Reviews of Little Governors'
Wildlife sightings and reviews
32 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Little Governors' and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Little Governors Camp review"
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Magical Safari at Little Governors Camp"
The staff are very attentive and can’t do enough for you, including an armed guard to take you back and forward from your tent at night. This is really important as we had tent 17 and going back to it one night we were less than 20 metres from a huge hippo that was at the side of our tent so I was really glad that Phillip ( and his rifle) was present. It was also comforting at night when you can hear animals rustling up against the tent to know that Philip was stationed at the tree opposite us!
The game drives here are in an excellent location and or driver, Jackson, was outstanding. Although we were only here for 3 days we developed an incredible rapport with him and his knowledge, consideration and skilful driving reinforced the fact that he was an accredited silver guide. He showed us a leopard ( which we hadn’t seen on our previous Safari) as well as a Wildebeest crossing of the Mara river of at least 100,000 animals, which was a once in a lifetime experience. Jackson really is an amazing guide and a credit to Little Governors.
The meals in camp were of a very good standard and to have them with such a wonderful view and attentive staff was a real treat.
The tents are ‘glamping’ of a very high standard, with a fantastic en suite and the hot water bottles at night are a lovely touch as is the insect spray covered in its own Safari jacket, which is incredibly effective at killing the mosquitos such that we were not bitten at all. The wake up call with a hot drink is also a very nice touch.
The only negative point is that the morning game drive starts at 06.30 and you get back in camp after breakfast is finished and so you have to take a packed breakfast with you. Whilst breakfast in the savanna may sound appealing the quality leaves much to be desired. After 1 day the four of us had the vehicle to ourselves and so arranged with Jackson to leave at 7.30 after breakfast in camp, which was much better.
The Maasai Mara is busy in August but the stay at Little Governors is quiet and relaxed with it only having 17 tents. I would recommend this camp to anyone as a base in the Mara and if you get Jackson as well you really will have an unbelievable time." See all these reviews: 9n in Kenya
Buffalo
10 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Highly Recommend this camp"
The abundance of wildlife in the Masai Mara is jaw droppingly spectacular. We spent four days here and enjoyed wonderfully diverse game drives.
The camp itself is beautifully laid out overlooking a watering hole which offers an abundance of wildlife at all times. I actually looked out of my tent at night to see a hippo walking past!
The staff were wonderful and Nicholas, the manager arranged for a doctor to supply medication from an insect bite that had become problematic.
Rooms/tents were spacious, clean and comfortable. Hot water always available.
The food here is absolutely stunning, I would highly recommend a stay." See all these reviews: 9n in Kenya
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Cheetah
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Striped Hyena
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Wonderful camp."
George is an extremely helpful manager and delivered on everything we asked. Perhaps the real strength of the camp are the staff. We like them all but would single out Moses as an excellent ambassador for Governors. He is excellent.
Isaac was our guide and we had him in 2004. He is an excellent guide and we got on really well with him. He tuned into the group's needs very quickly and we would very highly recommend him.
We really like all of the staff at the camp and they are a real 'selling' point." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya
"Fabulous Safari Experience"
The lunches were brilliant, and dinners also really nice. We loved our safari guide too, who found us all the animals we wanted to see and showed a huge amount of expertise and experience at spotting animals.
Couldn't recommend the Little Governors any more!!" See all these reviews: 9n in Kenya
"Wonderful return to this lovely camp."
The marsh outside the tents is teaming with game. No fences mean the animals frequently come into the camp. Usually warthog and zebra but elephant are never far away and hippo are frequent night visitors.
The tents are well equipped with large comfy beds and excellent hot showers. The electric light is an addition since we first came!
Tables are placed outside in the shade of trees for breakfast and lunch. There is no formality but the food is good and the staff very attentive. The tables are moved under cover for dinner but the sides of the dining tent are open so that you can hear the night sounds. We were well looked after in camp by 2 Stanleys, one was our waiter, the other took care of our tent.
We were collected from the plane by our guide Robert who stayed with us throughout our stay. Initially a little quiet, it soon became obvious that he was a warm and friendly guy and an excellent guide.
Our morning game drive began at 6.30, being in the heart of the Reserve we were seeing game from the moment we left camp. The time of year means an abundance of wildlife. Large numbers of Elephant, Hippo, Giraffe and Buffalo. Vast herds of Wildebeest, Zebra and Antelope providing ample food for Lion, Cheetah and Leopard.
