While details are limited as of now, it looks like a Ritz-Carlton safari camp will be opening later this year!
In this post:
Ritz-Carlton’s first safari camp coming to Africa
In April 2023, we saw the opening of the JW Marriott Masai Mara, located in Kenya, which is probably Marriott’s most luxurious safari camp to date. If you search Masai Mara on Marriott’s website, you’ll now see another property listed as well — the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp (this was flagged on FlyerTalk).
According to Marriott’s website, the camp will open in August 2025, though I wouldn’t count on that timeline sticking. Not only are reservations not yet available, but the hotel’s specific webpage isn’t even up. It looks like this will be the URL, but for now, it still returns an error.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is located near the border of Kenya and Tanzania. While the JW Marriott is squarely in Kenya, it looks like the Ritz-Carlton will be right near the border. I can’t quite tell whether it’ll be in Tanzania or Kenya. In August 2024, media in Tanzania reported that a Ritz-Carlton would be coming to Tanzania, so maybe it’s there?
Below are the photos that appear when you click the property on the main page. They’re super low resolution, but better than nothing, I suppose.
If I recall correctly, this property was rumored some time back, and I believe the developers are the same people behind the JW Marriott. Only time will tell how many keys this property has, whether it’ll be all-inclusive, etc. I’ll be sure to provide more details as they become available.
Let’s see how high quality this safari lodge is
Based on the Ritz-Carlton branding, you’d certainly expect this property to be even higher quality than the JW Marriott. Then again, the JW Marriott branding for the other property never made sense to me. JW Marriott is a brand known for its big convention hotels, so it’s not how you’d expect a 20-key safari lodge to be branded. You’d think that something like Luxury Collection would’ve made more sense.
I haven’t stayed at the JW Marriott Masai Mara, though based on what I’ve heard, it’s a great use of points, but it’s also a bit of a “points farm,” as I like to call them. That’s to say that the cash rates being charged just don’t reflect the quality of the experience.
If you can redeem points for an all-inclusive safari at a decent rate, that’s awesome, and an experience worth pursuing, as safaris are incredible experiences. But if you’re going to be paying the going rates of $3,000+ per night all-in, there are almost certainly better value options out there.
The truth is that the major hotel groups just don’t do safari lodges that well. Heck, I’ve heard that even the Four Seasons Serengeti isn’t that great. Ultimately if you’re just looking for the best experience, you can’t beat one of the specialized companies that exclusively operate safari camps, like Singita.
Bottom line
While details are extremely limited as of now, a Ritz-Carlton safari camp is expected to open in Masai Mara, not too far from the existing JW Marriott. It’s great to see more points safari options, and at least based on the branding, this one should be even nicer. I’ll be sure to report back when we learn more…
What are you expecting from the upcoming Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp?
I’m sorry, but traveling halfway around the world just to stay at an American hotel with a bunch of large tourists from your own country is… sad. Opt for a local luxury property instead—and give back to the community while you’re at it. Sure, everyone will insist that the Ritz does the same, but we all know how franchises and hotel owner groups work: a cut goes to Marriott corporate, and the rest lines the...
I’m sorry, but traveling halfway around the world just to stay at an American hotel with a bunch of large tourists from your own country is… sad. Opt for a local luxury property instead—and give back to the community while you’re at it. Sure, everyone will insist that the Ritz does the same, but we all know how franchises and hotel owner groups work: a cut goes to Marriott corporate, and the rest lines the owners’ pockets. Get out of your shells, people. Stay somewhere authentic—without Bud Light and cheap Rombauer Chardonnay!
The Atlantic had a great cover story in 2024 on the displacement of the Maasai people from their homeland.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/05/maasai-tribe-tanzania-forced-land-evictions-serengeti/677835/?gift=vxJBXxIdbtaNsXjcPegLnUqkETjnZHFqxlMwbMbf6f4&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
why would anyone in their right mind do a safari out a corporate "me too" property? for less money than that go to an Andbeyond lodge with few rooms and excellent service. But if your idea is to stay at a generic big hotel with big families and kids splashing and screaming in the pool by all means.
I wouldn't even really recommend the Masai Mara National Reserve over some of the excellent, more community focused Conservancies on the Northern Border of the Mara. The Reserve is too pricey, too crowded, and just poorly run by the absurdly corrupt Narok County Government unless you're in the Mara Triangle on the western side (despite the "National" in the name, they've removed it from management by the generally pretty good Kenyan Wildlife Services).
I've...
I wouldn't even really recommend the Masai Mara National Reserve over some of the excellent, more community focused Conservancies on the Northern Border of the Mara. The Reserve is too pricey, too crowded, and just poorly run by the absurdly corrupt Narok County Government unless you're in the Mara Triangle on the western side (despite the "National" in the name, they've removed it from management by the generally pretty good Kenyan Wildlife Services).
I've lived in Eastern Africa for over a decade and in Kenya for the past five years. You wouldn't catch me at any of these properties run by large multi-national chains. I'd much much more strongly recommend great local properties like Cottar's (pricey), AndBeyond, Asilia Africa, various independent camps like Finch Hatton's in Tsavo etc. Laikipia Conservancies also tend to have gorgeous properties that are well worth the price.
There are certain lodges, like Ol Tukai in Amboseli, that retain a certain faded charm. But a brand new mega lodge is just out of place and should never have been or be built.
