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Governors' Camp was the first tented camp to be established in the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Main Governors', as it is sometimes called, first opened in 1972 on the site of Teddy Roosevelt's Mara Camp. It is now one of the best known camps in the Mara, and indeed in Kenya.

Although Governors' is one of the larger camps in the Mara, you never really see more than a few tents at a time. Amazingly enough as many as 25 tents are sited along the high banks of the looping Mara River, with views of the river or the vast plains of the Mara. Tall old trees, clipped green lawns and the quiet river give everything a feeling of tranquillity. You can watch and listen to birds, and you may even see larger animals which wander into camp. It is quite possible to wake up to the sound of hippo feeding on the grass outside your tent.

The reception area is built of natural stone and features a small museum showing mounted photographs and bronze sculptures of wildlife. The bar lounge, open on three sides, is especially inviting with its bar built of logs. Nearby there is a spacious decking area overlooking the river where breakfast and lunch buffets are served when the weather is fine.

For those in need of a bit of pampering, the camp now offers a range of massage and spa treatments. A new chef-training programme has brought the level of the food here to excellent standards, so you can be sure to enjoy some great food after a long day on safari.

OUR RATING: Medium