Little Governors' is part of the Governors range of classic safari lodges, and one of the oldest camps in the Mara. Small, intimate and remote, it occupies a superb location in the Mara Triangle sector of the National Reserve, where it is accessible only by water (the exciting approach involves a boat ride across the Mara River, followed by an escorted forest walk.)
As the name implies, Little Governors' is among the smallest camps in the Governors' portfolio (Governors' Il Moran Camp is smaller still). It has a much more intimate character than its big neighbour, Governors' Main Camp, and captures much better the atmosphere of a classic bush camp. Its fantastic location also helps—Little Governors' is located in a remote sector of the Reserve, the Mara Triangle, which it shares with only one other camp. This gives the camp a decidedly tranquil atmosphere, also helped by the lack of vehicle noise (vehicles have to be left on the other side of the river at Little Governors', greatly reducing the noise levels).
As well as peace and quiet, the location of Little Governors' also allows for great game-viewing. Little Governors' is located right on the edge of a busy waterhole and marsh, which is frequented by a variety of game. Like all Governors' camps, Little Governors' is unfenced, and big game often finds its way into the camp. There's a resident herd of elephant that makes a regular appearance at lunch time! Warthog are also often seen wandering around the camp.
Little Governors' follows a fairly standard luxury bush camp setup. Its main public areas and tented rooms closely resemble those of Governors' Main Camp. Large canvas mess tents, simply furnished, make up lounge and dining areas, while guests sleep in spacious Meru-style safari tents. The camp is comfortable but not fussy. The Governors' camps have traditionally been marketed as luxury properties, but as we mentioned in our Governors' Main Camp write-up, we feel they've been somewhat superseded in this respect by many of the newer and more luxurious camps that have opened up in the Mara in recent years. Nevertheless, they offer all the expected comforts, and a very good level of service.
Accommodation
There are 17 tents at Little Governors', all of them identical. They are spread out across the edge of the marsh in front of the camp, and each has a private verandah for game-viewing. Inside, the tents are simply furnished with campaign-style furniture (light canvas chairs, folding table, canvas luggage rack), and lit by gas and kerosene lanterns, giving them that classic bush safari ambience. At the back they open onto en-suite bathrooms with shower units and hot running water.
Dining
Meals are served outdoors under the stars or inside the dining mess tent. Guests dine at separate tables rather than at a communal dining table. The bush breakfasts, served during the morning's game activity, are great. Buffet brunches follow on return to camp, while dinner is a choice of fixed menus. Barbecues are prepared once a week.
There is a well-stocked bar/lounge.
Facilities
- Dining tent
- Bar and lounge
Activities
- Game drives
- Balloon Safari with champagne bush breakfast
- Game walks
- Visits to a nearby Masai village (manyatta)
Child Policy
Children of all ages can be accommodated at Little Governors' Camp. That said, Governors' Main Camp is much better suited to families. Little Governors' Camp is remote and quiet (and frequented by big game!).
