The iconic Ritz-Carlton is set to redefine the Masai Mara luxury safari experience with an exclusive tented camp. The brand is venturing into uncharted territory with the announcement of its first-ever safari property in Kenya. Set to open in August 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp will introduce the brand’s legendary service and sophisticated design to one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, offering an unprecedented level of refinement for travellers seeking a Masai Mara luxury safari experience.
Marriott International recently unveiled plans for this exceptional property as part of a dual signing with Lazizi Group of Companies that also includes the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp (opening early 2026). These developments mark a significant expansion of Marriott’s presence in Kenya’s high-end hospitality landscape, following the successful launch of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023.
A treetop retreat in wildlife paradise
The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp will be uniquely positioned on a secluded island surrounded by the famous Sand River, near the Tanzanian border. This elevated treetop sanctuary promises to deliver unparalleled views of the riverbanks and forest, providing guests with a privileged vantage point to witness the Great Migration – the annual journey of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara.
This project seamlessly blends The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary sophistication with the untamed beauty of the Masai Mara, delivering a transformative escape and an innovative, first-of-its-kind offering that will shape the future of luxury safari travel.
– Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa.
The property will feature 20 elegantly appointed tented suites, including a spectacular four-bedroom presidential suite. Each accommodation will come with a separate living area, private sunken lounge, infinity plunge pool, and both indoor and outdoor showers – blending refined comfort with immersive nature experiences.
Culinary excellence in the wilderness
Dining during a Masai Mara luxury safari at The Ritz-Carlton will be an experience in itself, with plans for multiple venues including a multi-cuisine restaurant complete with a curated wine cellar. Guests can look forward to enjoying meals at a stargazing sky deck and an authentic boma setting, where traditional African dining experiences will be reimagined with The Ritz-Carlton’s signature approach to gastronomy.
Beyond exceptional cuisine, the property will house an array of world-class facilities, including a spa and wellness centre, outdoor gym, swimming pool, discovery hub, map room, and photography studio. These amenities enhance the Masai Mara luxury safari experience, providing guests with both adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
Guests will be able to embark on exclusively curated game drives and bespoke cultural experiences that showcase the rich heritage of the region and its vibrant indigenous communities.
Conservation at the core
Conservation will be central to the ethos of this Masai Mara luxury safari camp, with the property constructed using sustainable materials and energy-efficient infrastructure to minimise ecological impact and preserve wildlife habitats. The Ritz-Carlton is committed to engaging with local communities through job creation, education programmes, and wildlife conservation initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits are widely shared.
This project is 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.
– Shivan Patel, Director of Lazizi Group of Companies
The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp represents a new frontier for high-end travel, giving discerning globetrotters an opportunity to experience the magic of Kenya’s most renowned wildlife reserve through the lens of one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands.
