The Location of Governors Camp Masai Mara and Things to Do

Located in the heart of Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, Governors’ Camp is the epitome of comfort in the wilderness. It features a range of luxury accommodation facilities. The camp is strategically located for an uninterrupted view of the river and sweeping plains of the Masai Mara.

Governors’ camp Masai Mara was established in 1972 on the banks of the Mara River. It is the largest in a group of 3 camps comprising the Little Governors’ and Governors’ Il Moran camps. All have the best spot in the reserve to the drama of the Great Migration in Africa.

Beyond, the Governor’s camp is teeming with an abundance of wildlife year-round. Since it is unfenced, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and mongooses are frequent visitors. While predators tend to stay away, odd roaming lion pride can be spotted from the camp’s tents and veranda.

Governors’ Camp Masai Mara amenities

Despite its remote location, the Governors’ Camp hosts countless visitors each year. Celebrities, government dignitaries, and nature enthusiasts find it a unique hideout from the bustling life of the city. It’s typically a social and camping place where people make friends quickly.

The entire camp is under canvas with up to 25 tents closely interlinked with some crazy pavers. All tents are classy each with en-suite bathrooms and a private verandah. The enclosures are big enough with plenty of bright natural light. You won’t find this anywhere else when visiting Masai Mara National Reserve.

20 of these tents directly face the river, offering scenic views of the preserved savannah wilderness. From here you can enjoy viewing hippos and crocodiles lurking in the river’s murky depth, not to mention wildebeest crossing the Mara River during the August to October migration.

Guests can also relax and unwind in the camp’s communal areas. There is a cozy lounge, a well-stocked bar, and a scenic dining area where sumptuous meals are served al fresco under the African sky. The chunky bar stools are a reminder that Governors’ is a social place and any pub-goer will feel at ease.

What’s in the governors’ tents?

Tents are exquisitely furnished with twin or double beds, bedside tables, and a small glass-topped dressing table with a director’s chair. On the veranda of each tent, there are two more director’s chairs and a table. However, your privacy outside might get curtailed by other guests on the access path to the tents.

The bathrooms have standard flush toilets and walk-in showers. The amenities are uniquely designed with half-height wood panel walls and a tiled floor. I loved the country cottage’ painting on the side which made the bathroom look brighter amid the intense tree cover.

Governors tents are also equipped with 220 Volt UK plugs for charging phones and cameras. Wi-fi is also available in the entire camp and you can comfortably browse or connect with your friends and family members.

What’s more, the Governor’s camp has a separate spa tent assigned to a resident therapist. This means you can enjoy a range of treatments including body massages, scrubs, facials, and pedicures. Prices for these services vary in the range of $50 to $100 (USD).

Meals and drinks at the Governors

Breakfast is a continental and full English buffet. This includes eggs, fruit, cereals, yogurts and bread, and pastries. Lunch is a plate service served from midday. Visitors choose from a variety of three-course meals provided. Dinner can be a mix of buffets and plated service depending on the guest’s preference.

Packed meals are also provided to those who go on half or full-day game drives. Bush meals can also be organized at extra cost. Dining at your tent is also an option but with request in advance. Special diets are also available when requested.

Governors camp has all sorts of drinks including beer, house wines, and spirits. However, premium liqueurs are charged as extras.

Safari activities at Governors’ Camp

Governors camp is a very place in the whole of Masai Mara National Reserve. Hundreds of vehicles ferrying tourists dash to this place daily. Peak season is during the great wildebeest migration season. Rest assured, every safari experience at the camp is tailored to suit every preference and interest.

Ultimately, wild adventures are the major activities at the Governors’ camp. Open-sided Land Rovers are often used for taking visitors to the early morning, midday, and late afternoon game drives. Experienced guides also lead guests for short nature walks for a more intimate encounter with nature.

What’s more, you can soar above the savannah on a hot air balloon safari commonly launched at Little Governors’ camp. Experiencing Masai Mara’s beauty from a bird’s-eye view is breathtaking. Ballooning is one of my favorite safari activities whenever I visit this national reserve.

Note: Some game drives may be shared with other guests. Guests who prefer private vehicles must book in advance.

How long can you stay at Governors’ Camp? 

Governors’ camp is open to visitors year-round. There are options to accommodate a range of travel itineraries. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an extended safari adventure, this camp is ready for you. Typically, there is no specified duration for staying in the Mara reserve.

Most guests opt for a standard safari package, which includes a stay of 3 to 4 nights. So, depending on your budget, you can extend the visit for several days or even weeks. A slightly longer duration allows you to have a complete experience of wildlife activities at the game reserve. 

I have seen some visitors combining their visit to the Governors’ camp with a stay at other safari lodges. Including Lake Nakuru National Park or the Hell’s Gate National Park in your safari can extend your time in the region. Kenya is a magical destination offering diverse, memorable travel experiences.

How to get to Governors’ Camp Masai Mara

Getting to Governors’ Camp typically involves the use of air or road transportation. The camp is located in a remote area of the reserve. If you’re traveling from outside of Kenya, your journey will likely begin with a flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi.

From Nairobi, you’ll need to catch a domestic flight to one of the airstrips near the Masai Mara. Musiara airstrip is the most common for accessing Governors’ camp. Others include Keekorok, Olkiombo, and Mara Serena. Several domestic airlines operate daily flights between Nairobi and these airstrips.

If you have made a booking in advance, a representative from the Governors’ camp will receive you at the designated airstrip. They will pick you up by a game drive vehicle. It’s a 2 km drive from the Musiara, Governors’ own airstrip. The first reward is a wildlife sighting as you journey to the camp.

If you prefer not to fly, you can arrange for road transport from Nairobi to the Masai Mara. It is a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley. In  5-6 hours you will be at your safari destination. Once you arrive at the Masai Mara, a guide will escort you to Governors’ Camp.

Any health and safety concerns?

The governors’ camp is under full surveillance of Askaris. Additionally, guests are escorted around the camp at night. There are plenty of fire extinguishers around the camp and drills are done regularly to ensure the staff is up to date with fire incidences.

Tour guides are trained to handle basic emergencies including insect stings and animal attacks. There is also a doctor on site who works closely with the Flying Doctor service. I also realized that all of their vehicles are equipped with fire extinguishers and first-aid kits.

To have a more comfortable stay at Governors, carry sunscreen, insect repellent, and suitable clothing for safari activities. Binoculars and a good camera are also essential for better sighting and capturing of wildlife. Preventative Malaria medication is recommended.

Single-use plastics are outlawed in Kenya, so avoid bringing them to the camp. Governors’ Camp is committed to preserving the delicate balance of the Masai Mara ecosystem, so respect the animals in the reserve and keep the environment clean.