Colonial governors had the pick of the best real estate in any country they governed, and they certainly enjoyed their weekend retreats. Governors Main Camp is the legacy of this investment. Located in the Masai Mara Reserve on a bend on the Mara River, it has the advantage of overlooking a natural watercourse and wide savannah. It remains the oldest existing safari camp in east Africa.
- Current Governors camps listed on Uyaphi.com (more to follow);
Governors Camp Kenya; Big and small game have been comfortably parading through this open (no protective fences) tented camp for decades. It is not unusual to be confronted by an elephant on your way back to your tent. Accommodation is in the classic and comfortable bush style but with the advantage of fully functioning bathrooms. Every tent is located with a view, so you have to open the flap of your tent to smell and take in unspoilt nature and wilderness. Food is more comfortable than haute cuisine, and you will certainly not leave the camp hungry.
The combination of water and savannah has made this area very fertile. Wild animals enjoy such an environment, and it is no surprise that vast animal herds roam here. So much so that the BBC has used Governors Camp as a base for their documentary series Big Cat Diaries and Planet Earth Live.
Very close to the main camp is Little Governors. This smaller sister camp, in which you have to cross a stream by boat to reach only 17 tents instead of 37 in the main camp and consequently has a more intimate feel. It also overlooks a natural water feature; in this case, a large marsh. The game is equally at home here. In front of the mess tent, sipping an ice-cold Tusker lager, I was transfixed by a family of warthog playing in and around the tent with the mischievous piglets determined to upset their mother in any way possible. Such calming moments are the stuff of safaris; relaxed, observing nature with time on your hands. Little Governors is also the launch site for the balloon safaris, something about which I have previously written and, if you can afford it, should not be missed (See our Masai Mara Balloon Safari blog).
There is a graceful and timeless ambience to these camps. The staff are welcoming and friendly, and they have been run professionally and efficiently by the charming Grammaticas family for many decades. You could do much worse but certainly not much better for your next safari.
Governors Camp Kenya Review by the team at Uyaphi.com
Serian Camp
Alex Walker's Serian Camp, a small and private safari camp option found deep in the heart of the famed Mara North Conservancy.
Serian Camp, located within a forested area on the famous Mara River banks, has only five tented suites available, ensuring an intimate safari experience.
Governors Camp
With its 37 tented suites, Governors' Camp is situated on the banks of the Mara River in the west of the Masai Mara; this is undoubtedly one of our most popular lodges in the Masai Mara for good reason, location, location, location.
Samburu Intrepids Camp
Samburu Intrepids Camp with 30 tented rooms is located 345 kilometres north of Nairobi, each tent sits on a raised deck overlooking the river where the elephants make an appearance or the crocodiles come out onto the river's banks.
Giraffe Manor
Travellers worldwide now make The Giraffe Manor (and the giraffe centre) part of their East African safari, the only place where you can enjoy the breathtaking experience of feeding and photographing giraffes over the breakfast table.
Without question, one of the best and most popular boutique guest house options in Nairobi, a must-visit and stay for all.
Mount Kenya Safari Club
The Mount Kenya Safari Club is a unique boutique hotel located in the Mount Kenya region that offers guests a variety of activities, including horseback riding, golf course, and fishing safaris. The lodge also has a heated swimming pool and superb cuisine.
One of the highlights of the Mount Kenya Safari Club is the forest reserve walking safari, where guests can see wildlife in their natural habitat. Guests are encouraged to stay at least for 2-5 nights in order to experience all that the boutique hotel and surrounds have to offer.
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
A quintessential classic safari experience awaits all guests when staying at AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, with sweeping views out across the surrounding plains and the Sabaringo River.
A fantastic option for single travellers, couples, families and small groups.
Satao Elerai Camp
Satao Elerai Camp with 9 Luxury tents is located in a quiet, unspoilt, unique setting on a 5000-acre private conservation area 12 km southeast of Amboseli National Park at the foot of Africa's Largest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro.
One of the better lodges in Amboseli National Park with outstanding views of mount Kilimanjaro from the swimming pool.
Porini Rhino Camp
Porini Rhino Camp is located in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, forming part of the Laikipia Plateau, boasting an astounding variety of wildlife, including all of the "Big Five" is situated between the foothills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snowcapped Mount Kenya.