Governors’ Il Moran Camp is for those who want that extra bit of luxury. Il Moran is small and intimate. Added touches place this camp at the top of the safari accommodation range. You’ll be the personal guest of the manager who will look after all your needs. It is the ideal camp for honeymooners and couples who are looking for a very special safari experience. Or even families with older children.
It is widely regarded as the premiere camp in the Masai Mara, with the best game viewing right on your doorstep.
Dark chunky wooden tables contrast with oversized blue couches and a central, colorfully beaded chandelier. While tribal portraits and African artifacts are dotted around. Meals are served on the raised wooden decking of the main mess and dining tent which offers a birds eye view of the snorting hippos below. The main feature is a sunken fire pit which is lit in the evenings. The perfect spot to sit back with a cocktail of your choice. Tales shared around the campfire are not uncommon, but neither is escaping into your own intimate and romantic safari getaway.
A range of spa treatments can be done from the privacy and comfort of your tent.
This camp has been awarded a Silver Eco Rating by Eco-Tourism Kenya for its sustainable tourism practices in place.
Hidden under ancient trees deep in the forest, are just 10 x tents which line the winding banks of the Mara River. Hippos wallow in the river waters below, elephants wander through camp and the night time is punctuated by hyena whoops and lion calls.
Each tent enjoys a private location from which to enjoy the beautiful and serene setting. The rooms are expansive and furnished to a superior standard. Beautiful recycled old wood furniture and muted natural tones are a natural extension of the environment around. Each stylish bathroom boasts a Victorian style bath. While a large verandah at the front is designed for relaxing in comfort within the peaceful surroundings.
Luxury Tent with wheelchair accessBathroom
Governors’ Il Moran Camp Activities
Game drives, and walking safaris are fantastic for birders and photographic enthusiasts. Visit Governors’ Collection sustainability and conservation projects.
Masai Mara Wildlife and Cultural Activities ↓
Game Drives
Governors’ Camps are located in a superb location in the Masai Mara and therefore the game viewing is tremendous. They use custom designed vehicles and exceptionally highly trained and experienced guides to give clients unmatched game-viewing and photographic opportunities in one of Kenya’s most prolific wildlife areas. If you’d like to stay out on your game drive for longer, the team will organize a delicious packed breakfast to take with you.
Having operated in the Masai Mara for 50 years now, the driver-guides have an unparalleled knowledge of the reserve. Combined with a deep understanding and respect for this precious wilderness area, its flora and its fauna.
Safari in Masai MaraCheetah
Photographic Safaris
Three of the Landrovers have been modified into superbly designed photographic safari vehicles. They offer same-level seating throughout, cut out side panels in the middle row (to get those much desired low angle shots). Plus high roofs, fully folding windscreens and wide side paneling. The perfect place for resting a beanbag and long lens. These photographic safari vehicles are available on an exclusive use basis.
Photographic safari
Walking Safari
Governors’ Camp Collection offers guided walking safaris in a private concession area adjacent to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Guided walking safaris enable you to leave your vehicle behind and take a walking safari with one of the experienced and qualified naturalists. For the true thrill of the bush.
Down on the same level as the animals you will experience the untamed beauty of the Mara. Here the scenery differs from inside the Reserve and picturesque acacia trees dot the hilly landscape. You will also be accompanied by one of the Masai Scouts, who provide a wealth of information on the traditional medicinal uses of plants and Masai folklore. You will track game, unsure what waits round the next corner: giraffe, buffalo, hyena, zebra or even lion.
While out on a walking safari, you can catch the scents and sounds of the wild Africa. And uncover a hidden, fascinating and interconnected world of plants, tracks and insects. At the end of it all waits a sumptuous bush breakfast complete with sparkling wine. You can enjoy some game viewing as you are driven back to the camp through the Masai Mara. Walks are at an extra cost and take around 3 – 4 hours.
Walking safari
Birding
Over 500 species of birds have been recorded in the Mara and it’s not long before you have a surprisingly lengthy list of recordings yourself! Governors’ Masai Mara camps are hidden amongst towering riverine trees which line a small stretch of the Mara River. There are “forest islands” which provide refuge for a stunning array of species that are considered almost impossible to find elsewhere in the Masai Mara ecosystem. The wetlands are home to scores of wetland birds such as herons, storks (saddle-billed & white), kingfishers, painted snipes, ducks, geese and crakes.
Strict forest-dwelling species such as Schalow’s and Ross’s turacos, black-and-white casqued hornbills, African paradise and African blue flycatchers, olive pigeons, violet-backed starlings, double-toothed barbets, meyers parrots and narina trogons are often seen within the camp grounds.
Out on the open plains, a variety of raptors (African fish eagles and tawny eagles to name just a couple), vultures (ruppell’s griffon, white-backed & lappet-faced), bustards, secretary birds, starlings, oxpeckers, lapwings, ground hornbills, coucals and cuckoos, seed eaters and bee-eaters can be found.
Little Bee-eater
Hot Air Balloon Safari
The adventure begins just before dawn. Departure is from a perfect natural launch site behind Little Governors’ Camp, and flames from the hot air balloon burners light the darkness as the crews inflate their craft. The first pink tongues of sunlight flicker across the skies as the hot air balloon fills, then rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow colored canopy, you’re off for a wildlife viewing adventure with an entirely different perspective. What amazes most first-time balloonists is the absolute stillness. The silence as you float above the plains, the forest and the rivers of the Masai Mara.
Even if you’ve flown elsewhere, this is a unique experience. A hot air balloon safari when the wildebeest migration is on; is perhaps the best way to really grasp the enormity of this mass movement. Soar gently over seemingly infinite herds below, watch predators stalking their prey and look out for critically endangered vultures feeding their chicks on the tree tops.
The flight lasts an hour or so, drifting wherever the air currents take you, and with ample opportunities for photography and video filming.
After about an hour or so, your balloon safari finishes with a flourish. In the time-honored tradition of balloon flights the world over, toast your return to earth with sparkling wine while enjoying a delicious breakfast at a very special spot. The experience ends with a game drive back to your camp.
Governors’ Balloon Safaris offers the best flight path in the Masai Mara, following the natural winding course of the Mara River.
Masai Cultural Visits
Just outside the Masai Mara National Reserve is a Maasai community, Mara Rianda. There is a cultural homestead or Manyatta which consists of 48 x traditional houses surrounding a cattle enclosure. The Maasai community welcomes guests who would like to visit the manyatta and see a tribal way of life that has remained quite unchanged for centuries. Visitors are always struck by the grace and beauty of the Masai people. There is also a bustling curio market where guests can buy Maasai beaded wares.
In order to visit the Manyatta guests must pay for an entrance ticket. This money is extremely important to the community. It helps the community members to buy food, pay for secondary school for their children, and pay for cows. Cattle are the mainstay of the Maasai economy. During times of drought when their cattle suffer, the money earned from tourism helps the community to stay on their feet. Overall this revenue supports 98 different families comprising 300 individuals.
There are also cultural talks on Maasai culture and Governors’ community work. Culture includes the background of Maasai culture and customs, including their dress, diet, dance, food and ceremonies. Community work includes support given to the local primary schools, health care center and the monthly food drives during COVID19.
Best time to visit Governors’ Il Moran Camp
Governors’ Il Moran Camp is open throughout the year. Really, anytime is great to visit. However, if you want to see the wildebeest migration, then between the months of July and October is best. Although, there is abundant wildlife all year. The rainy seasons transform the scorched landscapes into an immediate green flush. This makes it great for photography. Rivers and waterholes are full and there’s new life in the form of baby animals and migratory birds. Birding is great all year round.
The driest months are from late June to October. The long rains in the Masai Mara are from April to May. While November (and the start of December) is known as the short rains. The warmest month is February with an average maximum temperature of 28°C (82°F). The coldest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 24°C (75°F).
The climate in the Mara is slightly colder and wetter than might be expected this close to the equator. This is due to the altitude. Daytime is pleasant with temperatures in the mid to upper twenties, while it cools off significantly at night. Mornings are chilly.
Wildebeest Migration
Situated right inside the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Governors’ Camps are ideally placed to let you be at the heart of the Great Wildebeest Migration. On many occasions, we have seen the wildebeest cross the Mara River right in front of Governors’ Camp.
Between the months of July and October, one and a half million wildebeest accompanied by vast numbers of zebra and gazelles, make the long and dangerous trek from Tanzania’s Serengeti, northwards towards this corner of Kenya.
