Marriott International is entering the safari segment in Africa, with a new agreement with Baraka Lodges LTD. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will be located within the Mara National Reserve, a renowned wildlife conservation and wilderness region, and is expected to welcome guests in 2023.
Overlooking the banks of the River Talek and on the edge of the reserve, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge's location will offer guests a base camp from which to discover the Masai Mara National Reserve, including its vistas, wildlife, and plains. Plans for the new-build lodge feature 20 private tents, including one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites, each with a private terrace overlooking the river.
Shared spaces will include a restaurant, lounge bar, spa, and an outdoor terrace with fire pits that will play host to traditional Masai dance performances in the evening.
The landscape will offer guests the opportunity to observe the "Big Five" that Masai Mara is home to: lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros and elephants. Between JUN and SEP, the reserve is also host to the annual great wildebeest migration, when more than 10 million animals travel a distance of 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in the neighbouring Tanzania.
"As a brand rooted in mindfulness, we cannot think of a more perfect retreat for the mind, body, and soul than the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya," said Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Brand Leader, JW Marriott, Marriott International. "We are thrilled that the JW Marriott brand will be welcoming adventure travellers, including families, to this breath-taking part of the world."
According to Marriott, conservation of the land and its inhabitants will be a core part of JW Marriott Masai Mara. The safari lodge aims to employ up to 50 locals from the Masai community, and will offer learning opportunities for guests looking to immersive themselves in the destination.
Through the lodge, guests can enjoy design and architecture inspired by the location, surrounding landscape, and the elements. Warm touches of neutrals and natural materials will be present, as well as an earth tone colour palette to invite guests to connect with nature and focus on their wellbeing.
During their stay, guests can enjoy an immersive, holistic approach to wellness while being mindful of the environment and their impact on the land.
Marriott International currently operates more than 120 properties in Africa across its portfolio. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will join Marriott Bonvoy's growing portfolio of 8,000 hotels globally.
For more information on Marriott International, visit its web site.
