Governors’ Camp, located in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, offers an immersive and luxurious safari experience like no other. Established in 1972, this camp has a long-standing reputation as one of Kenya’s premier tented safari camps, offering visitors a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comforts. Awarded a Silver Eco Rating from Eco-Tourism Kenya, Governors’ Camp is committed to sustainable tourism, ensuring that both the natural environment and local communities benefit from the camp’s operations.
Dining at Governors’ Camp includes continental and full English breakfasts, alfresco lunches, and à la carte dinners. For those heading out on game drives or excursions, picnic meals can be arranged, and guests can also enjoy specialty bush meals at an additional cost.
Governors’ Camp prides itself on eco-friendly initiatives such as providing natural Cinnabar Green toiletries, which are handmade in Kenya using natural ingredients, and using reusable canisters to reduce plastic waste.
Getting to Governors’ Camp
Governors’ Camp is best accessed via the Musiara Airstrip, which is just a 20-minute drive from the camp. The camp can also be accessed from Nairobi Wilson Airport, making it easy for guests to connect from Kenya’s capital.
Governors’ Camp Luxury Tents & Accommodation
Governors’ Camp offers 30 luxury tents, which are carefully placed along the scenic banks of the Mara River or hidden within the lush Mara bush, providing guests with stunning views and privacy. The camp’s accommodation includes:
- 21 Classic Safari Tents: These tents are beautifully furnished with comfortable beds, bedside tables, and wardrobes. Each tent also has its own private veranda overlooking the Mara River or surrounding wildlife.
- 8 Family Tents: These are larger tents designed to comfortably accommodate families. They feature two rooms connected by a living area, perfect for families traveling together.
- 1 Safari Suite: For those seeking an elevated luxury experience, the safari suite offers added space, privacy, and an exclusive setting with a private lounge area and additional amenities.
All tents feature en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water, and showers. The tents are spacious and designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, providing a comfortable yet authentic safari experience.
Governors’ Camp Family & Honeymoon Packages
Governors’ Camp offers a variety of family packages that cater to different group sizes and ages. These packages typically include:
- Accommodation in family-friendly tents.
- Game drives tailored for all ages, ensuring children and adults alike enjoy an engaging safari experience.
- Bush meals and activities designed to entertain the whole family.
For couples looking for romance and intimacy in the wild, Governors’ Camp honeymoon packages offer an unforgettable experience. These packages often include:
- Private dining experiences, including candlelit dinners in the bush.
- Romantic game drives with sunset sundowners.
- Optional hot air balloon safaris to mark special occasions.
- Special touches like champagne breakfasts and spa treatments.
Governors’ Camp Safari Experience & Big Five Safari
The Governors’ Camp safari experience is one of the highlights of any visit to the Masai Mara National Reserve. With game drives departing three times a day, guests have the opportunity to witness the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes—along with a wide variety of other wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs. The game drives are conducted in open-top 4×4 vehicles, providing an excellent vantage point for photography and wildlife observation.
In addition to game drives, Governors’ Camp also offers walking safaris, giving guests a chance to explore the Mara ecosystem on foot. These guided walks offer an up-close perspective on the flora and fauna of the region, as well as insight into the tracking and behavior of various animals.
For an unforgettable experience, hot air balloon safaris are available. Guests can soar above the Mara plains at dawn, witnessing wildlife from a completely unique vantage point, followed by a champagne breakfast upon landing.
Activities at Governors’ Camp
Governors’ Camp offers a wide range of activities, making it a perfect base for exploring the Masai Mara:
- Game Drives: Conducted in open-top, off-road vehicles, Governors’ Camp offers three game drives per day, allowing guests to spot the Big Five and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Experienced guides provide expert insights into the wildlife and ecosystem of the Mara.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: For a truly magical experience, guests can embark on a hot air balloon safari over the Mara plains, forests, and the Mara River. After the balloon lands, a champagne breakfast awaits, followed by more wildlife viewing.
- Walking Safaris: Led by experienced guides, walking safaris provide an up-close encounter with the flora and fauna of the Mara. After the walk, guests are treated to a bush breakfast and a leisurely game drive back to camp.
- Cultural Visits: Governors’ Camp offers excursions to local Maasai villages, allowing guests to engage with the Maasai community, learn about their culture, and experience their way of life.
