The setting is magical. So much so that almost a century ago it was reserved, exclusively, for Kenya’s colonial Governors and their royal visitors. Now Governors’ Camp nestles in the forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, it’s waters teeming with hippo and crocodile. Some of the 38 tents line the riverbank, with uninterrupted views over the Mara River, others have views across the sweeping plains. Created in 1972 Governors’ Camp set new standards in luxury for a tented camp. Today it’s still Africa’s best. Everything is under canvas, all tents have en-suit bathrooms with hot and cold running water and flushing toilets.
Here’s how Travel and Leisure Magazine described us when it’s readers voted Governors fourth in ‘The Top 10 Hotels in the World’. “Governors’ Camp is a site popular with both animals (who come to the river to drink) and people. As in the past the hotel emphasisses enjoying the wild splendours of Africa in the highest possible style. Guests stay in well-appointed canvas tents, each with its own bathroom. Evenings are devoted to cocktails around a bonfire and dinner by candlelight.”
Each morning a breakfast feast is prepared over blazing coals: mountains of bacon, eggs the way you like them, fresh milk flown-in daily, hot-baked croissants, exotic fruits, and freshly-brewed Kenya coffee. Lunch, like breakfast is a buffet, this time roast meats hot and cold, fresh salads and delicious desserts. Both meals are served on the shady riverbank with views across the Mara’s plains.