Marriott International to Open its First Luxury Safari Lodge in Kenya

Next year, Marriott International will open its first luxury safari lodge.

There will be 20 individual tents at the lodge, as well as a presidential canvas-topped pavilion. It will be located in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, overlooking the Talek River.

A restaurant, lounge bar, spa, and outdoor terrace with fire pits will be among the shared spaces. Traditional Masai dance performances will be held in the evenings.

The lodge plans to hire up to 50 Masai community members to assist with land and wildlife conservation. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in educational activities.

In June, the reserve, which is home to lions, elephants, and rhinos, welcomes migrating wildebeest on their annual 1,800-mile journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti.

The project, Marriott’s first safari offering, will be a collaboration with family-run Baraka Lodges, with Kristina Zanic overseeing the interior design, which will be inspired by the scenery.

Bruce Rohr, vice-president and brand leader at JW Marriott, Marriott International said, “JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will offer guests a luxurious backdrop to make once-in-a-lifetime memories as they connect with nature and wildlife as never before.”

“We are thrilled the JW Marriott brand will be welcoming adventure travellers, including families, to this breath-taking part of the world.”

Marriott International’s chief development officer for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Jerome Briet, added:  “This landmark project is in response to travellers’ growing desire for experiential offerings that enable them to build a deeper connection with their chosen destination.”