Marriott grows offering in Kenya’s luxury safari market

• Marriott International says this investment is tailored to set new standards for high-end, luxury hospitality in some of Africa’s most breathtaking safari destinations.
• Set to open in August 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp is poised to introduce the brand’s world-class service and elegant design in Kenya and Africa.
• Projected to open in 2026, JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will offer an immersive wildlife experience within a 45,000-acre game reserve.

Kenya’s international standing as the preferred destination for luxury safari tourism has received a huge boost with hotel chain Mariott International announcing plans to open two luxury locations in Kenya’s wonder Masai Mara wildlife ecosystem.

In a statement, Mariott International said it has entered into agreement with Lazizi Mara Limited and Lazizi Solio Limited for the establishment of The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp.

Marriot International noted that this investment is tailored to set new standards for high-end, luxury hospitality in some of Africa’s most breathtaking safari destinations.

“The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will offer opportunities for wildlife encounters, elegant designs, and exemplary service that promise to create lasting memories,” Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

With a plan to open doors in August this year, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp is poised to introduce the brand’s world-class service and elegant design in Kenya and across the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

The new luxury safari destination is located within Masai Mara National Reserve, which is famous for its abundant wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya each year.

This treetop retreat camp is set up on a secluded island surrounded by the famous Sand River near the Tanzanian border, and will offer picturesque views of the riverbanks and forest, giving guests a front-row seat to experience the Great Migration.

The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Camp

Marriott said The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Camp will be featuring 20 tented suites, including a four-bedroom presidential suite, each with a separate living area, private sunken lounge, infinity plunge pool, and indoor and outdoor showers.

Holidaymakers can expect a range of plans including refined dining experiences across multiple venues, a multi-cuisine restaurant with a curated wine cellar, a stargazing sky deck, and an authentic boma. Additional leisure facilities will include a spa and wellness centre, outdoor gym, swimming pool, discovery hub, map room and a photography studio. Guests can anticipate exclusively curated game drives as well as other bespoke cultural experiences.

“These projects are poised to elevate the luxury safari experience, creating an entirely new standard for discerning travellers,” explained Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa.

“The growth of our luxury safari portfolio and The Ritz-Carlton’s debut into the segment represents a defining moment for the brand. This project seamlessly blends The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary sophistication with the untamed beauty of the Masai Mara, delivering a transformative escape and an innovative, first-of-its-kind offering that will shape the future of luxury safari travel.”

Located between the majestic slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains, the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will offer an immersive wildlife experience within the 45,000-acre game reserve, and 19,000-acre Solio Ranch Conservancy. This luxury destination is projected to open doors to tourists early 2026.

Internationally recognised for its successful rhino breeding programme, the conservancy provides unparalleled encounters with white and endangered black rhinos, along with other indigenous wildlife including leopards, cheetahs, and plains game.

Tourism beyond wildlife and beaches

The announcement by Mariott International comes at a time when the East African country is expanding offerings in tourism industry, with players in the industry exploring how African destinations can build and nature tourism narrative that goes beyond wildlife and beaches.

Key among the objectives is the push by stakeholders in Kenya and across Africa to highlighting the continent’s rich cultural heritage, dynamic cities, and diverse experiences.

To further explore this avenue, Kenya has been selected to host the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge (AYTIS) for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, giving the East African nation an opportunity to lead the continent in showcasing innovative entrepreneurs and offering within the tourism sector. The 2025 AYTIS summit will be held on June 24th to 27th.

Travel professionals Barry Clemens and Joram Mwanano observe that the tourism industry in Africa has the potential to unlock vast opportunities for investments. “Tourism is far more than hotels, tour operators, and flights—it is a catalyst for transformation across the entire value chain. From technology startups to local artisans, agri-businesses, and environmental conservation initiatives, tourism creates endless opportunities for African entrepreneurs to thrive,” notes Barry Clemens.

“As a key driver of sustainable development, AYTIS is poised to unlock new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship in the tourism sector,” adds Joram Mwinamo.

AYTIS will be hosted by Tourism Events Advisory and Management Services Africa (TEAMS Africa), which is a joint venture between tourism sector experts Barry Clemens, Joram Mwinamo and Håvar Bauck.

Last year, Kenya’s tourism receipts increased by 19.8 per cent to KES452.20 billion shillings (about $3.49 billion), up from $2.92 billion realized in 2023. The country experienced a 163.5 percent expansion in cruise tourists who hit 6,561 during the year under focus.

As authorities in Nairobi seek to explore new offerings within the tourism industry, the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge is tailored to offer policymakers a front row seat to gather insights as over 80 speakers in the industry, 100 senior tourism executives drawn from the continent, and over 28 workshops unlock the sector’s potential during the June 26th-27th event.

Read also: Kenya leads the charge in youth-driven tourism tech and innovation in Africa