JW Marriott opens luxury safari camp in Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve

JW Marriott, part of Marriott International, has opened reservations for its new safari property, the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, with a July 2026 debut planned.

The camp, owned and operated by Lazizi Solio Limited, sits within Solio Game Reserve, one of Kenya’s oldest private rhino sanctuaries. 

Set between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range, the camp brings a quieter, design-led approach to safari stays, with a focus on comfort, service and time outdoors.

A Quiet retreat in the wild 

The camp will feature 19 tented suites, including a two-bedroom option designed for families and small groups. Each unit includes indoor and outdoor living spaces, with views across the surrounding landscape. 

The design leans into simplicity and space, allowing guests to settle into the setting rather than rush through it. Wide decks, open-air lounges and natural materials shape an experience that feels both private and connected to the reserve. 

Wellness is central to the offering. A Spa by JW will provide treatments built around rest and balance, while a fitness centre and pool offer additional ways to unwind. The brand’s garden, planted with aromatic herbs and botanicals, will supply ingredients for both the kitchen and spa. 

Dining will be spread across three settings, including a main restaurant focused on locally inspired dishes, garden meals under open skies and guided bush dining experiences. Menus will draw on seasonal produce and regional flavours. 

Shared spaces include a library, games room, retail boutique and a firepit designed for evening gatherings. The Map Room, centred on a detailed map of the reserve, is intended as a practical meeting point for planning daily activities.

Safari and conservation at the core 

Guests will have access to a range of guided experiences, including game drives, walking safaris and cycling routes. Day and night drives will offer sightings of rhinos, lions, leopards, plains game and birdlife that define the conservancy. 

The camp operates within Solio Conservancy’s framework, which limits visitor numbers and regulates access. The approach allows for a more measured pace and fewer vehicles in key wildlife areas. 

Beyond tourism, the property is expected to support nearby communities, including partnerships with a local school to provide meals and assist with daily operations. 

JW Marriott backs local, sustainable luxury

Environmental practices are built into the camp’s design and day-to-day running. Waste will be sorted for reuse and recycling, with organic material composted on site and glass repurposed into items used within the camp. 

Most construction materials, furnishings and artwork have been sourced in Kenya, including pieces from Kitengela Glass, Safari Bronze and Ceramiqa. The majority of staff will be Kenyan, with an emphasis on training and long-term employment. 

Taken together, the project reflects a broader shift in high-end travel, where smaller camps, local sourcing and conservation ties are becoming part of the standard offering rather than an afterthought.

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio. The brand, named after founder J. Willard Marriott, centers its hotels on rest and well-being. It now operates nearly 120 properties across more than 35 countries, catering to travelers seeking a slower, more considered stay.