Governors' Main Camp boasts a prime location on the Mara River in Kenya's Masai Mara Reserve. It's a wonderful location, with the Mara River to one side of the camp and, on the other, the seemingly endless savannah plains for which the Masai Mara is famous.
Governors' is perfectly positioned for viewing the great wildebeest migration—at the right time of year, you needn't even leave the camp, as it overlooks a busy crossing point on the Mara River. Big game abounds in the area throughout the year, including plenty of cats (with good reason, this location was chosen to film the BBC's Big Cat Diaries). The region also offers good chances of spotting the rare black rhino. In short, it's one of the very best regions in the Mara for game-viewing, though it's worth noting that it can also be quite busy with vehicles as a result.
What of the camp itself? Governors' Main Camp is one of the oldest camps in the Mara - it got the pick of the best locations - and it's also one of the biggest. In fact, by the standards of safari accommodation it's huge, with 37 tents accommodating almost 80 people. Some will find Governors to be simply too big. However, the location is superb and the service generally very good, if a bit impersonal given the number of guests being catered to. Governors run four camps in the Mara, and they're all well-managed.
It's also worth noting that some people do prefer the larger scale of Governors. There are none of the rigid schedules for meals and activities that are a feature of many smaller camps. Governors functions more like a small hotel, and has a relaxed, casual atmosphere, which many will appreciate.
Accommodation
Governors' Main Camp offers 37 comfortable canvas tents. The tents are spacious but the furnishings are a bit sparse. Amenities include ceiling fan, writing desk, and safe. En-suite bathrooms have shower, flush toilet, and hot and cold running water.
The tents at Governors' Main Camp are comfortable and spacious, but not quite the same standard as some of the Masai Mara's top-end luxury camps. Governors' Main is often pitched as a luxury camp, and it no doubt was when it first opened in 1972, but despite a number of renovations it's been eclipsed by some of the camps that have sprung up in the Mara in the last two decades, particularly in the private concessions. You're paying for the location at Governors' Main Camp, not the accommodation.
Dining
Breakfast and lunch at Governor's Main Camp are served buffet style, allowing for flexible meal times which in turn grants you greater flexibility when planning your game-viewing activities. Dinner is a three course meal served on the grass under the stars or in the thatched dining area.
Governors' Main Camp is generally booked on a full-board basis, without drinks. The bar is on a raised wooden platform overlooking the river. Prices are reasonable.
Facilities
- Indoor and outdoor dining
- Bar and lounge
- Spa treatments
- Curio shop
Activities
- Game drives in the Mara
- Guided game walks within the camp vicinity
- Balloon safaris (additional cost)
Child policy
Children of all ages can be accommodated at Governors' Main Camp. There are large family-size units available.
Responsible Tourism
Guests at Governors' Main Camp can visit the nearby Mararianta School, which has been completely rebuilt and developed with funds generated by Governors’ Camp and the BBC.
