Marriott International is set to expand its luxury portfolio in Kenya with the introduction of two new tented safari camps to open within the next two years.
The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp are scheduled to open in August 2025 and early 2026, respectively.
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The introduction of the camps follows an agreement with Lazizi Mara and Lazizi Solio, part of the Lazizi Group of Companies.
Marriott International Europe, Middle East and Africa chief development officer Jerome Briet said: “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.”
The opening of Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp marks the brand’s debut in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
It will be situated on a secluded island within the Masai Mara National Reserve, offering guests views of the Sand River and surrounding forest.
The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Camp will feature 20 tented suites, including a four-bedroom presidential suite. Each suite will have a private sunken lounge, separate living area, infinity plunge pool, and both indoor and outdoor showers.
The camp plans to offer a variety of refined dining options, a stargazing sky deck, and a boma, alongside a spa and wellness centre, an outdoor gym, a swimming pool, and other leisure facilities.
The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp is located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains, in the Solio Game Reserve, to offer an immersive wildlife experience.
It will also include 20 tented units with private plunge pools and will feature wellness spaces, dining areas, a Spa by JW, and various other amenities.
Both properties are being constructed using sustainable materials and prioritising energy-efficient infrastructure.
The camps aim to minimise their ecological impact, preserve wildlife habitats, and contribute to local communities through education programmes, job creation and wildlife conservation efforts.
These new ventures will join Marriott’s existing portfolio in Kenya, which includes the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, which opened in 2023 after an agreement with Baraka Lodges in March 2022.
With seven properties and more than 1,100 rooms in the country, Marriott International continues to strengthen its presence in Kenya’s hospitality sector.
