GOVERNORS’ IL MORAN CAMP – MASAI MARA RESERVE

Il Moran Camp is hidden in the cool shade of the riverine forest that follows the bends of the Mara River. Each tent enjoys a private location from which to enjoy the beautiful and serene setting. Hippos wallow in the river waters below, elephants wander through camp, and the night time is punctuated by hyena whoops and lion calls.

Each canvassed room is expansive and newly furnished to a superior standard. Beautiful old wood furniture and muted natural tones are a natural extension of the environment around. Each stylish bathroom boasts a Victorian style bath and his & her vanities. A large verandah is designed for relaxing in comfort in the peaceful surroundings.

Small and supremely personal in nature, Il Moran is a chic and intimate retreat in the best wildlife location in Kenya and arguably Africa. A brand new dining and lounge area set along the riverfront is beautifully furnished and our superior team of chefs create dishes that tantalize the eyes and taste buds.

LOCATION

On the Mara River in the Masai Mara Reserve – Kenya

CAMP

Il Moran is small and peaceful – the ideal camp for honeymooners and couples who are looking for a very special safari experience, or even families with older children. This camp has been awarded a Silver Eco Rating by Eco-Tourism Kenya for our sustainable tourism practices in place.

Hidden under ancient trees deep in the forest, are just ten tents which line the winding banks of the Mara River. Dark chunky wooden tables contrast with oversized blue couches and a central, colourfully beaded chandelier, while tribal portraits and African artefacts are dotted around. Meals are served on the raised wooden decking of the main mess and dining tent which offers a birds eye view of the snorting hippos below. The main feature is a sunken fire pit which is lit in the evenings – the perfect spot to sit back with a cocktail of your choice.

The camp offers a range of spa treatments which can be done from the privacy and comfort of your tent.

Little Governors Camp has just been awarded a Gold Eco-Rating from Eco Tourism Kenya due to our sustainable practices in place in camp.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

The camp is in the heart of the best game viewing area of the Masai Mara and you go out twice a day into the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve and surrounding areas. Governors’ driver-guides are hand-picked and undergo a continuous guide training scheme mentored by experts in the field. Having operated in the Masai Mara for 40 years the driver-guides have an fantastic knowledge of the reserve combined with a deep understanding and respect for the importance of this wilderness area, its flora and its fauna.

From July to October 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra arrive from the Serengeti plains in their annual search for the seasonal grasses that sustain them. The spectacle as the vast herds cross rivers and sweep through the golden grasses is punctuated by individual struggles with the predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards and crocodiles. Whilst the migration is spectacular, game viewing at all other times of the year remains outstanding.

Game Drives – Il Moran Camp combines the best location in the Masai Mara with the brand new best-designed LandCruisers that seat a maximum of 4 guests, and exceptionally highly trained and experienced guides to give our clients un-matched game-viewing and photographic opportunities in the world’s prime wildlife area.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris – the adventure begins just before dawn. Departure is from a perfect natural launch site behind Little Governors’ Camp. The flight lasts an hour or so drifting wherever the air currents take you and with ample opportunities for photography. A champagne breakfast, cooked wherever you land, in included and the Balloon Safari ends with some leisurely game viewing on the way back to Camp.

Guided Bush Walk – leave your vehicle behind and take a walking safari with an experienced and qualified naturalists – down on the same level as the animals you will experience the untamed beauty of the Mara. Walking safaris take place in the morning in a private concession area adjacent to the Masai Mara Game Reserve and the walk takes approximately two and a half to three hours but can be tailored to suit you.

Cultural Visit – the Masai people of East Africa are a striking image synonymous with safari, a proud people with many traditional practices still very much alive in their culture. During your visit you will learn about this fascinating culture.

Visit Community Projects – visits to Governors’ responsible tourism projects can be organised from camp. Mara Rianda Primary School and Mara Rianda Medical Centre are two inspirational projects supported by Governors’ Camps.

Mara-Meru Cheetah Project – since the beginning of the 20th Century the cheetah population has fallen dramatically from 100’000 individuals to 7’500 individuals with human activity a major cause. It is therefore important to understand the cheetah-human interface which is one of the key works of the Mara-Meru Cheetah Project, led by Dr. Elena Chelyseva. Governors’ Guides play a critical role in the data collection for Dr. Elena and her team reporting through sightings and behaviour observations of cheetah spotted. Dr Elena enjoys sharing her expertise on the cheetahs in the area with guests through talks or by accompanying guests game drives. Please let us know if you would like to pre-book a talk or a guided game drive with Elena when booking your safari for advice on costs.

GOVERNORS’ IL MORAN CAMP IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE CAMP WELCOMES CHILDREN AGED 8 AND OVER