Little Governors’ is intimate in character, and located on the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve. It is perfectly positioned around a seasonal marsh, close to the Mara River with views across to the Olololo Escarpment. With just 17 x luxury en-suite tents tucked around a large watering hole that teems with both birds and wildlife.
Little Governors’ will be closed from 13th October 2025 – 1st June 2026 for exciting upgrades. Including reducing the camp from 17 – 12 tents. With larger interiors and more privacy. It will fall under the Wilderness portfolio on re-opening so watch this space for more info.
The camp is approached by a boat ride across the Mara River, then an escorted walk through the riverine forest. Vehicles are left on the far river bank and the camp is therefore; quiet and undisturbed. Set apart not just by location, but by access, Little Governors’ (will be called Wilderness Mara on reopening) is uniquely positioned to bring guests to both sides of the Mara River. Unlocking more game-viewing territory with fewer crowds.
All Governors’ properties are unfenced and at Little Governors’ there are resident families of warthogs that wander freely through the camp. Guests may need to make way for elephants that sometimes visit the camp at lunchtime!
Little Governors’ Camp has a Gold Eco-Rating from Eco Tourism Kenya due to the sustainable practices in place in the camp. This includes a comprehensive solar energy system that runs the camp’s energy supply. They have also eliminated all plastic bottles from camp replacing them with stainless steel water bottles and a reverse osmosis water filtration system. In addition, they have also replaced all plastic guest toiletry bottles with stainless steel refillable bottles.
The guest tents at Little Governors’ are all tucked into the forest overlooking a waterhole frequented by a myriad of animals. Each one is spacious with an en-suite bathroom, with polished wooden decks, and large verandas. These enable guests to relax and enjoy the panorama of animals visiting the watering hole in front. All rooms have en suite bathrooms with shower basins, flush toilets, and hot and cold running water.
Tent 17 or the Honeymoon suite is located at the edge of the camp with wonderful wide views over the waterhole and plains. It has a wild and private feeling.
Guest tents
Little Governors’ Camp Activities
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.
Game DriveSpectacular safaris
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), 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 vehicle
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 around the next corner: giraffe, buffalo, hyena, zebra, or even lion.
While out on a walking safari, you can catch the scents and sounds of wild Africa. And uncover a hidden, fascinating, and interconnected world of plants, tracks, and insects. At the end of it all a sumptuous bush breakfast waits; 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
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, the wildebeest cross the Mara River right in front of the Governors’ Camps.
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 newborn. 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 in the Masai Mara
Birding at Little Governors’ Camp
The Mara River itself, the Musiara Marsh, and the central marsh area in front of the camp are home to scores of wetland birds. Such as herons, storks (saddle-billed & white), kingfishers, painted snipes, ducks, geese and crakes. The Masai Mara has over 500 species of birds. It’s not long before you have a surprisingly lengthy list of recordings yourself!
Governors’ Masai Mara camps are hidden amongst towering riverine trees that line a small stretch of the Mara River. There are “forest islands” that provide refuge for a stunning array of species that are considered almost impossible to find elsewhere in the Masai Mara ecosystem.
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 some you can spot within the campgrounds.
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.
Lilac-breasted rollerBateleur Eagle
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, and 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 treetops.
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.
Hot air balloon safari
Masai Cultural Visits
Just outside the Masai Mara National Reserve is a Maasai community called 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.
To visit the Manyatta guests must pay for an entrance ticket. This money is extremely important to the community as it helps the community members buy food, pay for secondary school for their children, and pay for cows, 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.
Cultural talks on Maasai culture and the Governors’ community work can also be arranged.
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 centers, and monthly food drives.
Community visits
Wining and Dining at Little Governors’ Camp
Breakfast and lunch are in the open air, and the resident family of warthogs frequently wander amongst the tables. Since all Governors’ properties are unfenced and in the heart of the Reserve; elephants may also stroll past. In the evening a warming log fire burns in front of the Bar Tent. Dinner is served in the nearby dining tent.
Elephant comes for breakfast
Best time to visit Little Governors’ Camp
Little Governors’ Camp is open throughout the year. Anytime is great to visit. However, if you want to see the wildebeest migration, then between 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).
Due to the altitude, the climate in the Mara is slightly colder and wetter than might be expected this close to the equator. Daytime is pleasant with temperatures in the mid to upper twenties, while it cools off significantly at night. Mornings are chilly.
Little Governors’ Camp Accommodation Rates
2025 Governors’ Camp Luxury Tent Rates
Per person sharing
Single
Child*
1st January until 31st March
US$700
US$455
1st April until 31st May
US$507
US$330
1st – 30th June
US$700
US$455
1st July to 13th October
US$1,091
US$1,364
US$709
From 13th October 2025, the camp will be closed for exciting upgrades. Including a redesign of the tents to enhance views across the marsh. The camp will also be reduced from 17 to 12 tents, allowing for larger interiors and more privacy. With these additions planned and more, Little Governors’ will reopen on 1st June 2026 as part of the Wilderness portfolio.
Children of all ages are welcome. Although, its sister camp in the Masai Mara, Governors Camp is better suited to families with young children. High chairs and babysitting services are available. Special children’s meals and early mealtimes are available. Child rate on accommodation is available for children under the age of 16 years old. Infants under the age of 3 years stay free of charge.
Rate includes:
Rates include accommodation, meals, and 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.
Little Governors’ 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.
The offers & packages below are valid from 1st January to 31st May and from 1st October to 15th December 2025. With the exception of Little Governors’ which is closed from the 13th October 2025.
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, or Il Moran) and combined with Mugie House and/or Governors’ Loldia House:
Stay 4, pay 3 in the Masai Mara
Stay at Governors’ Camp, 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.
Stay 6 Nights And Pay For Five
3 nights at Mugie House or Governors’ Loldia House and 3 nights in the Masai Mara
Stay 8 Nights And Pay For Six
2 nights at Loldia House, 3 nights at Mugie House, and 3 nights in the Masai Mara or
4 nights at Loldia House and 4 nights in the 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 at Governors’ Loldia House, 4 nights at Mugie House, and 4 nights in the Masai Mara.
The above offers T&Cs:
Applicable to adult and child rates.
Free nights are calculated on the lowest priced property in the itinerary.
Must combine a minimum of two Governors’ Collection properties, with a minimum of two nights in each property.
The award-winning Cottar’s Safari Camps are situated in the private conservancy, bordering Maasai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti, Tanzania – rates and offers
