Little Governors' Camp in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Comfortable Beds, Classic Safari Style, and Scenic Waterhole & Mara River Views

Little Governors’ Camp is a welcoming, full-service safari camp renowned for its excellent service and unforgettable safari experiences. Established in 1976, the camp has consistently earned accolades and positive reviews from both first-time and seasoned safari enthusiasts. The adventure begins even before you arrive, as the local airstrip is often visited by elephants and lions. The journey to the camp involves a short boat ride across the Mara River and a brief hike through the woods, adding to the excitement. Nestled on the edge of the reserve, Little Governors camp’ is surrounded by lush riverine forests and expansive plains. Each of the seventeen safari tents is strategically positioned to offer views of the bustling waterhole, a favorite spot for a variety of waterbirds and waders, delighting birdwatchers.

Beyond the natural beauty surrounding the camp, its facilities are equally impressive. The common areas boast spacious tented lounges and a dining area with tiled floors, plush sofas, and sturdy wooden coffee tables. In the evenings, a log fire is lit in front of the bar tent, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The soft glow of lanterns illuminates the rest of the common areas. Guests can enjoy delicious cocktails and snacks at the bar tent, making it a perfect spot to share safari stories with fellow travelers and Masai guides. A small souvenir shop features a gallery of wildlife and natural history photographs.

Each of Little Governors’ tented suites is generously sized and equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The seventeen spacious walk-in tents are set along the lagoon’s edge under the forest canopy, offering views of the waterhole and the distant Olooloo Escarpment. Some tents are close to the common areas, while the furthest ones are about 250 meters away. All tents are of the same size, approximately 3 meters in width. They feature polished wooden floors and decks, adorned with occasional rugs, comfy sofas, director’s chairs, a folding front deck table, a small writing/dressing table, and a luggage rack. The suites include luxurious en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water and flushing toilets. Eco-friendly solar water heaters provide hot water, and solar energy powers the tent sockets. Each tent is supplied with filtered drinking water through an eco-friendly reverse osmosis purification system.

Culinary Delights at Little Governors’ Camp

Delicious meals are prepared daily and served both outdoors during the day and in the dining tent in the evening. As night falls, traditional candlelight, gas, and kerosene lamps illuminate the camp and dining tent, creating a serene and atmospheric setting.

Guests at Little Governors’ can choose from various scenic dining spots for their meals. Whether it’s breakfast by the lagoon, lunch under the shade of an African ebony tree, or dinner by the fireside under the stars, you’ll enjoy the stunning natural surroundings and the company of hippos, buffalos, and even a family of warthogs roaming the camp. Each morning, a full English breakfast buffet is available, featuring fruit, cereals, pastries, bread, and other delights. A picnic bush breakfast can be arranged for you to enjoy at a scenic spot. Lunch is served buffet-style, offering a selection of dishes such as curries, moussaka, rice, baked breads, and a salad buffet with various ingredients and dressings. To conclude the meal, there’s always a delightful dessert. Dinners at Little Governors’ are always a treat, with options including meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes. With choices like roasted pumpkin quiche, Mongolian barbecue, vegetable risotto, and desserts like sticky banana cake with toffee sauce or a Kenyan cheese platter, there’s always something delicious being prepared in Little Governor’s kitchen.

Things to Do at Little Governors’ Camp

Each evening, the Little Governors’ manager will discuss with you the activities you’d like to participate in the following day. Located in the northern part of the Masai Mara National Reserve, most game drives are conducted within the Musiara Sector of the National Reserve. You can choose an early morning game drive departing at 6:15 and returning around 9:00, or a mid-morning drive departing at 10:30 and returning around lunchtime. A picnic bush breakfast can be arranged for you to enjoy at a scenic spot. The third option is an afternoon game drive. Additionally, you can opt for half-day or full-day extended game drives, complete with packed picnic meals. The little governors camp’s open-sided Land Rovers have two rows of rear seats, providing panoramic views of the surrounding wildlife. Beyond 4×4 safaris, guests can enjoy birdwatching tours, cultural excursions to a local Masai village, and guided walking safaris.

For an extraordinary safari adventure, consider the hot air balloon ride safaris available just behind the camp. As the balloon ascends, you’ll uncover the secrets of the vast African savannah and woodlands. Add a glass of bubbly, the vibrant colors of an African sunrise, and good company, and you’re set for a memorable high-flying safari experience. Note that the hot air balloon ride is not included in the stay price, costing approximately 500 US Dollars per person. With the launch pad conveniently located behind the safari camp, there’s no need to wake up extra early to reach your take-off point. Even if you opt out of the ride, you can still enjoy watching the balloons take off.

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