Little Governors' Camp





Little Governorsâ Camp:Â Our View
The Governorsâ collection of camps were some of the first camps to open in the Masai Mara Reserve in the early 1970âs, which meant that they could choose wherever they wanted to locate their camps - and they definitely chose well! These camps are located in a very scenic area with possibly the best game viewing in the whole reserve. The Musiara Marsh nearby provides a year-round source of water which attracts abundant wildlife to the area. Big cat sightings are especially good. It was in this area that the famous BBC âBig Cat Diariesâ were filmed.
Little Governorsâ Camp is situated onthe Mara river- so during the migration some of the best river crossing points are just a short drive away. The location of the camp really is superb.
Little Governorsâ Camp is one of 3 camps operated by the same company in this area - the other 2 camps are Governorsâ and Il Moran Camp. It is the mid price option of the 3 and also much smaller than Governorsâ Camp with only 17 tented rooms. Little Governorsâ Camp has a tranquil and peaceful location on the Mara River, opposite Governorsâ Camp. Guests arrive at the Governorsâ Camp and are then transferred across the river by boat. The lack of any vehicles driving into camp adds to the real sense of seclusion at Little Governorsâ.
We love the genuine bush setting and the concentration of wildlife around Little Governorsâ Camp. All the rooms and communal areas look out onto a waterhole and marshland which attracts lots of animals. So there is always something to see here even when relaxing around the camp. On our last visit we saw elephant, buffalo, warthog, and numerous plains game while just sitting outside our room. And at night we were serenaded to sleep by the hippos munching on the grass right outside our tent, as well as the lions and hyenas calling!
Little Governorsâ is our favourite of the 3 Governorsâ collection camps. Although the rooms here are similar to the ones at Governorsâ Camp, the smaller size and beautiful, secluded location of Little Governorsâ Camp makes it worth the small amount extra to stay here. Little Governorsâ Camp is very popular though and we recommend that clients book as far in advance as possible, especially for peak season.
Little Governorsâ Camp: Quick Facts
- 17 tented rooms with en-suite bathroom
- Located in one of the best game viewing areas in the Masai Mara with some of the best migration river crossings on the Mara River close by
- Camp is unfenced with wildlife roaming through campÂ
- Children of any age permitted but note that there are no family tents
- 3 daily game drives offered or option of all-day game drive with picnic lunch
- Launch point for hot air balloon flights is at this camp so very convenient (extra cost)
- Camp is accessed via boat from Governorsâ Camp. There are about 50 steps down to the boat jetty so may not be suitable for clients with walking difficulties
- Spa treatments available
- Curio shop
- Wi-Fi available in camp
Little Governorsâ Camp: The Details
Little Governorsâ Camp has 17 tented rooms that all face onto a waterhole/marshland. So you will have a very scenic view from any one of them. The tents are smaller than most other camps in this price bracket in the Mara but still very comfortable with twin or double beds and en-suite bathroom with flush toilet and shower. The tents are quite classic and stylish with dark wood furniture and a small veranda at the front with table and chairs. We especially love the fact that the camp is unfenced. You are right in the heart of the Masai Mara wildlife here.Wild animals can be roaming through the camp at any time!
Other facilities include the lounge tent, bar area and dining tent. Meals are served either in the dining tent or in the open air overlooking the waterhole. There is no separate Spa tent, but Spa treatments can be provided in the privacy of your room. Wi-Fi is available in camp and it may be possible to get a signal in some of the rooms - although it is often necessary to go to the communal areas to access this. There is no swimming pool at the camp which seems to be typical of many camps in the Masai Mara.
It is the game viewing that is the real highlight at Little Governorsâ Camp though. It should be noted that although the camp is actually in the Mara Triangle area they do not do game drives here. Clients cross over the river to Governorsâ Camp and do the game drives in the area around that camp. Little Governorsâ Camp really is superb and with nearly 50 years experience the camp knows how to take full advantage of their excellent location. At any time of the year you are going to have fantastic sightings. This area is Big Cat heaven with lion, leopard and cheetah regularly seen. And if you visit during the migration season, you have the bonus of viewing one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth with the grass plains surrounding the camp teeming with wildlife. There is also a real focus on maximising the time that the clients are out on safari. The camp offers 3 game drives per day - an early morning drive departing at sunrise, a late morning drive and an afternoon game drive. Alternatively, clients can opt for a full day game drive with picnic lunch. Last time we visited the camp the full day game drive with picnic lunch was a very popular option with many of the clients.
In addition to game drives, clients can also book hot air balloon flights which are spectacular (additional cost). Â Governorsâ have their own hot air balloon company and these balloons actually depart from Little Governorsâ Camp, so it is very conveniently located for that!