Governors' Camp

Governors' Camp is the original. Opened in 1972 on a bend of the Mara River, it was the first permanent luxury tented camp in Kenya and it still occupies exactly the same stretch of riverine forest, a few minutes from the Musiara Marsh. That location is the point. Because the camp is inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve rather than outside it, guides start game drives from the tent door and can follow wildlife rather than drive to it, and the Musiara area holds resident lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and hippo throughout the year as well as sitting near the Mara River crossing points used during the migration. The camp itself is entirely under canvas, with luxury tents strung along the riverbank under ancient trees and five larger family tents looking out over the plains. Each has an en suite bathroom, writing desk and a private verandah with safari chairs. Meals are served in a dining tent facing the grasslands, drinks in a bar tent on a deck above the water, and there is a spa tent using natural products from The Wild Herb Company. The camp now runs entirely on solar power and has been awarded a Gold rating by Eco Tourism Kenya. For families, the Governors' Cub Club keeps younger guests occupied between drives.