Marriott Unveils Two Ultra-Luxury Safari Camps in Kenya: A Game-Changer for High-End Travel?

Marriott has announced exciting plans to open two new luxury safari camps in Kenya—one under the prestigious Ritz-Carlton brand and another as a JW Marriott property. These additions will provide travelers with high-end accommodations in two of Kenya’s most breathtaking natural settings. While these new safari lodges create excellent opportunities to redeem Bonvoy points, their steep cash rates may not make them a great value for those paying out-of-pocket.

Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp (Source: Marriott)

Marriott’s Commitment to Luxury Safari Travel

Marriott International unveiled its plans to open these two luxury tented safari camps in Kenya in partnership with Lazizi Mara Limited and Lazizi Solio Limited, both part of the Lazizi Group of Companies. This expansion underscores Marriott’s dedication to offering unique, high-end travel experiences in Africa.

According to Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa at Marriott International, these projects build on the success of Marriott’s luxury safari portfolio and the growing demand for nontraditional hospitality experiences. Shivan Patel, Director of Lazizi Group of Companies, emphasized that these properties will redefine Kenya’s luxury safari segment while supporting conservation and community development efforts.

Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp – Opening August 2025

The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp is set to open its doors for reservations beginning August 15, 2025. Located within Kenya’s renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, the lodge will be elevated among trees on a secluded island, surrounding the Sand River, near the Tanzanian border.

Accommodations and Amenities

The property will feature 20 elegantly appointed tented suites, including a four-bedroom presidential suite. Each suite will be designed for ultimate comfort and privacy, boasting a separate living area, a private sunken lounge, an infinity plunge pool, and both indoor and outdoor showers.

Tented Suite - Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp (Source: Marriott)

Guests can expect a range of exquisite dining experiences, including a multi-cuisine restaurant with a curated wine cellar, a stargazing sky deck, and an authentic boma for traditional dining. Additional facilities will include a spa and wellness center, an outdoor gym, a swimming pool, a discovery hub, a map room, and a photography studio.

Villa - Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp (Source: Marriott)

Guests can also look forward to exclusively curated game drives and other bespoke cultural experiences. The property will offer a front-row seat to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara each year.

Outside Area - Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp (Source: Marriott)

Pricing and Value

The property will operate on an all-inclusive basis, with rates covering meals, drinks, game drives, and other experiences. However, initial cash rates appear to start at over $6,000 per night for double occupancy—a price point that seems excessive. It remains to be seen whether these rates will be sustainable over time.

JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp – Opening Early 2026

Marriott is not stopping at just one new safari camp—another luxury offering is on the horizon. The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp is slated to open in early 2026, adding a second JW Marriott safari property in Kenya alongside the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, which debuted in 2023.

Accommodations and Amenities

This property will also feature 20 tented accommodations, including spacious two-bedroom suites, each with a private plunge pool. Design plans include multiple wellness spaces, the signature JW Garden, and four unique culinary experiences, such as a traditional restaurant and a sky deck dining venue.

JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve (Source: Marriott)

Additional amenities will include a spa, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a conservation house, a horse barn, a retail boutique, and an animal viewing hide, offering an immersive safari experience. Guests will have access to unique activities such as guided horse-riding safaris, night game drives, guided nature walks, quad biking across the Solio plains, and visits to a private rhino orphanage.

Location and Conservation Efforts

The camp will be situated within the 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve and the 19,000-acre Solio Ranch Conservancy, internationally recognized for its successful rhino breeding program. Guests will have unparalleled opportunities to encounter white and endangered black rhinos, as well as other indigenous wildlife including leopards, cheetahs, and plains game.

Both properties will prioritize sustainable construction using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient infrastructure to minimize their environmental impact. Additionally, they will engage in conservation and community initiatives, creating jobs, supporting education programs, and promoting wildlife preservation efforts.

Conclusion

The addition of a Ritz-Carlton safari camp in Masai Mara and a second JW Marriott safari lodge in Kenya signals Marriott’s expansion into the luxury safari market. These properties aim to blend world-class service with Kenya’s stunning natural landscapes while supporting conservation and local communities. While the pricing may be prohibitive for some, the opportunity to redeem Bonvoy points for these exclusive experiences adds significant appeal for loyalty members.