Governors Camp Collection

Governors Camp Collection on a Kenya Safari

For over 50 years, the Governors Camp Collection has been a symbol of the traditional East African safari. Introducing the idea of a permanent tented camp to the wildlife heartlands of Kenya, the properties of the Collection place the visitors in the wilderness setting, where the rhythms of nature and the traditional safari culture become the centre stage. Across the plains of the famous Mara River with Governors’ camps and lodges, to the wilderness of the Laikipia and the peaceful shores of Lake Naivasha, the Governors’ camps and lodges provide unmatched experiences with the wildlife, the culture and the scenery that has been the safari since the early 20th century.

A Heritage Born on the Mara

The flagship property of the Collection was Governors Camp, which was founded in 1972 and is generally recognised as one of the first permanent luxury tented camps in the Masai Mara. It was initially made known by its name and location as a high-quality safari base where governors in Kenya could stay; however, as the decades passed, it has transformed into one of the most reputable camp experiences in Africa. The collection today includes many award-winning safari camps and lodges that cover a variety of habitats in Kenya, and each was selected based on its closeness to a large number of wildlife and beautiful scenery.

The effectiveness of Governors Camp established a precedent of safari hospitality in Kenya, combining the exoticism of the traditional tented camp with contemporary comforts, superb guiding and rich cultural links with the local population.

Safari Landscapes.

The Governors Camp Collection now comprises three properties in three of the most wildlife-rich regions in Kenya:

Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The camp of the original “governors” remains to provide the presence of the Collection in the Mara, and the satellite properties provide further experience in slightly different landscapes. These include:

Governors Camp (Mara River): Located on the banks of the Mara River, it has excellent river and plains wildlife.

Little Governors Camp: It is a smaller and more personalised camping experience in the Mara ecosystem.

Governors’ Il Moran Camp: This is a luxury and exclusive camp concealed within a forest by the river.

These Mara camps are the ones that are located at strategic locations to view the games all year round and other most dramatic game-viewing moments in Africa, such as the Great Wildebeest migration that takes place between July and October, where millions of grazing animals and predators cross the plains across the Mara River.

Laikipia Plateau

Governors Mugie House is in the rugged and expansive Laikipia region of northern Kenya, a combination of wilderness seclusion and great wildlife viewing of elephants, Grevy’s zebras, and predators in less congested grounds than the Mara.

Great Rift Valley

Loldia House is located close to Lake Naivasha, and it is a different Kenya safari experience with the focus being on the lakeside scenery and the abundant bird life. This establishment is perfect for those visitors who want a mix of wildlife, serenity and movie-like scenery of the Rift Valley escarpment.

In all these destinations, Governors bring together the traditional safari feel and the local grounded hospitality, and the guests experience authentic experiences of both nature and culture.

True Safari Experiences and Adventures.

A governor’s safari stay is constructed around the exploration of wildlife on a daily basis. Most of the properties offer various game drives, usually morning and evening excursions in custom safari vehicles that give excellent wildlife viewing and photography.

Game Drives and Big Wildlife

Among the richest wild animals are the wildlife that comprises the elephants, lions, hyenas, giraffes and the entire plains game that is found in the reserves and conservancies where governors operate. Guides and driver-naturalists typically have a very strong understanding of wildlife behaviour, ecology, and the migration patterns of the Mara, so they can provide the visitor with more than sightings but also an explanation of predator-prey relationships and animal rhythms.

Balloon Safaris and Bush Activities.

Another opt-in activity that attracts several visitors is the optional hot-air balloon safari over the Mara at sunrise, with a champagne bush breakfast served on landing, a Kenyan safari staple among several visitors.

The other activities will be guided bush walks, cultural tours of Maasai villages, birding tours and even night drives or dinners out under the stars. These overlapping interactions add value to the entire safari experience that can be created through the use of game drives only.

Accommodation

Throughout its camps and lodges, governors’ stays focus on relaxing safari accommodation that does not intrude on the surrounding environment. The majority of the accommodation is canvas tents or safari-style cottages with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and a view custom-made to the scenery of the environment: the river, plains, and forest which surround it.

The tents of governors: These are generously spaced and well located to get the best sight of either the Mara River or the open savannah field.

Camp of Little Governors: Smaller and closer tented camps that are more secluded.

Governor Il Moran: A more upscale and luxurious experience and fewer guests with more amenities.

Loldia House and Mugie House: Lodge-like rooms, which combine safari style and lakeside serenity or the Laikipia wilderness appeal.

These properties are fine balances between luxury and nature; they do not have the urban trappings, so the guests will be tightly connected to the sounds and rhythm of the bush.

Community and conservation.

Since its inception, Governors has been able to combine safari hospitality with conservation and community involvement. This includes:

• Funding local education and medical programmes.
• Investing in a conservation of wildlife project.
• Limiting environmental effects by adopting green initiatives like the use of solar energy, the reduction of waste, and the minimisation of the use of water.
• Using local guides and employees and promoting alliances with Maasai groups surrounding the Mara.

These initiatives support a responsible tourism model that seeks to give back concrete value to the land and people who, through their custodianship, ensure the wildlife heritage in Kenya.

Conclusion

Governors Camp Collection is not really a set of camps but a developing safari heritage, one which started with tents on the Mara River and has since expanded into an extended family of lodges and camps which capture the wild heart of East Africa.

Having over 50 years of experience in the safari, a well-developed conservation ethos and lodges located in one of the most wildlife-rich locations of the continent, Governors’ continue to provide journeys into the wild that last well beyond guests going back home.