Little Governors' Camp in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Inviting Beds, Classic Safari Style, and Captivating Waterhole Views

Inviting Beds, Timeless Safari Charm, and Captivating Waterhole Vistas

Little Governors’ Camp offers an intimate yet fully-equipped safari retreat, renowned for its exceptional hospitality and thrilling wildlife encounters. Since opening in 1976, it has earned multiple accolades and consistently receives praise from both seasoned travelers and first-time safari-goers. The adventure begins before you even arrive, as the local airstrip—frequented by elephants and lions—sets an exhilarating tone for the journey ahead. Guests take a short boat ride across the Mara River before embarking on a brief walk through lush terrain to reach the camp. Situated at the edge of the Maasai Mara National Park, this tranquil retreat is surrounded by a dense riverine forest and sprawling grasslands, creating a tropical escape. With only a handful of safari tents, each featuring a private deck, guests enjoy unparalleled views of the abundant wildlife drawn to the nearby watering hole. At its center, a small island attracts numerous waterbirds, making it an ideal location for birdwatching. Meanwhile, the opposite riverbank is a prime spot for observing animals as they gather to drink and bathe. The camp’s warm and attentive staff ensure a remarkable experience in this wildlife-rich setting.

Beyond the breathtaking landscape, the camp’s amenities are equally noteworthy. Guests can unwind in the expansive tented lounges or dine in an inviting space adorned with tiled flooring, comfortable sofas, and solid wooden coffee tables. As the sun sets, a crackling log fire is lit in front of the bar tent, casting a cozy glow, while lanterns softly illuminate the common areas. The bar serves an array of delicious cocktails and snacks, creating a perfect atmosphere for guests to share stories with fellow travelers and Maasai guides. A small gift shop within the camp also showcases a gallery of wildlife and natural history photography. This thoughtful approach to blending comfort with immersion in nature underscores Little Governors’ Camp’s dedication to eco-tourism Kenya, much like its sister property, Governors’ Camp.

Each guest tent at Little Governors’ Camp is spacious and carefully curated for maximum comfort. The camp features seventeen luxurious walk-in tents, positioned along the lagoon’s edge under a canopy of trees, offering breathtaking waterhole views and a backdrop of the distant Olooloo Escarpment. Some tents sit close to the communal spaces, while the furthest ones are set approximately 250 meters away for added seclusion. Measuring around 3 meters wide, all tents share a uniform size and design, boasting polished wooden floors enhanced with decorative rugs. Inside, guests will find plush sofas, director’s chairs, a foldable deck table, a small writing or dressing table, and a luggage rack. The en-suite bathrooms feature eco-friendly solar water heaters, providing both hot and cold running water, alongside flushing toilets. Holding a prestigious gold eco-rating, the camp harnesses solar energy to ensure continuous power supply in all tents. Additionally, filtered drinking water is available through a sustainable reverse osmosis purification system, demonstrating a commitment to both comfort and environmental responsibility.

### Little Governors’ Camp Dining Experience

At Little Governors’ Camp, every meal is an exquisite gastronomic experience, with expertly prepared international cuisine served in breathtaking natural settings. During daylight hours, guests enjoy alfresco dining, while evenings are reserved for meals inside the dining tent. As night descends, the camp glows under the soft flicker of gas lamps, kerosene lanterns, and candlelight, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Diners can select from a variety of scenic spots to savor their meals. Whether it’s a peaceful breakfast along the lagoon, a leisurely lunch beneath the canopy of an African ebony tree, or an intimate fireside dinner under the star-lit sky, each meal comes with spectacular views of the surrounding wildlife. Hippos, buffalos, and even a wandering warthog family are frequent visitors. Every morning, guests wake up to a lavish English breakfast buffet featuring fresh fruit, cereals, pastries, and an assortment of breads. Lunch is a delightful buffet-style spread showcasing international flavors, including curries, moussaka, baked breads, rice dishes, and a well-stocked salad bar with a variety of dressings and ingredients. To round off the meal, a delicious dessert is always available. When evening falls, a diverse selection of dishes awaits, with meat, fish, and vegetarian options such as Mongolian barbecue, roasted pumpkin quiche, and vegetable risotto. Sweet endings include treats like sticky banana cake drizzled with toffee sauce or a curated Kenyan cheese platter. The culinary team at Little Governors’ ensures every dish is a flavorful masterpiece.

Activities During Your Little Governors’ Safari

Each evening, the camp manager personally consults with guests about the exciting activities available for the following day. Located in the northern reaches of the Masai Mara National Reserve, the camp’s intimate setting provides access to thrilling game drives in the Musiara Sector of this renowned wilderness. Guests can embark on an early morning game drive, departing at 6:15 AM and returning around 9:00 AM, or opt for a mid-morning excursion that sets off at 10:30 AM and concludes by lunchtime. For an immersive wilderness experience, a picnic bush breakfast is available, allowing guests to enjoy a meal in the heart of the savannah, surrounded by roaming wildlife. An afternoon game drive is also available, with half-day and full-day safari excursions offered for those seeking extended exploration. Guests travel in open-sided Land Rovers equipped with two rear rows, providing unobstructed views of the remarkable wildlife encounters and constant animal activity. Expect to witness the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration, spot the famous marsh pride, and observe the diverse wildlife inhabiting the area surrounding the camp. For an extraordinary vantage point, a hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara National Reserve offers breathtaking panoramic views of the landscape below.

If an unforgettable aerial adventure intrigues you, the launch site for the renowned Governors Balloon Company is conveniently situated just behind the camp. As the balloon lifts into the sky, guests are treated to sweeping vistas of the African wilderness. Paired with the golden glow of an African sunrise, a celebratory glass of champagne, and excellent company, the flight promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The hot-air balloon ride is not included in the standard stay package and costs approximately 500 US Dollars per person. Thanks to the launch site’s close proximity, there’s no need for an early wake-up call to reach the departure point. Even those who choose not to take part can enjoy the sight of the balloons ascending while relaxing at the camp. Additionally, Governors Aviation provides seamless travel arrangements for those journeying to and from the camp, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free safari experience.