Positive Impact collection

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Governors’ Il Moran Camp

Small and intimate safari camp

A slice of luxury on the edge of the Mara River

Right on the Mara River in the heart of the reserve, Governors’ Il Moran Camp has just ten very spacious safari tents, upping the the exclusivity and privacy compared to other camps on the Mara.

The camp itself is hidden deep in the forest and attracts a few foraging warthogs who nuzzle for grubs in the neatly kept lawn. Each of the tents have their own veranda where you can sit and relax, listening to the grunt of the hippos and watching the odd stalking crocodile slip through the water. The tents are all primly decorated and are extremely comfortable, with beds that you can easily fall into after a nice long day enjoying the rich variety of game in the area.

The bar is an enticing spot for those ice cold midday beers, as too is the boma area after the sun sets. Three game drives a day will maximise your game experience and if you feel like a wander, a knowledgeable guide can take you on a very interesting game walk to try and spot the ‘small five’ after you have ticked off the big ones!

Highlights

10 spacious tents with verandas

Watch wildlife from your tent

Enjoy chilled beverages at the bar

Embark on any of the three daily game drives

Guided excursions will further your game experience

The impact of your stay:

  • Nestled beneath an indigenous riverine forest in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Governor’s Il Moran camp allocates 10% of gross accommodation and meal sales as lease fees to the Narok County Council. This contribution supports the management of the reserve, offering economic benefits to local communities and advancing conservation efforts.
  • The unfenced camp allows free wildlife movement, a core aspect of the Governors’ experience, with many animals becoming part of their famous ‘cast of characters.’ Moreover, the lodge funds wildlife initiatives such as the Mara Raptor Project, conserving the park’s raptor population, and The Mara Predator Conservation Programme, safeguarding vulnerable predator populations while educating local communities. The camp also supports the Mara-Meru Cheetah Project, frequently hosting talks by researchers from the project for guests.
  • Governor’s Il Moran collaborates closely with local communities in the Mara region to understand their specific needs and strives to make a positive impact. Your stay at Governors contributes to initiatives such as food drives, improved access to healthcare, and enhanced educational opportunities in the area.
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Places to combine Governors' Il Moran Camp with

Maasai Mara

Ol Seki Hemingways
Ol Seki Hemingways is located in the heart of the Naboisho Conservancy which borders the world-famous Maasai Mara. The camp consists of nine luxurious tents scattered across the rocky escarpment, offering incredible views out over the Ngama Hills. Each stylish tent has been designed to offer secluded privacy and spacious accommodation. Neutral tones intermingle with the Bedouin style tents, whilst locally sourced fabrics and furniture, a large comfy bed, and a writing desk add further comfort. There are six domed Nina tents and two expansive family suites titled Simba and Chui. The Nina tents feature high domed ceilings and six opening panels on three sides, meaning you can enjoy the sunrise from the comfort of your double bed.. Out front you’ll find a large deck where you can relax, eat, drink, and stargaze. The Simba and the Chui tents are both suites, with the former connecting two enormous double bedrooms and their en-suites to a kitchen, dining room, and living area. There is also a fully-stocked bar. If you desire a butler or complete privacy, the Simba suite can provide both ends of the luxury spectrum. The Chui tent features two large en-suite twin bedrooms with a stone boardwalk separating them from a large central living space that houses a private kitchen, lounge and dining room. This is the perfect suite for families or friends travelling together. With a view of the acacia scrub behind your table, the dining area will reinvigorate your senses, whether you sit inside the modern establishment or on the outside terrace. Dining can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways: with a completely mobile kitchen, meals can be had on the grassy plain of the conservancy one evening, or eaten by lantern light as you gaze across the Ngama Hills the next. Private dining on the decks is also available.  On the main deck guests can congregate around the campfire and enjoy a sundowner while exchanging stories from the day. There is also a library with comfy leather chairs and a selection of safari literature. Guests can also enjoy access to an inviting swimming pool, allowing you a chance to cool off while absorbing the stunning natural surroundings. Alongside game drives you can enjoy a picnic in the reserve for lunch, meet the local Maasai herdsmen, or soar above the plains in a hot air balloon.
Positive Impact
sasaab-entrance

Samburu

Sasaab Lodge
Located on the edge of the Ewaso River in a pristine wilderness within the Westgate Community Conservancy, the lodge boasts some fantastic views and is perfectly located to give you some amazing game sightings. If you want to get involved in activities, there is a huge variety of things to get involved with but otherwise, ‘Spa Saab’ will look after you in calming treatment rooms and it even offers yoga. What’s more, Sasaab is involved in many projects with the local Samburu tribe and runs many sustainability initiatives. Each of the nine distinctive open-walled rooms are furnished with a Moroccan flair with simple but elegant trimmings. They are extremely spacious (over 100sqm each) with west facing verandas and their own private plunge pools overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River. You’re higher up and closer to the Sahara here, so it can get very warm, but the lodge has been built to provide respite from the heat. The open tented rooms are airy and your plunge pool is just a short stroll from your bed. The family unit is ideal for two couples travelling together as well as families. This luxurious suite is spacious, featuring one en-suite double room and one en-suite twin room with a communal lounge and private plunge pool. The main dining area is reminiscent of a souk and is great for a lazy afternoon watching the game frequent the river below. The lodge has a strong relationship with the hundreds of families that live on and own the conservancy and they are very proud to give guests to the lodge a special insight into their daily lives. These cultural experiences are non intrusive and if you’re lucky, they might even invite you to see a genuine traditional ceremony in the village. Trips to the local Samburu markets take place twice a week and are not to be missed.
Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline