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
Mara Sarova Game Camp
Mara Sarova Game Camp is located within the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, 75 tents capture the true spirit of the Kenyan wild, in Kenya's richest game reserve, renown for its annual wildebeest migration, Big Five and hot air balloon safaris.
One of the better safari camps for those on a budget.
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Nairobi Serena Hotel is considered by many to be the finest Nairobi accommodation; the Serena stands amidst lush tropical gardens with panoramic views over Nairobi's Central Park and the glittering downtown skyline.
When looking for a good all-round hotel with an outdoor pool in Nairobi, this option should tick all the right boxes.
Mara Plains Camp
Masai Mara Plains Camp, one of only three Relais & Chateaux establishments in Kenya, offers guests a private and intimate safari experience within the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
The ultimate in luxury while paying homage to that classic tented safari that Kenya is so famous for.
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.
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.
Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel has played a leading role in Kenya's colourful history, and continues to be one of the finest and best-known hotels in Nairobi, all 165 rooms are luxuriously furnished, have plush carpeting and deep velour soft furnishings.
One of the better hotel in Nairobi options for those seeking out only the best.
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara overlooks the Sand River, the endless plains and the grassy hills of the National Reserve.
Year-round wildlife sightings are nothing short of excellent; should one wish to view the annual migration, the best months for this would be August, September, and October.
Sanctuary Olonana Camp
Olonana Camp with 14 canvas and extremely comfortable and spacious tents is an award-winning camp on a private stretch of the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Olonana Camp is close to the foot of the Siria Escarpment, close to where the last scene of "Out of Africa" was filmed.