Marriott Expands Luxury Safari Portfolio with Dual Signing of The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Camps

Marriott International is expanding its portfolio of luxury safari properties with two new signings in Kenya – one for The Ritz-Carlton and one for JW Marriott. The projects mark the debut of The Ritz-Carlton in the luxury safari market and the opening of the second JW Marriott safari camp in Kenya.

The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will be operated with Lazizi Mara Limited and Lazizi Solio Limited, respectively.

“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 for Marriott International.

“The growth of our luxury safari portfolio and The Ritz-Carlton’s debut into the segment represents a defining moment for the brand,” added Sandeep Walia, CEO, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa.

The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp

Expected to open in August 2025, The Ritz-Carlton property will be located within the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve on a secluded island surrounded by the Sand River near the Tanzanian border. It will offer views of the riverbanks and forest, giving guests a front-row seat to the Great Migration.

The property is expected to feature just 20 tented suites, 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 multiple dining venues, including a multi-cuisine restaurant with a curated wine cellar, a stargazing sky deck, and a traditional Africa boma enclosure. Additional leisure facilities will include a spa and wellness center, outdoor gym, swimming pool, discovery hub, map room, and a photography studio.

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 within the Solio Game Reserve. The property will offer immersive wilderness experiences within the 45,000-acre game reserve and 19,000-acre Solio Ranch Conservancy, which is internationally recognized for its successful rhino breeding program.

The camp is expected to feature 20 luxury tented units, including two two-bedroom suites, each with a private plunge pool.

Design plans also 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.

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.