Little Governors’ Camp — Closed
Where Wilderness Becomes Home!
The first light breaks over the marsh, painting the sky in rose and gold. A lone hippo’s call echoes across the water. Warthog piglets shuffle through the grass. From your tent’s veranda, you watch giraffes grazing at the edge of the glade. In that moment, you know you are somewhere rare: in the heart of the Masai Mara, at Little Governors’ Camp.
Here, the wild feels intimate. Vehicles are left behind, wildlife moves freely. You are part of the rhythm of dawn and dusk, of river crossings, birdsong, and shadows. Every moment is designed not just to observe the Mara—but to belong to it.
Accommodation & Rates
Accommodation at Little Governors’ Camp
At Little Governors’ Camp you stay in luxury tents. Each tent has its own verandah overlooking the seasonal marsh, en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, flush toilets, showers. Solar lighting and UK-style plugs, WiFi in public areas. The camp is designed for privacy, comfort and an immersive wilderness safari experience.
Luggage policy: Because Light aircraft are used for many transfers, there is a strict 15 kg luggage allowance per person, including hand luggage.
Experiences at Little Governors’ Camp
Game Drives in the Masai Mara
From Little Governors’ Camp, you’ll explore one of the richest wildlife areas in Africa. Professional guides take you on morning, mid-morning, and late afternoon game drives in custom 4×4 safari vehicles. Each drive reveals something new: prides of lions on the move, elephants grazing by the river, cheetahs stalking across open plains, or even the drama of a wildebeest crossing during the Great Migration (July–October).
Full-day drives with picnic lunches are also available, giving you more time deep in the reserve.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
One of the most iconic experiences of the Mara is a sunrise hot air balloon safari. Float silently above the plains as dawn breaks, watching herds move like shadows beneath you. The flight ends with a champagne breakfast in the bush—a memory of a lifetime. (Optional, at an extra cost.)
Wildlife Watching from Camp
Unlike many safari camps, the wildlife often comes to you. The camp sits around a marsh that attracts elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and prolific birdlife. Warthogs graze freely between the tents, and hippos grunt nearby at night. From your verandah or the central deck, you can enjoy wildlife encounters without ever leaving camp.
Guided Walks & Birding
Escorted nature walks in the riverine forest around camp offer a different pace: learning about plants, tracks, insects, and bird calls. The Mara is home to over 450 bird species, and Little Governors’ marsh setting makes it a hotspot for birders.
Bush Dining & Sundowners
Special bush dinners and sundowner outings are available—dine by lantern light in the open plains, or enjoy a drink while the African sun sinks into the horizon.
Community & Cultural Visits
On request, visits to nearby Maasai villages can be arranged. This provides insight into Maasai culture, traditions, and daily life, enriching your safari experience with human connection.
Little Governors’ Rates (2025) — Per Person Per Night (Sharing unless otherwise stated)
Non Resident Rates in US$
| Dates | PP Sharing | SRS | Child | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan-31 Mar, June & 1 Nov-15 Dec | $700 | – | 455 | |
| April & May | $5044 | – | 330 | |
| 1 July-31 Oct & 16 Dec-31 Dec | $1,091 | $273 | $709 |
Non-Resident Masai Mara Park Fees (Per day, per person):
- 1 Jan – 30 June:Adult: USD 100 &Child (9-17 years): USD 50
- 1 July – 31 Dec:Adult: USD 200 & Child (9-17 years): USD 50
What’s Included:
Full board accommodation, meals, purified water, welcome drink, laundry, tourist transportation in 4WD vehicles, air strip transfers, excursions to Masai Mara National Reserve, local villages, schools, and community projects.
Not Included:
Premium drinks, personal expenses, entrance fees, and park fees. Supplements apply for special suites.
For further details on special offers and full rate information, please review our comprehensive guide:
*Children under 3 stay free. Children 5-15 sharing pay approx. half (or special child rate). Infant policies and child discounts per camp’s rules.
Related Camps & How They Compare / Combine
If you’re planning a longer Kenya safari or want different environments, Little Governors’ Camp is part of the Governors’ Camp Collection. Here are some options to interlink & combine stays, or contrasts to help guests choose.
- Governors’ Camp The original and classic riverside camp in the heart of the Mara, surrounded by forest and rich wildlife. Larger than Little Governors’, perfect for those who prefer a social atmosphere with the same game-rich location.
