We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.

Governors' Camp

avatar-imageavatar-imageavatar-image
Traveller (2198)
Room & Suite (385)
Dining (137)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

View prices for your travel dates

Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#30 of 107 campsites in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
Governors’ Camp is Africa’s first permanent tented camp, remaining in its original site since 1972. Governors’ Camp occupies the best wildlife viewing location in the Reserve, nestled in the riverine forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, its waters teeming with bird-life, hippo and crocodile. It is perfect for couples, families and friends wanting to experience the best of what a safari in the Masai Mara has to offer. The entire camp is under canvas with all of the comforts of a luxury hotel. Some of the 25 tents line the riverbank, tucked into the forest they enjoy uninterrupted views over the Mara River, others have views across the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara. The tents are big, bright and allow in lots of natural light. All tents are classic safari style each with en-suite bathrooms and a private verandah. There is a bar tent with a deck overlooking the Mara River and a dining tent with amazing views over the plains. Governors’ Camp has been awarded a Silver Eco Rating from Eco – Tourism Kenya due to our sustainable tourism practices in place in camp.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Secured parking
Free internet
Free breakfast
Free airport transportation
Facial treatments
Gift shop
Outdoor fireplace
24-hour front desk
Internet
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Airport transportation
Foot massage
Full body massage
Head massage
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Outdoor furniture
Sun terrace
First aid kit
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Show more
Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Desk
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Seating area
Walk-in shower
Bath / shower
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Show more
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.5 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Family
Languages Spoken
English

Location

Ngiro-are Road, Maasai Mara National Reserve 00200 Kenya
Governors' Camp
Getting there
Mara Lodges Airport
Kichwa Tembo Airstrip
1,281Review75Q+A100Room tips

