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
Sala's Camp
Sala's Camp, located on the Sands River and within 2 kilometres of Tanzania's Serengeti, is one of the most luxurious Maasai Mara Tented Camps options available today.
Sala's offers guests exceptional service, fine dining, stunning accommodation and an authentic Masai Mara safari.
Mara Expedition Camp
Mara Expedition Camp, a small, intimate and luxurious tented safari camp located in one of the best areas for wildlife in the Masai Mara region of Kenya.
When staying here one has access to not only the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve but also the private 70 000-acre Mara North Conservancy.
Amboseli Serena Lodge
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge bordering that Amboseli National Park is framed against the glorious backdrop of Africa's highest mountain, the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro.
All 92 guest rooms at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge offer an uninterrupted view over the ever-changing vistas of the African plains.
Solio Lodge
Solio Lodge is an exclusive wildlife destination located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains within the stunning and wildlife-rich Solio Conservancy. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations, spectacular wildlife sightings, sumptuous cuisine, and numerous safari activities.
Solio Wildlife Sanctuary is the most successful private rhino breeding sanctuary in Africa. Experience the best of Solio Lodge and all that it has to offer for a truly unforgettable African safari experience.
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.
Cottars 1920s Camp
Cottars 1920s Camp is located far away from the maddening crowds of the Masai Mara.
Only 9 luxuriously appointed tented suites are available, including 2x honeymoon suites, 4x double tents and 3x family suites.
&Beyond Suyian Lodge
Wake up to the stunning landscapes of Kenya's Suyian Conservancy, where untouched wilderness extends endlessly. A stay at the luxurious &Beyond Suyian Lodge puts you in the heart of this pristine environment, combining comfort with adventure.
Suyian is surrounded by rolling hills, sparkling streams, and diverse wildlife, making it the perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventurers. From guided bush walks to exhilarating game drives, every moment is designed to connect you with the region's unique ecosystems.
ol Donyo Lodge
ol Donyo Lodge, a Relais & Chateaux property located in the heart of the 275 000 acre Mbirikani Ranch that borders Chyulu Hills National Park.
ol Donyo Lodge is located within wilderness area between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks. A small luxurious safari lodge that offers it all.