakfast cooked over open coals on the plains
  • Attend cultural discussions and take part in Maasai games like spear throwing

Who it Suits

  • Guests seeking a deep connection to safari history and tradition
  • Wildlife photographers needing reliable proximity to action
  • Couples or friends who value an authentic, unfenced tented experience
  • Travellers who prefer air access and minimal road travel inside the park

Our Sustainability & Community Impact

Governors’ Camp maintains a long-term GOLD Eco-Rating from Eco-Tourism Kenya. It has committed to a zero-waste policy and developed a bio-gas plant near the local Mara Rianda village. Furthermore, it runs an ambitious tree-planting project to restore the riverine forest by planting indigenous trees to counter damage from elephant feeding.

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