Please don’t listen the person saying stop referring to key count. There’s a reason why industry does that as it’s more indicative of capacity.
One thing about the Masai Mara lodges is that the overall quality tends to be quite high, even for the less than premium lodges. We stayed at the Mara Serena a number of years ago, which certainly is not one of the most luxurious places. But the food and service were both absolutely outstanding and the location is superb with a pool overlooking a valley that makes for great animal watching in the daytime between...
One thing about the Masai Mara lodges is that the overall quality tends to be quite high, even for the less than premium lodges. We stayed at the Mara Serena a number of years ago, which certainly is not one of the most luxurious places. But the food and service were both absolutely outstanding and the location is superb with a pool overlooking a valley that makes for great animal watching in the daytime between game drives. No doubt the higher end places have bigger and nicer rooms, spas, etc., but they are also 3 to 10 times the price. The point being that you have to compare what you are getting with the standard for Kenya lodges, which is very high. I also suspect that the major hotel groups have a significant markup over the local brands, although I would like to see an informed comparison sometime.
Please do not support these lodges! Both of them are bribing the local government. They are both constructed square in the middle of the migration path of the animals, which is against regulations, yet somehow the government made exceptions. Additionally, the JW has constructed a massive wall around the property, which is against regulations as well...yet there it is.
These are factual statements. I've been in the region very recently and had a chance to...
Please do not support these lodges! Both of them are bribing the local government. They are both constructed square in the middle of the migration path of the animals, which is against regulations, yet somehow the government made exceptions. Additionally, the JW has constructed a massive wall around the property, which is against regulations as well...yet there it is.
These are factual statements. I've been in the region very recently and had a chance to speak to many locals who are well aware of the situation. Perhaps the properties are nice, but what's going on behind the scenes isn't right.
It's in Kenya. If in Tanzania, it would not be called Masai Mara, it would be Serengeti.
It's for sure in Kenya right at the border. When staying at the JW last September, our driver pointed it out on one of the game drives. It was very, very early in the construction phase so I can't see it opening that quickly.
Ben
I'm sorry you heard Four Seasons Serengeti was " not that great", but my wife and I had the great fortune to travel to FS Serengeti in 2022 and counter that is was SPECTACULAR. The hotel is a strong 4+maybe even 5 star property considering it is in the middle of the Serengeti savanna. The accommodations were very comfortable and as good as most Four Seasons rooms. The food, while not gourmet was...
Ben
I'm sorry you heard Four Seasons Serengeti was " not that great", but my wife and I had the great fortune to travel to FS Serengeti in 2022 and counter that is was SPECTACULAR. The hotel is a strong 4+maybe even 5 star property considering it is in the middle of the Serengeti savanna. The accommodations were very comfortable and as good as most Four Seasons rooms. The food, while not gourmet was plentiful, varied and delicious. The facilities were top notch, including a small exercise room and a beautiful pool looking over the Serengeti.
And last but not least the staff were wonderful, gracious, friendly and accommodating , including the local Masi who work at the resort. On our last night the staff set a special dinner table for us on an island next to the swimming pool, imagine our surprise to hear lions roaring their mating call while we dined. We thought the hotel arranged that, but when security came out with flashlights to make sure the lions were not too close, we realized we were just lucky. This was our first visit to Africa, so we cannot compare to other luxury Safari lodges, but the special memories FS provided will last a lifetime. A special shout out to our Safari guide, Rafa Loisolo (independent guide, provided by FS Serengeti) who made this trip an absolutely spectacular experience and found us the Big 7 during our trip) I only wish I could post some of the photos.
I realize not all you readers can afford the Four Seasons experience, but I encourage all readers to add Serengeti to their bucket list.
Love your blog,thanks for letting me add my 2 cents.
Stayed at the JW Masai Mara last September, used points including fifth night free. Very nice lodge and pretty high end food and beverage. In particular the camera studio was one of the most cool and appreciated hotel amenities I’ve ever seen offered at a property. The game drives were flat out amazing as our driver Vincent really knew what to do. Some of the hotel managers had mentioned a sister property was going to...
Stayed at the JW Masai Mara last September, used points including fifth night free. Very nice lodge and pretty high end food and beverage. In particular the camera studio was one of the most cool and appreciated hotel amenities I’ve ever seen offered at a property. The game drives were flat out amazing as our driver Vincent really knew what to do. Some of the hotel managers had mentioned a sister property was going to open in the next couple years, so maybe they were referencing the Ritz Carlton. Point farm or not, this location was a great way to see the Masai Mara.
please stop using "keys' when you mean rooms. It isn't cool to sound like a starwood press release.
@ jenna -- It's not intended to sound like a Starwood press release (interesting brand choice). Instead, it's intended to be accurate, and to reflect that not all accommodations at hotels are rooms (suites, villas, etc.).
If it’s Masai Mara, it’s in Kenya (in Tanzania, it’s the Serengeti). Being right by the border is often a great place for river crossings during the Migration. And yes, the Four Seasons Serengeti definitely isn’t that great. This, however, looks like it might be special. (FWIW, it’s almost always better to choose a tented camp than a lodge.)
Tom.
Why's that ? Just wondering...
What are the chances that a hotel Marriott has not even sent a press release on will open in 6 months. Somewhere around the 3rd coming of Christ before this Sunday....