Governors' Camp is situated at the heart of one of the most game rich areas of the Masai Mara National Reserve. It is set on the banks of the meandering Mara River at a location traditionally reserved for Kenya''s colonial Governors. The area surrounding Governors Camp is home to substantial herds of elephants, hippo and buffalo whilst also providing home for the herds of migrating zebra and wildebeest. The nearby plains are the classical image of savannah Africa, dotted with acacia trees and fringed by the inspiring Siria escarpment. Hardly surprising that Governors' Camp was the setting for the film 'Out of Africa', and that much of the BBC's 'Big Cat Diary' is also filmed nearby.
Governors' Camp consists of 37 tents offering views of either wildebeest herds on the distant Mara plains or of elephants drinking from the river. During the evening hippos and elephants graze in the grounds of the camp making the Masai askari (warden) guiding you back to the tent especially comforting. The gas-lit tents are comfortable and spacious with the shower room being well-equipped. Candle-lit evening meals are of a high standard from a buffet bar and generally are eaten alfresco.
Governors' Camp is one of the few camps within the Mara that provide three game drives every day and being a stone''s throw away from the Mara River ensures that the action during the migration season (July-October) is a short game drive away. Not only are grazing animals particularly common in this area but big cat sightings are also particularly prevalent. The bushlands around Rhino Ridge are also good areas for spotting one of the Masai Mara's 20 or so black rhinos.
In addition Governors' Camp can provide alternative means of wildlife viewing - on foot outside the National Park or with a complementary bird walk around the camp to admire the 82 species of bird. Sunrise balloon safaris also begin from the camp offering a spectacular way of witnessing the diversity present within the Masai Mara. It is also possible to combine a stay at Governors with a relaxing break on the shores of Lake Victoria at Mfangano Island Camp, the 40 minute air transfer being available from the camp''s airstrip.
Fair Trade / Responsible Tourism:
It is possible to visit the nearby Mararianta School, which has been completely rebuilt and developed with funds generated by Governors' Camp and the BBC. This establishment provides education for students who walk up to 10km through the bush each day.