Lines of animals stretch as far as the eye can see across the open plains. They come to give birth to their young and the grasslands echo with the sounds of the new-born. It is a time of plenty. But it is a time too, when the predators are drawn from all around; high above on the hot winds, the carrion birds, vultures and eagles soar. In the long grasses lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena prowl.
Most dramatic of all is the moment when the migration arrives at the Mara River. They must cross it to reach the rich grazing areas on the other side. It takes the bravest to plunge first into the swirling currents and thousands follow. Meanwhile, keen crocodiles cruise the waters.
Wildebeest migration
Governors’ Il Moran Camp Accommodation Rates
2024 Luxury Tent Governors’ Il Moran Camp Accommodation Rates
Per person sharing
Single
Child*
1st July to 31st October
$ 1430
$ 1788
$ 930
1st November until 15th December
$ 888
$ 578
16th – 31st December
$ 1430
$ 1788
$ 930
2025 Luxury Tent Governors’ Il Moran Camp Accommodation Rates
Per person sharing
Single
Child*
1st January until 31st March
US$915
US$595
1st April until 31st May
US$667
US$433
1st – 30th June
US$915
US$595
1st July to 31st October
US$1,502
US$1,877
US$976
1st November until 15th December
US$915
US$595
16th – 31st December
US$1,502
US$1,877
US$976
Child rate applies to children 8 years and older.
Rate includes: Rates include accommodation, meals, drinks including house wine, beers, soft drinks, local spirits and water. Laundry, and air strip transfers. Up to 3 activities per night. From safaris into the Masai Mara National Reserve and surrounding areas, to local Masai Villages (Manyattas). Or local schools and other community and conservation projects.
Rate excludes: Imported spirits, fine wines, premium drinks, liqueurs and champagne, Personal expenses, Manyatta entrance fees and Park Fees.
Governors’ Il Moran Camp Accommodation Specials and/or Packages
View our Governors’ Sky Safari for an incredible itinerary including all flights and accommodation at Loldia and the Masai Mara. Valid all year.
Stay 4, pay 3 in the Masai Mara
Stay at Governors’ Camp or Little Governors’ Camp or Governors’ Il Moran Camp for 4 nights and only pay for 3 nights. Applicable to adult and child rates. For individual travel and small groups only and subject to availability. This offer is available for travel anytime between 1st November to 15th December 2024.
Below packages are valid from 1st January to 31st May and from 1st October to 15th December 2024 & 2025. Flights must be booked with Governors Aviation (minimum 2 legs). Park fees and conservation fee payable for all nights. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
Packages
Combine your stay in the Masai Mara with other Governors’ Camps in Kenya. All are 3 nights at the Masai Mara Camps (either Little Governors’ or Governors’ Camp) and combined with Mugie House and/or Governors’ Loldia House:
Stay 6 Nights And Pay For Five
3 nights at Mugie House or Governors’ Loldia House and 3 nights Masai Mara
Stay 8 Nights And Pay For Six
2 nights at Loldia House, 3 nights at Mugie House and 3 nights Masai Mara OR 4 nights at Loldia House and 4 nights Masai Mara.
Stay 10 Nights And Pay For Eight
3 nights at Loldia House, 3 nights at Mugie House and 4 nights in the Masai Mara OR 2 nights Governors’ Loldia House, 4 nights Mugie House and 4 nights in the Masai Mara.
The above offers T&C’s: Applicable to adult and child rates. Free nights are calculated on lowest priced property in the itinerary. Must combine a minimum of two Governors’ Collection properties, with a minimum of two nights in each property.
Fly For Free – All year!
Fly for free when you spend 3 nights at Il Moran (Masai Mara) first, followed by 3 nights at Governors’ Mugie (Laikipia). Flights are with Governors’ Aviation scheduled flights (not private charters) from Wilson – Mara – Mugie – Wilson.
Valid for travel from 1st March 2024 to 31st May 2025 and 1st October to 15th December 2025. This offer is based on a minimum of 2 adults booking for a minimum of 6 nights. Accommodation rates, applicable park fees, ranch fees and community fees apply.
The award-winning Cottar’s Safari Camps are situated in the private conservancy, bordering Maasai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti, Tanzania – rates and offers
