Luxury travellers seeking new safari experiences will soon have two new ultra-luxurious destinations to add to their bucket lists. Marriott International has announced the signing of two exclusive tented safari camps in Kenya: The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp. Set to open in 2025 and 2026, respectively, these new additions underscore Marriott’s commitment to redefining the high-end safari experience while embracing conservation and community engagement.
Image credit: Ritz-Carlton / Marriott International
With the demand for experiential, nature-driven travel on the rise, these new safari retreats will offer guests a seamless blend of adventure and indulgence. “Building off of the incredible success we have seen thus far in our luxury safari portfolio in Africa and the growing appetite for outdoor lodging and nontraditional hospitality experiences, the signing of these agreements with Lazizi Group of Companies marks another milestone in Marriott International’s growth,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will offer opportunities for wildlife encounters, elegant designs, and exemplary service that promise to create lasting memories.”
Opening in August 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp will bring the brand’s legendary elegance to one of the world’s most iconic wildlife reserves. Nestled within the Masai Mara National Reserve and perched on a secluded island along the Sand River, this intimate camp will offer 20 exquisitely designed tented suites, including a four-bedroom presidential suite. Each suite will feature a private sunken lounge, infinity plunge pool, and indoor-outdoor showers, ensuring an unparalleled level of comfort in the wild.
Guests can expect immersive game drives, exclusive dining experiences – including a curated wine cellar and stargazing deck – and a wellness-focused retreat with a spa, outdoor gym, and a photography studio to capture the magic of the Mara.
“These projects are poised to elevate the luxury safari experience, creating an entirely new standard for discerning travellers,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa.
Image credit: JW Marriott / Marriott International
Set to debut in early 2026, the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will offer a more serene escape, ideal for those seeking mindfulness and reconnection with nature. Located within the Solio Game Reserve, a renowned rhino sanctuary, this camp will feature 20 lavish tented units, each with a private plunge pool, and an emphasis on wellness and sustainability.
The property’s signature Spa by JW, guided horseback safaris, and night game drives will ensure a deeply immersive experience, while multiple dining venues, including a sky deck, will elevate the culinary offerings.
Both properties will be built with sustainability in mind, using eco-conscious materials and energy-efficient designs to minimise their environmental impact. Local communities will also benefit, with initiatives focused on employment, education, and conservation efforts.
“These projects are set to redefine Kenya’s luxury safari segment while promoting conservation and community development,” said Shivan Patel, Director of Lazizi Group of Companies.
With these additions, Marriott International continues to solidify its presence in Kenya’s luxury hospitality scene, following the 2023 opening of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. Safari-goers can soon look forward to an elevated, one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Africa’s wilderness.
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Main image credit: Ritz-Carlton / Marriott International
