There’s a special kind of magic in the Masai Mara. It’s a magic we are privileged to witness every day. But for one amazing week this past month, that magic was amplified as we hosted two back-to-back, 3-night Children in the Wilderness (CITW) Eco-Camps!
Photo credit – Alisa Karstad
The air was filled with excitement as two separate groups of 30 young students from our partner schools in the Masai Mara, Laikipia, and the Great Rift Valley arrived at Governors’ Private Camp. For all of them, except one boy, this was their first time visiting the reserve, their first time on a game drive, and the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.
The Mara, fresh from recent rains, put on its finest show. The grasslands were healthy, and the river, though low, was a bustling hub of hippo activity. This was the backdrop for the ultimate outdoor classroom.
Our guiding team led the way, introducing the children to the wonders of this biodiverse area. You can only imagine the thrill of using binoculars for the first time, the collective awe at seeing lions up close, or the dedicated silence as students ticked off sightings in their nature checklists.
The wildlife didn’t disappoint! They spotted everything from huge herds of elephants and buffalo with their young to solitary servals and prides of lions. They even encountered wildlife wandering through the camps, including a male giraffe, families of warthogs, and curious dwarf mongooses. One lucky group even witnessed a lilac-breasted roller deftly feeding on a small green snake!
A special thank you also goes to our conservation partners, the Mara Elephant Project and the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust, who provided the children with fascinating talks about their vital work.
We are also incredibly grateful to KBoPT for their generous donation of 200 copies of the book “Bahati, The Guardian of the Mara,” which teaches children about the plight of vultures.
The learning wasn’t centred solely around the wildlife. It focused on teamwork, communication, and confidence, all of which were fostered through lively games on the green lawns and shared stories during plentiful communal meals and campfire story times.
A key part of the CITW mission is to inspire and to show these children that a future in conservation and tourism is within their grasp.
One of the biggest highlights was a comprehensive “behind-the-scenes” tour of Governors’ Camp. Our team, from the kitchen and laundry to the workshop and spa, were beaming with pride as they explained their roles. The children’s curiosity was endless!
They fired off questions about everything: “What are white radishes, and how do you grow them?” (in the garden), “How does a piston work in a car engine?” (in the workshop), and “How do you become a chef?” (in the kitchen). They learned how to properly set a table, what the different wine glasses are for, and even got a lesson in economics with a “wow” moment seeing a USD 100 note and understanding its value (equivalent to 1300 mandazis, a local deep-fried bread)
From getting up close for selfies with one of our Governors’ Aviation Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft to the “Super Camper” awards ceremonies, where every child was celebrated for their unique qualities, every moment was designed to build them up.
An experience like this doesn’t just happen; it’s a genuine team effort, and we are overflowing with gratitude for our entire team that came together to create the magic.
The flawless organisation and boundless energy began with our CITW Coordinator, Sharon, who made each child feel truly seen and welcomed. She was supported by the incredible hard work of our Community Liaison Officer, Julius, who not only managed Private Camp but also handled logistics, park fees, acted as a guide, and was present throughout all camp activities to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Once at the camp, Manager James and his entire team were invaluable, managing every detail with precision and efficiency. The passion and punctuality of the core guiding team brought the Mara to life. In a true show of teamwork, they were joined by Mungai and Dominic from the workshop, who stepped in as guides, and Rhoda and Hellen from housekeeping, who assisted with the departmental tours.
The delicious meals that fueled the fun were planned and prepared by Chef Philip, Chef Tito, and the rest of the kitchen team. Waiters Tony and Daniel provided non-stop, smiling service, while Daniel and the other camp askaris (night security guards) ensured every campfire talk was safe and memorable. We also send a huge thank you to the hardworking housekeepers who kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
This dedication extended far beyond the Mara camp. Our thanks go to Manager Joshua from Mugie, who personally picked up the Mugie school children at 5 am to meet their bus, and to Manager Abu from Loldia, who similarly assisted with transfers for the TAFA Eco-Club children. We are also grateful for the dedicated Eco-Mentors who joined from the schools, sharing in the fun and learning alongside their students.
Finally, none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of the wider CITW programme and our Governors’ Camp Collection and Wilderness leadership, who give us the foundation to make these life-changing camps a reality.
When the students departed with their brand new CITW shirts, bags, and water bottles, they left with a new sense of purpose. They carried home new skills, new friendships, and a powerful new sense of self-confidence. This is why we do what we do.
Governors’ Camp Collection remains committed to positively impacting communities, educating future generations, and conserving Kenya’s diverse wildlife. Your stay with us directly contributes to these efforts.
If you would like to learn more about any of our Impact efforts, you can reach out to us via email at impact@governorscamp.com. If you’d like to support our work, you can do so via our secure online payment platform:
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By Alisa Karstad, Impact Manager for Governors’ Camp Collection.
