The New Grand
Guest tent at Wilderness Mara at sunset
Photo: Wilderness

Opened July 2026

Wilderness Mara

Masai Mara, Kenya. Wilderness.

Opened
July 2026
Rooms
12
Operator
Wilderness
Type
Hotel

Wilderness Mara opened in July 2026 in the Mara Triangle of Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. Wilderness calls it a fully rebuilt safari camp and says it was formerly Little Governors' Camp, honouring a safari legacy of more than five decades. An earlier release, dated 3 November 2025, had given the opening as mid-2026.

The camp is framed by the Oloololo Escarpment, in the part of the reserve managed by the Mara Conservancy, with access to both sides of the Mara River. It has twelve tented suites, one of them a family unit, set along the edge of a seasonal marsh. Each tent has a raised private deck and indoor and outdoor showers. Chris Payne of White Elephant Trading Company designed the interiors with Wilderness, using locally crafted furnishings and sustainably sourced materials.

A spa and gym sit in a pocket of indigenous forest, and the camp has a pool with a lounge and a photographic studio. Menus lean on Kenyan produce, and the Manyatta dinner is built around fire cooking. Game drives run morning and afternoon, with hot air balloon safaris and visits to nearby Maasai manyattas on offer.

Guests fly to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, about 45 minutes from Nairobi's Wilson Airport, then drive 15 minutes to camp. Fully inclusive rates for 2026 and 2027 run from USD 1,007 to USD 2,129 per person per night, depending on the season. Wilderness plans to open Wilderness Mara Villas, formerly Governors' Private Camp, in late 2026.

“Wilderness Mara opens its doors as a fully rebuilt safari camp that seamlessly blends exceptional wildlife encounters, authentic hospitality and a deep commitment to conservation”

The operator’s wording, read on its own page and last checked 1 November 2026.

Photographs

The facts

Each line links to the operator's page it was read on.

History
Formerly the legendary Little Governors' Camp, Wilderness Mara honours a safari legacy spanning more than five decades while embracing Wilderness' signature conservation-led hospitality model Source
Suites
Twelve tented suites, including one family unit, are thoughtfully positioned along a seasonal marsh, designed to blend into the landscape while offering expansive views and an uninterrupted connection to nature Source
Rooms
Each tent is positioned to maximise privacy and views, with elevated private decks, and indoor and outdoor showers Source
Designer
Interiors by Chris Payne of White Elephant Trading Company, in collaboration with Wilderness, draw inspiration from the Mara itself, combining natural textures, locally crafted furnishings and sustainably sourced materials in a design language firmly rooted in place Source
Setting
Framed by the dramatic Oloololo Escarpment, the camp occupies a prime position, offering outstanding year-round game viewing. Situated within the Mara Conservancy-managed Mara Triangle, the camp provides privileged access to diverse habitats on both sides of the Mara River, enabling immersive wildlife experiences with fewer vehicles and a strong sense of exclusivity Source
Spa
Tucked away within a tranquil pocket of indigenous forest, the lodge's dedicated wellness sanctuary features a serene spa alongside a fully equipped gym. Signature treatments include the Savannah Flow Massage, inspired by African healing traditions to promote deep relaxation and balance, and the Maasai Wood & Earth Journey, which combines therapeutic massage with hand-carved wooden tools inspired by the traditional Maasai warrior staff Source
Pool
a spa to unwind, a gym for the energetic, and a pool with a lounge Source
Dining
Wilderness Mara’s menus celebrate Kenyan produce and regional inspiration, featuring elements like Maasai honey, coastal spices and traditional dishes, while incorporating a refined Taste of Africa dish each evening. Signature experiences include an atmospheric Manyatta dinner under the stars, where fire cooking and Maasai culture come alive Source
Activities
Take morning and afternoon game drives to witness the Great Migration on both sides of the Mara River. Enjoy a hot air balloon safari for a bird's eye view of the action. Visit the nearby Maasai community manyattas (homesteads) Source
Getting there
The closest air access to the camp is via Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, served daily by Governors’ Aviation, Air Kenya, and Safarilink, with flight times of approximately 45 minutes from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. From the airstrip, it’s a short 15-minute transfer to camp by safari vehicle Source
Rates
Per person per night, fully inclusive: USD 2,028 from 1 June 2026 to 31 October 2026; USD 1,324 from 1 November 2026 to 15 December 2026; USD 2,028 from 16 December 2026 to 1 January 2027; USD 1,324 from 2 January 2027 to 28 February 2027; USD 1,007 from 1 March 2027 to 30 April 2027; USD 1,390 from 1 May 2027 to 31 May 2027; USD 2,129 from 1 June 2027 to 31 October 2027. The fully inclusive rate covers accommodation, all meals, local drinks, laundry, and all camp experiences including game drives, guided activities, and community engagement. Conservation levy and government taxes are included Source
Website
wildernessdestinations.com