Marriott International, Inc. today unveiled plans to open two luxury tented safari camps in Kenya, following the signings of The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp with Lazizi Mara Limited and Lazizi Solio Limited, respectively, both part of the Lazizi Group of Companies.

The planned projects will mark the debut of The Ritz-Carlton in the luxury safari market and the opening of the second JW Marriott safari camp 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,” said Jerome Briet, chief development officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “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.”

Shivan Patel, Director of Lazizi Group of Companies, comments, “Kenya is synonymous with the ultimate safari experience. These projects are set to redefine Kenya’s luxury safari segment while promoting conservation and community development. Our continued collaboration with Marriott International underscores our shared commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences that celebrate the region’s natural and cultural heritage.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp

Expected to open in August 2025, The Ritz Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp will be located within the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, which is renowned for its wildlife, landscapes, and the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara each year.

Located on a secluded island by the Sand River near the Tanzanian border, the treetop retreat is expected to feature 20 tented suites (shown top of post), including a four-bedroom presidential suite, each with a separate living area, private sunken lounge, infinity plunge pool, and indoor and outdoor showers. Plans include dining experiences across multiple venues, including 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 center, outdoor gym, swimming pool, discovery hub, map room and a photography studio. Exclusively curated game drives as well as other bespoke cultural experiences will be available to guests.

JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp

Expected to open in early 2026, the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will be located between the slopes of Mount Kenya and Aberdare Mountains. It will offer an immersive wildlife experience within the 45,000-acre game reserve, and 19,000-acre Solio Ranch Conservancy. Internationally recognized for its successful rhino breeding program, the conservancy provides encounters with white and endangered black rhinos, along with other indigenous wildlife including leopards, cheetahs, and plains game.

The camp is expected to feature 20 luxurious tented units, including two two-bedroom suites, each with a private plunge pool. Design plans include multiple wellness spaces including the brand’s signature JW Garden, along with four culinary experiences including a traditional restaurant and a sky deck dining venue. Additionally, the property will offer a signature Spa by JW, swimming pool, fitness center, conservation house, horse barn, retail boutique, and animal viewing hide. A wide range of experiences will be offered including guided horse-riding safaris, night game drives, guided nature walks, quad biking across the Solio plains, and visits to a private rhino orphanage.

Commitment to Conservation and Community

Conservation of the land and its inhabitants will be at the heart of these projects. Both properties will be constructed using sustainable materials and prioritize energy-efficient infrastructure to minimize ecological impact and preserve wildlife habitats. Additionally, the properties will engage with local communities through job creation, education programs, and wildlife conservation initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits are widely shared.