Governors’ Camp Booking, Pricing, & Availability
Booking a stay at Governors’ Camp is simple and can be done through the camp’s website or via trusted travel agents. Rates vary depending on the season, with lower rates typically available during the off-peak months (April-May). Peak season rates are higher, especially during the Great Migration months from July to October, when demand is high. Here’s a summary of the general rates:
Here’s a table comparing the rates for Governors’ Camp for 2024 and 2025:
| Period | Rates for 2024 (USD) | Rates for 2025 (USD) |
| 01 January – 31 March | $605 | $623 |
| 01 April – 31 May | $412 | $424 |
| 01 June – 30 June | $605 | $623 |
| 01 July – 30 October | $891 | $936 |
| 01 November – 15 December | $605 | $623 |
| 16 December – 31 December | $891 | $936 |
These rates are per person per night sharing, and the 2025 rates reflect a slight increase from the 2024 rates.
Rates typically include all meals, local brand drinks, game drives, bush walks, and return transfers to the airstrip. Additional activities such as hot air balloon safaris, premium drinks, and gratuities are not included in the base price.
Governors’ Camp recommends early booking, especially during peak season, as availability can be limited due to the camp’s popularity.
Governors’ Camp Great Migration Experience
One of the most sought-after experiences at Governors’ Camp is witnessing the Great Migration, which occurs between July and October. During this time, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes make their way from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara, crossing the Mara River in search of greener pastures. This epic journey attracts predators, creating some of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles in the world.
The camp’s prime location along the Mara River ensures that guests are close to the migration action, with many witnessing river crossings—a heart-stopping event where wildebeest plunge into the river, dodging crocodiles and other dangers.
Governors’ Camp Eco-Tourism & Maasai Culture
Governors’ Camp is deeply committed to eco-tourism and working with local Maasai communities. The camp holds a Silver Eco Rating from Eco-Tourism Kenya, which reflects its focus on minimizing the environmental impact of its operations. This includes using locally sourced, eco-friendly toiletries, recycling initiatives, and supporting conservation efforts in the region.
Guests are encouraged to engage with Maasai culture by visiting local villages, where they can learn about Maasai traditions, crafts, and daily life. The camp also employs local Maasai guides and staff, ensuring that the community benefits from tourism while preserving its cultural heritage.
Governors’ Camp Reviews – Pros & Cons
Reviews of Governors’ Camp
Guests frequently praise Governors’ Camp for its exceptional service, delicious food, and comfortable accommodations. Reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor highlight the memorable game drives and the hospitality of the staff.
One guest commented, “The staff was 10-star! The food was delicious, and the game drives were fantastic. We saw the Big Five multiple times, and the location on the river was unbeatable.”
Another guest noted, “The camp offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and luxury. Waking up to the sound of hippos in the river and enjoying a hot air balloon ride over the Mara were once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”
Overall, Governors’ Camp offers a high-end, eco-conscious safari experience that is perfect for travelers seeking luxury, wildlife, and cultural immersion in the Masai Mara. Whether it’s the incredible game drives, the unforgettable hot air balloon rides, or the warm Maasai hospitality, this camp leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Pros:
- Prime location along the Mara River, with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities right from camp.
- Luxury tents offering comfort and privacy, with en-suite bathrooms and stunning views.
- Varied activities, including game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and cultural visits.
- Eco-conscious operations with a focus on sustainability and community involvement.
- Exceptional service, with many guests praising the attentive staff and personalized experiences.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other camps, especially during peak migration season.
- Limited availability due to high demand, particularly during the Great Migration.
- Some guests noted that the camp’s proximity to wildlife can lead to nighttime noises, which may not be suitable for light sleepers.
Governors’ Camp is ideal for guests looking for a luxury safari experience in one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world. With its stunning location, top-tier service, and commitment to sustainability, it remains one of the best choices for a Masai Mara safari.
Governors’ Camp is perfect for:
- Wildlife Enthusiasts – Offering top-tier access to the Big Five and the Great Migration, with frequent sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and birds along the Mara River.
- Photographers – Ideal for capturing the Great Migration, sunrises, sunsets, and diverse wildlife in the Masai Mara.
- Families – Family-friendly tents and activities tailored for kids make it a great choice for families exploring the bush.
- Couples & Honeymooners – Intimate, romantic riverside tents with special packages like private bush dinners and hot air balloon safaris.
- Eco-Conscious Travelers – Awarded a Silver Eco Rating, the camp supports sustainable tourism and local Maasai communities.
- Adventure Seekers – Offers exciting game drives, hot air balloon rides, and walking safaris for a thrilling African experience.
Governors’ Camp combines luxury, adventure, and sustainability, making it a top choice for diverse travelers in the heart of the Masai Mara.
