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
Serena Beach Hotel
Serena Beach Hotel is set back from the powder-white sands and shimmering waters of the Mombasa National Marine Park, the hotel décor blends the time-honoured intricacy of Swahili carving with the jewelled glow of Arabian lanterns.
Serena is one of the more popular beach resorts due to located and service levels. Scuba diving here is spectacular.
Mara Nyika Camp
Mara Nyika Camp an intimate and luxurious tented camp tucked away in a quiet corner of the Naboisho Conservancy that borders the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Five of the most amazing tented suites, all with excellent views, including two family suites, are on offer: Nyika Camp, one of the best in Africa.
Ol Malo Lodge
Ol Malo Game Lodge is a privately owned game sanctuary on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in Kenya's wild and beautiful Laikipia County, overlooked by Mount Kenya and teeming with the elusive antelope and wildlife.
A truly magnificent lodge that offers views and safari activities that very few can match.
Voyager Beach Resort
The vibrant, shipwrecked resort is famous for hosting some of Africa's finest family entertainments and animation programmes, Kenya's most popular and dynamic beach resort overlooks the sparkling white sands of Nyali Beach.
One of the more popular beach resorts for those on a budget without wanting to sacrifice luxuries and location.
Elsas Kopje
Elsa's Kopje is a luxurious oasis in the wilds of Meru National Park. Elsa's Kopje was named after Elsa the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson in the film 'Born Free', released into the wild here in Meru.
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.
Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge
Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience by means of game drives in the stunning Tsavo West National Park.
The entire lodge is raised on high stilts above watering holes and feeding pastures, offering a spectacular view of the wildlife from above and all around.
Serian Nkorombo Camp
Serian Nkorombo Camp offers guests outstanding wildlife year-round, a classic tented camp with only five tented suites.
Nkorombo is located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve on the banks of the Mara River not too far away from one of the main migration river crossings.