Marriott International has announced plans to expand its luxury safari portfolio in Kenya with two new high-end tented camps: The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp. Developed in partnership with the Lazizi Group of Companies, these projects follow the success of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge and are set to redefine luxury hospitality in Kenya’s renowned safari destinations.
Expected to open in August 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp will introduce the brand’s signature service and refined design to Sub-Saharan Africa. Located in the Masai Mara National Reserve, the camp will be positioned on a secluded island along the Sand River, offering guests stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a prime vantage point for witnessing the Great Migration.
The camp will feature 20 tented suites, including a four-bedroom presidential suite, each equipped with a separate living area, private sunken lounge, infinity plunge pool, and both indoor and outdoor showers. Dining options will include a multi-cuisine restaurant with a curated wine cellar, a sky deck for stargazing, and a traditional boma. Additional facilities will comprise a spa and wellness center, an outdoor gym, a swimming pool, a discovery hub, a map room, and a photography studio. Guests will have access to exclusive game drives and cultural experiences tailored to enrich their safari adventure.
Scheduled to open in early 2026, JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will be situated within the Solio Game Reserve, nestled between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. This retreat is designed to offer an immersive wildlife experience in a conservation area known for its successful rhino breeding program. Guests will have the opportunity to observe both white and endangered black rhinos, along with other indigenous species such as leopards, cheetahs, and plains game.
The camp will consist of 20 luxurious tented units, including two two-bedroom suites, each with a private plunge pool. Planned amenities include multiple wellness spaces, a signature JW Garden, and four distinct dining venues, including a traditional restaurant and a sky deck. Other features will include a Spa by JW, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a conservation house, a horse barn, a retail boutique, and an animal viewing hide. Guests will be offered various activities, such as guided horse-riding safaris, night game drives, nature walks, quad biking across the plains, and visits to a private rhino orphanage.
Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer for Marriott’s Middle East & Luxury division, emphasized the significance of these developments, stating, “These projects are poised to elevate the luxury safari experience, creating an entirely new standard for discerning travellers.” Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer for Europe, the Middle East & Africa, highlighted Marriott’s commitment to expanding its luxury safari offerings, noting the growing demand for exclusive outdoor lodging experiences.
Shivan Patel, Director of Lazizi Group of Companies, underscored Kenya’s reputation as a premier safari destination and affirmed the company’s dedication to conservation and community engagement. “These projects are set to redefine Kenya’s luxury safari segment while promoting conservation and community development,” he said.
Both properties will be constructed using sustainable materials and energy-efficient infrastructure to minimize environmental impact while supporting local communities through job creation, educational initiatives, and wildlife conservation efforts.