Reviews
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

Traveller rating
  • 1,133
  • 116
  • 21
  • 7
  • 4
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
  • More
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
avatar-image
Wombat066 wrote a review 9 Mar
Reading, United Kingdom35 contributions19 helpful votes
My friend and I have had the most wonderful stay at Governors main camp. We were made very welcome by all the staff and did not want for anything. The camp is in a stunning location and you really feel like you are part of the Mara. It was amazing. I must make special mention of our guide, Mike. He went out of his way to ensure that we had the best sightings, positioned the vehicle for great photographs, was respectful of the animals and was knowledgeable. He was so kind, fun and made our trip. It would not have been the same without him. I hope to return to Governors and would book Mike without hesitation. There are not enough words to say how wonderful he made our visit. We feel we made a friend! The camp is a luxury tented camp. It's unfenced and the security for guests is great so we felt very safe. At the same time it's not over the top so we felt safe yet not overly guarded. Richard in the restaurant was attentive and Moses in the bar was also great. We thoroughly enjoyed the food, which was good quality and plentiful. Our packed lunches and breakfasts were perfect for those times we were out of the camp. Sundowners just finished off our days wonderfully. Beds were comfortable and bathroom spacious. It was lovely going to sleep to the sounds of the hippos The staff were so good that they anticipated our needs - and much of the work was done without fuss and quietly just happened. We noted all the little special touches and it was much appreciated. All in all our holiday exceeded all expectations. Thank you.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Wanderlust wrote a review Feb 2024
Singapore, Singapore170 contributions119 helpful votes
This is the only place to choose, if you are going to Masai Mara. We were treated with the best safaris with amazing wildlife spotting. All only made possible by the guide Richard (the jungle is the same, its the guide who makes it special). We can help but also thank Harrison, the Camp Manager who took utmost care for each group. The camp is right in the middle of Mara with the river anglign through it; and do expect to have elephant herds just walking to join you for breakfast :)... Waiting to save up and go again!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Book early...!
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
TravelerTP wrote a review Feb 2024
Northern Virginia, Virginia978 contributions318 helpful votes
I felt so pampered here. From coffee delivered to our tent each morning, to the daily game drives, everything was spectacular. The tents were so comfortable and they really thought of everything, hot water bottles to warm up the bed for you in the evening, laundry service, it was all wonderful. The entire staff was so nice - they each made a point of introducing themselves and asking about our day. It was awesome. Plus, imagine waking up to the sound of snoring, but it's a sleeping elephant just outside your tent. We always felt safe though and the rangers did an amazing job of keeping track of the comings and goings of any wildlife in the camp and escorting guests when it was dark. We also enjoyed having a packed lunch and stopping for a picnic while on a game drive. Our driver, Erick did such a great job. We really got so close to the animals and he has such a knowledge of the Masai Mara that he knew just where to go to find certain animals. There is also such a community of drivers that they communicate with one another when something special was spotted so we were able to see such amazing things - lion cubs playing, a cheetah who had just made a kill, a leopard hunting. It was all so amazing. I just can't say enough about what a wonderful place this was to stay.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Jessica Savage, Marketing at Governors' Camp
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thanks ever so much for your kind review, we are thrilled to see your feedback and very much appreciate you putting it down for other travellers to read. Please do visit us again some day.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
David B wrote a review Jan 2024
Port Perry, Canada11 contributions4 helpful votes
We first stayed at Little Governors as a couple back in 2002 and have longed to return and share the experience with our children. This year we finally returned to Kenya and it was fantastic. We stayed at Governors Camp this time, enjoying a family tent that could accommodate all five of us. The quality has not diminished since our last day and it all felt just as exotic and luxurious as we remembered. The food is fantastic and the staff cannot do enough for you. But of course you are there for the game drives and they do not disappoint. We were able to see everything, including some of the challenging ones like leopard and rhino, thanks to our amazing guide who knew the park well and was committed to satisfying our requests. Could not have been happier. We stayed for 3 nights and only regret was that we should have stayed a fourth night and included a visit to the Masai village. Next time! We also did the Governor's Balloon Safari and highly recommend it as well. We will definitely return to Kenya and will definitely stay at Governors again. This time we won't wait for 21 years!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Jessica Savage, Marketing at Governors' Camp
Responded 4 weeks ago
Hello and thank you very much for this lovely review. Thank you for returning to Governors' with your children - how special. Indeed we are situated in the best wildlife area of the reserve where the game and the birdlife is prolific. We are truly honoured to have hosted you a second time round. With best wishes from all at Governors' Camp.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
