Marriott International is quickly proving one doesn’t have to rough it when experiencing the great outdoors.
The world’s largest hotel company this week moved toward opening two new luxury tented safari camps in Kenya with the signings of The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mari Safari Camp, and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp. The expansion is in partnership with Lazizi Mara Limited and Lazizi Solio Limited, which are part of the Lazizi Group of Companies.
It's a signal Marriott sees further opportunity in luxury safari offerings, as the two-property deal comes after the 2023 opening of the JW Marriott Masai Mari Lodge in Kenya.
“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,” Jerome Briet, Marriott’s chief development officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa said in a statement.
The Ritz-Carlton, Masa Mari Safari Camp is slated to open in August within the Masai Mari National Reserve. Guests will be treated to abundant wildlife and picture-perfect views while those who strategically book can view the Great Migration, typically from May to October when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles trek from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara.
Twenty tented suites — including a decadent four-bedroom presidential suite — will comprise the new Ritz-Carlton. Each suite will offer a separate living area, private sunken lounge, infinity pool, and indoor and outdoor showers.
Guests can also expect to be treated to a variety of yet-to-be-named dining experiences, a stargazing deck, a spa and a photography studio on top of safari excursions.
“These projects are poised to elevate the luxury safari experience, creating an entirely new standard for discerning travelers,” Sandeep Walia, Marriott’s chief operating officer for luxury in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, added in a statement. “The growth of our luxury safari portfolio and The Ritz-Carlton’s debut into the segment represents a defining moment for the brand."
The new JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp is slated to open next year and will lean into wellness amid its location within the Solio Game Reserve between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. The wildlife experience here will feature encounters with white and endangered black rhinos, thanks to the extensive rhino breeding program at the Solio Ranch Conservancy. Leopards and cheetahs are also part of the extensive wildlife in the Reserve.
Twenty tented accommodations, including two-bedroom suites and all with a private plunge pool, will comprise the new JW Marriott. The overall design calls for wellness spaces like a JW Garden, Spa by JW, horse barn, fitness center, swimming pool and a conservation house. Guided horse-riding safaris, night game drives, visits to a private rhino orphanage and quad biking across the Solio plains are among the unique experiences guests will have access to at the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp.
Both projects will be comprised of sustainable materials and utilize energy-efficient infrastructure to preserve the surrounding habitats.
“Kenya is synonymous with the ultimate safari experience,” Shivan Patel, the director of Lazizi Group of Companies, said in a statement. “These projects are set to redefine Kenya’s luxury safari segment while promoting conservation and community development.
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