Marriott International is expanding its luxury safari presence in Kenya with the introduction of two high-end tented camps under The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott brands.
The hospitality company has signed agreements with Lazizi Group of Companies for the development of The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp.
The projects mark The Ritz-Carlton’s debut in the luxury safari sector and the addition of a second JW Marriott safari camp in Kenya.
Jerome Briet, chief development officer for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Marriott International, emphasized the company’s focus on unique hospitality experiences.
“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,” Briet stated in a press release.
The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp is expected to open in August 2025, bringing the brand’s upscale service and design to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Positioned on a secluded island along the Sand River, the camp is expected to offer 20 tented suites, including a four-bedroom presidential suite, each featuring a private plunge pool and outdoor lounge.
Plans also include a spa, an outdoor gym, a photography studio, and curated safari experiences designed to immerse guests in the wildlife-rich landscape of the reserve.
The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, slated for early 2026, will be located within the Solio Game Reserve, an area known for its rhino conservation efforts.
The camp will feature 20 tented units, wellness spaces, a signature spa, multiple dining venues, and a range of outdoor activities, including guided safaris and horseback riding.
Shivan Patel, Director of Lazizi Group of Companies, highlighted the significance of these developments for Kenya’s tourism sector.
“These projects are set to redefine Kenya’s luxury safari segment while promoting conservation and community development,” Patel said.
“Our continued collaboration with Marriott International underscores our shared commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences that celebrate the region’s natural and cultural heritage.”
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality and luxury lodging industries, the expansion of Marriott’s safari portfolio signals the growing demand for high-end, experience-driven accommodations in remote locations.
The move reflects a broader industry trend where major hospitality brands are investing in eco-conscious, upscale offerings that cater to affluent travelers seeking exclusivity and immersive nature experiences.
The sustainability aspect of these projects also aligns with industry-wide shifts toward responsible tourism. Both properties will incorporate sustainable building materials and energy-efficient infrastructure to minimize environmental impact.
Additionally, partnerships with local communities will ensure that economic benefits extend beyond the properties, through employment opportunities, education programs, and wildlife conservation initiatives.
With the addition of these two properties, Marriott International continues to expand its footprint in Africa’s high-end hospitality market.
These projects follow the 2023 opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge and further strengthen the company’s luxury offerings in Kenya, where it currently operates seven properties.
The expansion underscores the increasing integration of global hospitality brands into Africa’s luxury travel segment, creating new opportunities for investment and development within the outdoor hospitality industry.