TheWanderingLocust wrote a review Dec 2023
London, United Kingdom10 contributions5 helpful votes
My partner and I stayed for 3 nights in mid November and very pleased to stay it totally lived up to expectations and reviews - this is a wonderful camp with great staff who were very attentive, very friendly and helpful. Very comfortable amenities in the tents, including a huge bed, double wash basins and walk in shower. The food and service was also really good. We loved the fact that this is an open camp so animals such as elephants, warthogs and mongoose are often wandering either in the camp or close by. An unforgettable stay!
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Jessica Savage, Owner at Governors' Camp
Responded 10 Jan 2024
Thank you so much for your review, we are delighted to see your wonderful feedback and glad that you enjoyed your safari with us. Please visit us again.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
maggieminn wrote a review Nov 2023
Minnesota806 contributions156 helpful votes
+1
I've stayed at all three of Governors Camp: Little Governors, Governors and Governors Moran. Just returned from Governors Moran. All three were booked through ATR(Africa Travel Resource) travel agency out of the UK. Jay Hanson has always been my agent. Just wanted to mention them, as they are the best at planning/suggesting my travel. Jay is always so kind and professional. Moran is a small camp, similar to Little Governors. All have excellent service, cleanliness, food, kindness. Just can't say enough about how much EVERY staff member does everything possible to make you comfortable, always with a smile. My guide/driver was Simon. I can't think of a thing he could have improved on. He was always focused on getting the vehicle in the best possible position, so I could take good pictures. I reserve a private vehicle, more expensive, so I have more control over where we go. This works out very well for me. Day starts at 4:30AM when Jackson(tent attendant) delivers my coffee and is my "wake up call". They will do this for you; just have to ask. Then I spend alittle time posting many of my pictures from the previous day. After a short 5 minute walk to the vehicle, Simon and I are off for the morning game drive at 6:30AM. Stop around 9AM for "breakfast on the Mara". Then back in the vehicle. We return to camp around noon for lunch and break until around 3:30. Then back out until around 7PM. Then dinner, back to tent, shower and bed. That's how the days go. Food is absolutely amazing! Wifi is good. Bed is nice and warm, as they put a hot water bottle under the sheets. Also, provide bathrobes....I love that!!
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Don't be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. They are there to make your stay/experience...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Share
Response from Jessica Savage, Owner at Governors' Camp
Responded 10 Jan 2024
Thank you ever so much for taking the time to leave us such a nice review and for mentioning names of particular staff who made your stay all the more special. We appreciate it.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Kate M wrote a review Nov 2023
3 contributions1 helpful vote
+1
We landed by light aircraft from our stay at Loldia House at the airstrip by Governors Camp. We were picked up by Mark with two other couples and taken to the camp. We then had a little form filling then taken to our tent. Wow is all I can say, we were situated around the River Mara and soon heard the hippos calling! We then settled in and went to have lunch. We sat watching the three Warthogs munching the grass. Lunch was fresh and delicious. Mark was our guide and he was an actual Masai and we went on a drive that afternoon. We were lucky that it was just myself and my husband the whole time we were there. We saw lots of wildlife including a female lion with two cubs and one got up and was playing with her tail! We then had our Sundowner (which you are asked what you want to take out with you) overlooking the Mara. The next day Mark suggested that we took breakfast out with us so we could go further. This was the day I had hoped for as he had had word of a Leopard. As we arrived there she stood! She then climbed a tree and sat looking at us until she came down and disappeared into the river dell. We waited a while but by this time a lot of landcruisers were waiting so she obviously decided not to show herself. It was purely a magical experience as I didn’t think we would see one! Mark found us a place to stop for breakfast and he laid it out on the bonnet of the car. Such a surreal experience! We then shot off to another site as a Cheetah had been spotted and she was just there perched on top of a termite mound looking around for any signs of prey. What a day! Next day we did our balloon flight and then had breakfast in the Mara. Mark picked us up and we took lunch out with us as again we could go out all day and go further. We saw lots more animals and a mating pair of lions, crocs and hippos and we reached the Tazmania border where we set up and had lunch. We then went to see grown male lions as we had only seen juveniles and we waited two hours for them to get up but worth the wait! The food was amazing and everyone was so friendly. The bed had hot water bottles in at night to keep you warm and we were woken up by arrival of coffee and biscuits to set you up for your early morning start. The next day was our last and we just relaxed before getting our light aircraft to Nairobi. I cannot say enough for the staff at Governors Camp who made us feel so welcome! I would like to especially thank Mark our guide who was so knowledgeable and friendly and looked after us so well. We wish we could’ve stayed longer!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Don’t go back and forth for breakfast and lunch, take it out with you!
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Response from Jessica Savage, Owner at Governors' Camp
Responded 10 Jan 2024