- Governors’ Il Moran Camp
- Intimate and luxurious, with only ten tents along the Mara River. A refined upgrade for couples and serious safari lovers who want exclusivity and close-up river views.
- Loldia House, Lake Naivasha
- A colonial-style lakeside retreat offering gardens, birdlife, and a slower pace. Ideal for beginning or ending a safari, with day trips to Lake Nakuru or Hell’s Gate.
- Governors’ Mugie House, Laikipia
A hilltop ranch house overlooking Laikipia’s plains and a waterhole. Offers a different landscape, conservation experiences, and wildlife diversity—perfect to combine with the Mara for contrast.
Suggested Sample Itineraries & Combinations
Here are a few ways guests often combine stays across Governors’ properties to get variety, value, and a fuller Kenya safari:
- Mara & Laikipia Loop (6-10 Nights): Begin with 3 nights at Little Governors’ Camp (Masai Mara), then fly or drive to Governors’ Mugie House (Laikipia) for 2-3 nights. This gives bush drives in Mara + conservancy life + vista from hill cottages.
- Mara + Rift Valley Relaxation: After intense wildlife in the Mara (Little Governors or Il Moran), spend 2-3 nights at Loldia House, Naivasha to unwind by the lake, go boat rides, birdwatch, visit Hell’s Gate etc.
- Governors’ Collection “Sky Safari” Style: Stay across multiple Governors’ properties. For example:
- 2 nights at Loldia House → 3 nights at Little Governors’ or Governors’ Camp → 3 nights at Mugie House.
These multi-camp itineraries often have special offers (free nights, or reduced rates) when booking two or more properties.
Why Choose Little Governors’ Camp
- Because you want a wilder, quieter side of the Mara – marsh, river, forest edge rather than roads and crowds.
- Because comfort matters – luxury tents, excellent service, fine meals.
- Because location matters – the boat ride + walk to camp, the river crossings, the marsh outside your tent doorstep.
- Because you want value that includes many inclusions: game drives, meals, drinks (non-premium), transfers.
When to Visit Little Governors’ Camp
The Masai Mara is a year-round safari destination, and Little Governors’ Camp is open in all seasons. Each time of year offers its own unique charm:
- July – October: The Great Migration
This is the Mara’s most famous season, when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross from the Serengeti into the Mara. Staying at Little Governors’ gives you excellent access to dramatic river crossings and the predators that follow the herds. Expect peak demand, so book early. - November – March: Big Cats & Birding
After the migration herds move south, the Mara remains rich with resident wildlife—lion, leopard, cheetah, elephants, giraffes, and more. The birdlife is spectacular, especially from November to February when migratory species arrive. This is also a slightly quieter time in the reserve. - April – May: Green Season
The rains bring lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and fewer visitors. Game viewing is still excellent, with predators active and plains game plentiful. This is also the most affordable time to visit, with reduced rates at Little Governors’. Photographers often favor the green season for its striking backdrops. - December: Festive Safari
December offers warm days and cool nights, with a lively atmosphere in camp. Wildlife is abundant, and many families choose to spend Christmas or New Year here.
Quick Tip
If witnessing the Great Migration is a priority, aim for late July through early October. For fewer crowds and great value, consider the green season months of April and May.
Getting There
Reaching Little Governors’ Camp is part of the adventure.
- By Air:
The most convenient way is to fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Musiara Airstrip in the Masai Mara (a flight of about 45 minutes). Scheduled flights run daily with several reputable operators, including Governors’ Aviation. From the airstrip, it’s a short drive to the Mara River, followed by a boat crossing and guided walk through the riverine forest before reaching camp. - By Road:
Road transfers from Nairobi take about 5–6 hours, passing through the Great Rift Valley with views of escarpments, lakes, and rural countryside. While longer, this is a scenic option and ideal for those who want to see more of Kenya’s landscapes along the way. - By Helicopter:
Private charters by helicopter are also possible, landing directly near the camp. This is a premium option that offers spectacular aerial views of the Mara.
Travel Notes
- Light aircraft baggage allowance is usually 15 kg per person in soft bags.
- Park fees for the Masai Mara National Reserve are payable separately.
- Transfers from Musiara airstrip to camp (including the river crossing) are included in your stay.
Sample Itineraries for Governors’ Camp:
- 3 Nights Flying Safari to Governors’ Camp
- The Governors’ Safari
- 6 Days Classic Explorer Mara Safari
- Classic Pioneer Safari
Gallery
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