Marriott International is expanding its luxury safari portfolio in Kenya with two tented camp resorts with spas under its Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott brands.

The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp and the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will open in partnership with hospitality and safari expedition business, the Lazizi Group of Companies, under its subsidiary firms.

The Ritz-Carlton will open with Lazizi Mara Limited and The JW Marriott will open with Lazizi Solio Limited.

Architecture will be by LW Design.

The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp

This camp will be the Ritz-Carlton brand’s debut in the safari segment. It will have 20 luxury tented suites with separate living areas, sunken lounges, infinity plunge pools plus indoor and outdoor showers. It is due to open in August.

This retreat will sit on a secluded island surrounded by the famous Sand River near the Tanzanian border, within the Masai Mara National Reserve. It will have views of the annual Great Migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelle moving from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara.

In addition to fine dining experiences, the camp will have a spa and wellness centre, an outdoor gym, a swimming pool, a photography studio, a map room and a discovery hub for cultural experiences. Game drives will also be on offer.

The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp

Between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains, this camp is set within the 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve. It will have 20 luxury tented units when it opens in early 2026.

Immersive wildlife experiences are at the top of the agenda at the reserve’s 19,000-acre Solio Ranch Conservancy, which is internationally recognised for its successful rhino breeding programme. This facility will provide guests with opportunities to witness endangered rhinos and other species, such as leopards and cheetahs.

The property will have a signature Spa by JW, a swimming pool, a fitness centre and the brand’s signature wellness space – a JW Garden.

Other leisure facilities will include a conservation house, a horse barn, a retail boutique and an animal viewing hide. There will also be a range of experiences, such as guided horse-riding safaris, night game drives, guided nature walks, quad biking across the Solio plains and visits to a private rhino orphanage.

Sustainable design and community opportunities

Marriott Internationl has said both properties will be constructed using sustainable materials. The developments will prioritise energy-efficient infrastructure to minimise ecological impact in order to preserve wildlife habitats.

The company has also committed to engaging with local communities through job creation, education programmes and wildlife conservation initiatives.

Expansion in Kenya

The development of these two camps follows the opening of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023 – taking the number of safari camps to three when the new ones open.

The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge also has a Spa by JW, which has a plunge pool, relaxation lounges and offers signature treatments featuring African botanicals – such as Pinotage grapes, Mongongo nut oil and Kalahari melon.

Marriott International’s portfolio in Kenya includes seven properties.

Jerome Briet, Marriott International’s chief development officer for EMEA said: “Building off of the success we have seen in our luxury safari portfolio in Africa and the growing appetite for outdoor lodging and non-traditional hospitality experiences, the signing of these agreements marks another growth milestone.

"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 service that promise to create lasting memories.”

Shivan Patel, director of the Lazizi Group of Companies, said: “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.”