Wow - what an amazing review! Thank you so much, we really appreciate that you have taken the time to write down your feedback and we hope to host you again in the future. All the best.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Joe K wrote a review Nov 2023
4 contributions4 helpful votes
My wife and I had always dreamed of going on safari, and Governor’s Camp made our time here the honeymoon of our dreams. The service at the camp itself was amazing, from Edward making sure we always had plenty of drinks, to Tony serving our food. Both of them were exceptional and a real credit to Governor’s. The game drives themselves were everything we could have dreamed they would be. Our guide (Richard) had a wealth of experience and knowledge, and he always seemed to get us to some of the best animal viewing sports before any other jeeps got there. Richard really did make our safari one of the best experiences of our lives. We even managed to see all of the Big 5 by the end of the second day! The tents were amazing, and we were lucky enough to have a beautiful view of the Mara from our tent. Even when not out in the jeeps, we saw giraffes, elephants, warthogs and baboons whilst sitting on our tent’s terrace. Thank you to everyone at Governor’s Camp for making this the honeymoon of our dreams. We will never forget you and will definitely be returning! All the best, Joe & Niamh (tent 26)
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: The hot air balloon by Governor’s Aviation was out of this world.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Jessica Savage, Owner at Governors' Camp
Responded 10 Jan 2024
Dear Joe & Niamh, thank you so much for leaving us such a lovely review, we hope to see you back in the Mara some time soon.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Subhash sethi wrote a review Oct 2023
Kolkata (Calcutta), India96 contributions54 helpful votes
This camp is wonderful . The staff is very friendly and always in a welcoming mode . They prepared the food for us whatever we liked .. The camps are quite comfortable . When they come to know about my birthday , they celebrated in Kenyan style .. The game drive was superb . Our driver was very passionate to show us the best of wild life
Read more
Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Please carry less weight
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Jessica Savage, Owner at Governors' Camp
Responded 29 Oct 2023
Dear subhashsethi56, Thank you for your lovely review. It was a pleasure having you to stay with us are we're very grateful for your feedback. Thank you for choosing to celebrate your birthday with us, we hope it was a memorable one! We are happy to hear you enjoyed the food, accommodation and game drives as well as the service. Your comments will be passed onto the team who will be very happy to hear from you. We hope to see you again in the future - Karibu! Warmest wishes from the Governors Camp family
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Curiosity786862 wrote a review Oct 2023
5 contributions9 helpful votes
What a trip! What could be more exciting than to hear hippos chomping on grass just feet away from your tent at 4 in the morning! To wake up and sit outside your tent with a wonderful cup of coffee and watch Elephants, Zebra and Giraffes having their breakfast as the sun rises. The organisation and logistics going into the trips/drives is amazing. All staff know where you are going or where you have been all the time. Everything from flights, drives, hot air balloon rides, coffee at 5am is logged and noted by all staff. I lost count of how many times I was asked how we'd enjoyed our balloon ride. Special thanks to Nick for his reassurance that we would land safely though it might be bit bumpy! Thanks also to Anthony our driver who we gave a list of what we wanted to see each day and he worked tirelessly to try to achieve it. What a lovely guy, he really did make our trip. Thank you to the staff who brought morning coffee and hot water bottles in the evening and looked after out tent. On the subject of tents, I read a review that stated the tents were a bit tired. I thought they were amazing. They even kept the mosquitoes out, I didn't get bitten once. Beds were very comfortable, the bathroom area was a good size with clean towels every day and all the soaps and shampoo's etc. you could possibly need. Food was excellent and always served with a smile by Fred. But everything is geared towards you seeing the animals, as many as possible... and you do!
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Pack lightly, the camp laundry service is amazing!
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Share
Response from Jessica Savage, Owner at Governors' Camp
Responded 10 Jan 2024
Thank you so much for your really kind review. With best wishes.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Previous
123456
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Maasai Mara National Reserve area.
PRICE RANGE
£363 - £1,029 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
governor`s camp hotel maasai mara national reserve, governors camp
LOCATION
KenyaRift Valley ProvinceMaasai Mara National Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
25
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

GOVERNORS' CAMP - Updated 2024 (Kenya/Maasai Mara National Reserve)

Frequently Asked Questions about Governors' Camp
What are some of the property amenities at Governors' Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Governors' Camp?
Top room amenities include blackout curtains, a desk, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Governors' Camp?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Governors' Camp?
Yes, secured parking is available to guests.
Does Governors' Camp have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Governors' Camp offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Governors' Camp have airport transportation?
Yes, Governors' Camp offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Governors' Camp have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.
Is Governors' Camp accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.