Hotel companies like Marriott are trying to capitalize on the booming popularity of luxury safari. Marriott plans to launch two Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott brand Safari Lodges next year.
Wealthy travelers are increasingly checking out Africa’s “Big Five” from their must-see travel bucket list. Marriott International hopes for support by launching two luxurious safari camps in Kenya, including the first of the Ritz-Carlton.
In a world of gorgeous travel, safaris don’t just look at zebras and elephants. Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Thy Reserve Properties can of course expect a suite with a game drive, plus a private pool, a Stargays deck restaurant and spa treatments.
The hotel giant’s safari conquest began in 2023 with the first $1,554 JW Marriott Lodge starting in the same National Reserve. But it’s not just the hospitality giants trying to capitalize on the influx of wildlife-seeking tourists.
New camps and lodges are open in Africa’s hotspots. This includes the January launch of competitor Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands. This is the first Kenya hotel, a few hours’ drive from the surrounding reserves and parks.
A few months ago, the famous luxury lodge chain Cinta also welcomed the two new properties, but told Business Insider in an email at the time while experiencing an occupancy of 80% to 90% in 2024.
The suites at the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Camp, shown in the rendering, are expected to have a plunge pool, indoor and outdoor showers, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Marriott International
Now, the Ritz-Carlton wants to establish itself as another luxury player by pleading travelers with deep pockets in comfort, including butler services, a balcony with an infinity pool, and toiletries in Diptyk Paris.
Future facilities are scheduled to open in August, approximately 15 hours from JW Marriott, near the border of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Accommodation starts at $2,646 per night in a 1,755-square-foot suite, while the largest four-bedroom presidential suite exceeds more than six hours of price.
Between game drives, guests can relax and explore the camp’s photo studio, map rooms, wellness centre, outdoor gyms and pools. For meals, major restaurants include a wine cellar, Stargain and dining deck, Boma or traditional outdoor enclosures.
The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp is shown in this rendering and is scheduled to open in early 2026. Marriott International
For the second JW Marriott Lodge, which is scheduled to open in the Solio Game Reserve in early 2026, guests can expect to be stopped at a guided tour (including squashing horses), camouflage viewing structures, quad bikes, and rhino orphanage.
Like the Ritz-Carlton counterpart, the property is set up to set up a high-end touch with each with a private pool, including wellness facilities, four restaurants and 20 guest tents.
The development comes after Marriott’s luxury arm said it plans to introduce several brands to its African Safari Lodge business in 2025.
Over the past few years, the hotel giant has grown its lavish portfolio to meet the growing demand for luxury holidays. As of December 2024, Marriott oversees approximately 530 luxury properties, with an additional 260 people currently under development.
Over 30 people are scheduled to open in 2025. This includes the Ritz-Carlton Lodge.