Just a fantastic safari experience and being able to start early meant we had some special moments to ourselves. On our last day Robert took us into the Mara Triangle in search of Rhino. Astonishingly we were lucky enough to see one. A great end to our safari!
In this camp you are seriously close to wild animals. It can get very noisy at night, lion and hyena sound closer than they are but you do have to expect the snuffling of hippo eating just the other side of your tent wall! It is a fantastic experience as long as you are comfortable with it.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will be back!" See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya
"Little Governors Camp review"
"Little Governors - heaven!"
The staff were, without exception, wonderful: friendly, efficient, empathetic and charming.
Food is excellent. We had picnic breakfast which is plentiful and delicious especially breakfast muffins! Lunch is served outdoors overlooking the marsh if weather permits and consists of 3 courses, all difficult to resist.. Dinner is served under cover but the tent has removable sides if the weather is good.
Access to the Masai Mara reserve from Little Governors is by small boat across the Mara River. Unfortunately, our visit coincided with a prolonged rainy spell of weather and the raised river level made crossing difficult and eventually the crossing closed. We spent some time in the Mara Conservancy which was good; we saw lions and rhino with a calf amongst other things. However it could not offer a realistic chance to see leopard or cheetah. Without our prompting the manager arranged for us and our guide to transfer to Il Moran on the other side of the river without extra cost to us. This demonstrated the sensitivity to our needs of the camp manager and we are very grateful to him. Our time spent at Il Moran was equally superb.
Our guide was excellent, amongst the best we have had over many visits to Kenya. He had a thorough knowledge of the wildlife to be seen and understood our needs well. He was also a safe and considerate driver in the difficult conditions.
We loved our time in Little Governors and were sorry to leave such a fantastic camp. We are returning next year." See all these reviews: 8n in Kenya
"Return to Little Governors"
We had the first couple of game drives on our own and then shared the vehicle and guide with another couple. We had some very good sightings of lion and cheetah and lots of other game and birds. This included; rhino, giraffe and some big herds of both buffalo and elephant.
It had bee very wet in the Mara and the tracks were very muddy and boggy but the driver and vehicle coped very well. While we were there more rain, (which only affected us on one game drive), caused the river to rise dramatically. Consequently we had to do some of our game drives in the Mara Triangle, rather than the Musiara Sector because of concerns about the safety of using the boat to cross the river when it was so high and fast flowing. We still had good bird and animal sightings on the 'Triangle' side but the disadvantage is that there is no 'off road' driving, so in some instances we couldn't get as close as we would have liked.
Little Governors was very quiet and we really enjoyed this return visit." See all these reviews: 8n in Kenya
"Excellent Safari at Little Governors Camp"
During our four days we saw buffalo, wildebeest, warthogs, hippos and baboons from camp. On our last night a herd of elephants and a hippo made way into camp which was so exciting. The LG staff did an excellent job ensuring our safety as the elephants enjoyed the marsh near our tent. We also loved watching the resident warthogs graze throughout camp.
In keeping with our overall experience in Kenya, everything at Little Governors—the service, food, game drives, tent accommodation and facilities—was outstanding. We were greeted with smiles from George, camp manager, and staff at all times. Ngei, our guide, took us on extraordinary drives. The hot air balloon safari was a highlight, especially being able to see the hordes of wildebeest from above.
We highly recommend Little Governors Camp and look forward to an opportunity to return." See all these reviews: 6n in Kenya
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Alternative places to stay in this same area.
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Sand River Camp
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Sala's Camp
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Governors' Il Moran
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Ilkeliani Camp
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Angama Mara
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Ngenche Safari Camp
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Tipilikwani Camp
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Mara Serena Safari Lodge
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Mara Explorer Camp
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Governors' Private Camp
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Entim Camp
Entim Camp is well located in the heart of the Mara National Reserve, offering traditionally styled tented accommodation.
Naibor Camp
Naibor has a great location in the Mara reserve, and offers accommodation to suit different budgets, with stylish high-end tents and some simpler ones too.
Ishara
Ishara is a highly luxurious safari camp in the Maasai Mara, located on the Talek River, which is one of the best areas in Kenya for wildlife.
