BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. announced plans to inaugurate two luxury-tented safari camps in Kenya. The camps will be established after signing agreements with Lazizi Mara Limited and Lazizi Solio Limited, both part of the Lazizi Group of Companies. The proposed ventures are poised to redefine the luxury safari sector, with The Ritz-Carlton debuting in the safari market and the JW Marriott adding another safari camp in the country.
Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, highlighted the company’s success in the African luxury safari market and the growing demand for unique outdoor lodging experiences. The upcoming properties, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, are expected to provide wildlife encounters, sophisticated designs, and premium service to create lasting memories for guests.
The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp will open in August 2025. It will be situated within the Masai Mara National Reserve, known for its prolific wildlife and the Great Migration. The camp will feature 20 luxurious tented suites, including a four-bedroom presidential suite with a private lounge and an infinity plunge pool. Guests can look forward to diverse dining experiences, a spa and wellness center, an outdoor gym, a swimming pool, and exclusively curated game drives.
‘A New Era for Luxury Safari Travel’
Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa, echoed the sentiment that these projects will set a new benchmark for luxury safari experiences. The Ritz-Carlton’s entry into this segment will blend the brand’s sophistication with the wild beauty of the Masai Mara, ushering in a new era for luxury safari travel.
The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will be in the Solio Game Reserve and is expected to launch in early 2026. Recognized for its rhino breeding program, the reserve will provide guests with unparalleled wildlife experiences. The camp will house 20 luxury tented units, including two two-bedroom suites with a private plunge pool. The offerings will include wellness spaces, four culinary experiences, and a wide range of activities, such as guided horse-riding safaris and visits to a private rhino orphanage.
Both camps will be built with sustainable materials and energy-efficient infrastructure to minimize ecological impact and preserve wildlife habitats. They will also engage with local communities through job creation, education programs, and wildlife conservation initiatives.
These new ventures will mark Marriott’s second and third luxury safari camps in Kenya following the successful opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023. Marriott International’s current portfolio in Kenya comprises seven properties and over 1,100 rooms.
