2 luxury tented safari camps in Kenya...

Move comes amid growing appetite for outdoor lodgings

Marriott International is doubling-down on luxury tented safaris with the signing of two new camps in Kenya.

The deal to open The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp was completed with the Lazizi Group of Companies.

This move builds on the success of Marriott's luxury safari portfolio in Africa as well as the "growing appetite for outdoor lodging and non-traditional hospitality experiences", according to Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

The new resorts will join JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, which opened in 2023, bringing Marriott's properties in Kenya to seven.

Shivan Patel, Director of Lazizi Group of Companies, said the projects aim to "redefine Kenya’s luxury safari segment while promoting conservation and community development".

Both properties will be built using sustainable materials and embrace energy-efficient infrastructure to minimise ecological impact and will offer cultural experiences and safari drives.

The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp
Expected to open in August 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (pictured top) will be located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, known for its wildlife and in particular the Great Migration where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles arrive from the Serengeti each year.

The treetop resort will be set on an island near the Tanzanian border and offer forest and river views and a front-row seat to the Great Migration. Masai Mara offers guests the opportunity to observe the 'Big Five', including lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants.

There will be 20 tented suites, including a four-bedroom presidential suite, each with a separate living area, sunken lounge, infinity plunge pool, and indoor and outdoor showers. These will be joined by multiple dining venues, a stargazing deck, spa and wellness centre, pool and discovery centre.

Guests will also have curated game drives and cultural experiences

Tented suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Camp

JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp
Due for completion in 2026, the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp in the Solio Game Reserve is located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains.

The Solio Ranch Conservancy is recognised for its successful rhino breeding programme, and provides rare encounters with white and endangered black rhinos, along with leopards, cheetahs and other game.

The camp will have 20 luxury tented units, including two two-bedroom suites, each with a private plunge pool.

Wellness is a focus with the brand’s signature JW Garden, Spa by JW, pool, fitness centre and conservation house. There will be four restaurants, including a sky deck venue, and activities will include horse-riding safaris, night game drives, guided walksand visits to a private rhino orphanage.

This move follows the resumption of flights by Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways to Kenyan capital Nairobi on 15 December 2024.

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