Following announcements to roll out a Ritz-Carlton and a JW Marriott in Kenya, Marriott International is set to make one of its most adventurous move yet, with the announcement of Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection — the first safari camp to join the Autograph Collection’s eclectic global portfolio.
Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2025, the tented retreat marks a bold foray into experiential, nature-based luxury travel for the brand known for its singular and storied stays.
Nestled near the Fort Ikoma gate of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the camp promises front-row views of one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring spectacles: the Great Migration. From May to July, vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope will thunder past the property, while big cats, elephants, giraffes and other icons of the African plains provide a year-round parade of wildlife encounters.
“Mapito Safari Camp will mark a defining moment for Autograph Collection as we introduce the brand’s first safari experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife destinations,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The Serengeti’s scale, beauty, and cultural heritage will make an unforgettable setting for a property that will embody the individuality and character that Autograph Collection is known for.”
Image credit: Marriott International
Designed to evoke both adventure and authenticity, the intimate camp will offer just 16 tented suites, including a two-bedroom villa. Each suite will feature open-air decks, private fire pits, and retractable roofs for unobstructed stargazing – a regional first. Additional amenities will include a spa, fitness centre, and ‘The Boma,’ a communal dining space inspired by traditional African bonfire gatherings.
Drawing from the surrounding landscape and Ikoma tribal culture, the camp’s design will prioritise sustainable materials and conservation-minded practices. Immersive experiences will range from sunrise game drives and night safaris to hot air ballooning and bush dining, all with opportunities to engage meaningfully with the local community.
Image caption: A tented suite inside JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodges | Image credit: Marriott international
“We are excited to collaborate with Marriott International to bring Autograph Collection to the Serengeti,” said Rishen Patel, developer of Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection. “This camp will offer an intimate, and immersive experience that reflects both the natural wonder of the region and the timeless storytelling and craftsmanship of the brand.”
For a brand that champions the distinctive and the daring, Mapito Safari Camp may prove to be Autograph Collection’s most transformative canvas yet – where hospitality meets the wild, and luxury is reimagined under a starlit desert sky.
Main image credit: Marriott International
