At a Glance
- Ritz-Carlton enters Kenya’s Masai Mara with ultra-luxury eco-safari camp opening August 2025.
- Camp offers treetop suites, wellness center, and front-row seats to the Great Migration.
- Focus on sustainable tourism with solar power, rainwater harvesting, and Maasai cultural integration.
Ritz-Carlton, an American multinational luxury hotel chain is elevating Africa’s safari tourism game with the debut of its first tented luxury safari camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara, one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.
Slated to open in August 2025, the development signals the brand’s bold foray into Kenya’s booming eco-luxury travel sector, where demand is surging for sustainable, experience-driven tourism.
Positioned along the Sand River near the Kenya-Tanzania border, the ultra-premium safari retreat will offer front-row access to the Great Migration, an annual spectacle that sees millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the savannah.
This strategic location places Ritz-Carlton in direct competition with Africa’s top-tier safari lodges.
Redefining the African Eco-Safari Experience
Accessible via a 45-minute flight or five-hour drive from Nairobi, the Masai Mara luxury camp is designed to appeal to affluent international tourists seeking an intimate connection with nature without sacrificing comfort.
“Masai Mara is a global icon of natural beauty,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President of Luxury Brands at Marriott International, EMEA. “This camp captures the spirit of the savannah with our signature Ritz-Carlton elegance.”
The camp will feature 20 treetop tented suites, each over 160 square meters, designed for sweeping views of the savannah and Sand River.
Amenities include a wellness center inspired by local Maasai healing traditions, a savannah-view swimming pool, and a fully equipped photographic studio with Canon gear and expert guidance for wildlife photography.
Sustainable travel meets cultural immersion
Aligned with Kenya’s national vision for sustainable tourism, the camp will run on solar power, harvest rainwater, and use locally sourced materials.
Guests will be paired with a dedicated Maasai “Encholiek”—a cultural guide offering personalized service rooted in indigenous tradition.
Signature experiences include “The Call of Dusk,” a daily sunset ritual blending Maasai dance, tea ceremonies, and fireside storytelling—designed to create meaningful connections with local heritage.
Renowned for redefining high-end travel, The Ritz-Carlton combines world-class luxury with a steadfast commitment to exceptional service and meaningful community impact—cementing its status as a global leader in premium hospitality experiences.
As global travelers increasingly prioritize responsible luxury, Ritz-Carlton’s Masai Mara expansion strengthens Kenya’s reputation as a premier destination for upscale eco-tourism and wildlife adventure in Africa.
