Wilderness will expand its East African portfolio with the opening of Wilderness Mara in June 2026 and Wilderness Mara Villas in February 2026. The properties will be located in Kenya’s Mara Triangle at the base of the Oloololo Escarpment.
“Formerly the legendary Little Governors’ Camp, the completely rebuilt Wilderness Mara carries forward a legacy of pioneering safari. For over 50 years, Governors set the standard for authenticity, conservation and community. Now, Wilderness is proud to honour and evolve that heritage, blending classic East African charm with elevated, low-impact luxury,” said Hein Prinsloo, CEO of Wilderness Kenya.
Wilderness Holdings entered a partnership with Governors, which saw it acquire a majority shareholding in 2016, but Governors’ Camp Collection properties all continued to operate under the Governors brand.
Wilderness Mara will include 12 tented suites overlooking a seasonal marsh – each with a freestanding bathtub, outdoor shower and private deck. The camp will not include family units and is designed for couples or solo travellers.
Facilities at Wilderness Mara will include a spa, gym and photographic studio. Twice-daily game drives will form the basis of the safari experience with additional offerings such as hot air ballooning (via Governors’ Balloon Safaris) and cultural visits to nearby Maasai manyattas.
The Mara Triangle, managed by the Mara Conservancy, is noted for limited lodge numbers, effective anti-poaching enforcement and high wildlife densities including lion, black rhino, elephant, zebra and wildebeest.
Wilderness Mara Villas, formerly Governors’ Private Camp, will be a sole-use property located on a secluded stretch of the Mara River. It will offer tailored stays in a more exclusive setting with frequent elephant crossings noted near the camp.
The properties will continue the conservation and community work initiated by Governors – now aligned under the Wilderness “Educate, Empower, Protect” framework.
