Marriott International has announced an exciting expansion of its luxury safari portfolio in Kenya with the signing of two new tented safari camps: The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp.
These projects, developed in partnership with the Lazizi Group of Companies, highlight Marriott’s commitment to delivering unique, high-end travel experiences while setting new standards for luxury hospitality in Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.
According to Shivan Patel, Director of Lazizi Group of Companies, these projects are set to redefine Kenya’s luxury safari segment while promoting conservation and community development. “Our continued collaboration with Marriott International highlights the shared commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences that celebrate the region’s natural and cultural heritage.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp, set to open in August 2025, is expected to bring the brand’s legendary elegance and service to the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and the awe-inspiring Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Serengeti and Masai Mara, this treetop retreat promises to be a haven for discerning travelers.
Perched on a secluded island surrounded by the Sand River, the camp will feature 20 luxurious tented suites, including a lavish four-bedroom presidential suite. Each suite will have private plunge pools, sunken lounges, and indoor-outdoor showers, offering guests unparalleled comfort amidst the wild.
The camp will also feature refined dining experiences, including a multi-cuisine restaurant with a curated wine cellar, a stargazing sky deck, and an authentic boma for immersive cultural encounters. Leisure facilities will include a spa, wellness center, outdoor gym, swimming pool, and a discovery hub for wildlife enthusiasts. Guests can look forward to exclusive game drives and bespoke cultural experiences, all designed to create lasting memories.
Meanwhile, the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, expected to open in early 2026, will offer a serene retreat for the mind, body, and soul. Nestled between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains, the camp will be located within the Solio Game Reserve, renowned for its successful rhino breeding program. This sanctuary will provide guests with intimate encounters with white and endangered black rhinos, as well as other wildlife like leopards and cheetahs.
The camp will feature 20 luxurious tented units, including two-bedroom suites with private plunge pools. Guests can unwind in tranquil wellness spaces, including the brand’s signature JW Garden, and enjoy culinary delights at four distinct dining venues. The property will also offer a signature Spa by JW, a fitness center, a conservation house, and unique experiences such as guided horse-riding safaris, night game drives, and visits to a private rhino orphanage.
These projects will be constructed using sustainable materials and energy-efficient infrastructure to minimize their ecological footprint. Additionally, they will engage local communities through job creation, education programs, and wildlife conservation initiatives, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared widely.
These new properties mark Marriott’s second and third luxury safari camps in Kenya, following the successful opening of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023. With seven properties and over 1,100 rooms in Kenya, Marriott International continues to strengthen its presence in the region, offering travelers unforgettable experiences that celebrate Africa’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
“Building off 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 for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Marriott International.
