Ritz-Carlton Unveils Luxury Safari Camp in Kenya

Hold onto your safari hats, folks! Marriott has just blown the trumpet on plans to debut not one but two safari camps in Kenya, starring none other than the Ritz-Carlton, alongside a rather posh second JW Marriott. This could be a golden opportunity for those with a stash of Bonvoy points. But if you’re coughing up actual cash, well, brace yourself for a bit of sticker shock.

Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp Opening August 2025

The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp is now dipping its toe into the reservation waters for all those eyeing a stay from August 15, 2025. Our intrepid explorers will find this gem perched among the trees on a hushed island, nestled around the Sand River, and not far from the Tanzanian border.

Expect luxury by the bucketload—20 tented suites are promised, including a swanky four-bedroom presidential suite. Each suite will offer a living area grand enough for a royal binge-watch session, private sunken lounges for those secretive chats, breezy infinity plunge pools, and showers both in and outdoors.

Dining will be a globe-trotting affair across several venues. Think multi-cuisine restaurants with wine cellars curated to make a sommelier’s eyes glisten, a stargazing sky deck for those nights where anything is possible, and an authentic boma adding a bit of local flair. For wellness seekers, there’s a spa, an outdoor gym, swimming pools, and a discovery hub.

This all-inclusive haven means your rates will cover meals, drinks, and thrilling game drives. As it stands, pricing starts at over $6,000 a night for double occupancy. Yes, you read that right. Outrageous? Perhaps. Sustainable? Only time will tell.

Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp Renderings

I can’t help but wonder how this property will stack up in terms of quality because branding today is a bit like personal New Year’s resolutions—nice in theory, questionable in practice.

JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp Opening Early 2026

In a twist that’s sure to turn heads, Marriott’s game plan for Kenya includes not one, but two safari camps. The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp is expected to open its doors in early 2026. Yep, this will join the ranks with the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, which began rolling out the welcome mat back in 2023.

This camp will also flaunt 20 tented camps with the customary plunge pools. It’s game on for spa aficionados as the camp’s design will have wellness spaces galore, not to forget four distinct dining options, including a traditional eatery and a sky deck dining spot. Guests can also look forward to a conservation house, horse barn, boutique, and animal viewing hide.

And yet, the details are scant. The branding conundrum persists. JW Marriott—traditionally a behemoth of bustling convention hotels—translating to 20-key safari lodges? I’m as puzzled as you are. JW Marriott safaris in Kenya are fast becoming one of the hotel world’s greatest puzzles. Fancy that!

Bottom Line

Kenya is about to enjoy its moment in the sun with a Ritz-Carlton safari camp opening in Masai Mara in August 2025, already dawning on the horizon of bookings. Featuring 20 tents, this all-inclusive nirvana is all set to craft safari dreams. And wait for it, there’s another JW Marriott safari lodge hot on its heels, expected in early 2026.

What are you looking forward to at the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp? For those who prefer colder adventures, check out the Val Seny ski resort.