Fodor's Expert Review Governors’ Il Moran Camp

One of the famous Governors' Camps, Il Moran is where Kenya's first colonial governors used to twirl their handlebar mustaches and sip their gin and tonics while on safari—as you can imagine, it boasts an exclusive location that's teeming with game. Il Moran, which means warrior in Maasai, sits on the edge of the plains, nestled in a private forest on the banks of the Mara river. There are 10 luxurious tents, all spacious and imaginatively furnished with original furniture hand-carved from ancient olive trees, the antique Persian rugs that seem obligatory in so many safari accommodations, battered old leather suitcases, glowing oil lamps and a hammock on the verandah from which you could spot a herd of elephants dust bathing. You'll feel like a pampered Victorian gentleman or lady as you soak in your claw-foot tub. Breakfast can be in the raised wooden deck of the restaurant while watching hippos bobbing up and down in the Mara River below, while dinner is served by candlelight in the open dining tent or alfresco by the river. There are game drives and bush walks with the highly trained guides shared by all the Governors’ Camps, but treat yourself to the hot-air-balloon ride (an extra cost) with a champagne breakfast in the bush to follow. They are the only lodge that also offers flights in-house, with transfers between Nairobi, Mara, Loldia and Mugie, on Cessna Grand Caravans.