Choice Hotels To Debut in Africa, Will Open Resort in Masai Mara National Reserve

Updated: November 19, 2025, 9:50am CST

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Choice Hotels Opening First Hotels in Africa in 2026
Choice Hotels’ Plans for Africa
Final Thoughts

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There’s some major news from Choice Hotels this morning. The hotel giant is making its entry into Africa early next year with 3 hotels opening in Kenya.

There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in!

Choice Hotels Opening First Hotels in Africa in 2026

Choice Hotels will open its first hotels in Africa in early 2026, with plans to open Clarion and Quality Inn hotels in Nairobi’s business district. Not much is known about the hotels, but they are expected to cater to business and leisure travelers.

Those 2 hotels are interesting enough — as it’s not every day a hotel brand expands to a new content — but what caught our eye is the plan for an Ascend Collection property in prime spot. Choice will open an Ascend Collection in the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the most visited safari destinations on the continent.

Hot air balloon kenya — A hot air balloon floats over the Masai Mara. Image Credit: Sutirta Budiman via Unsplash

Choice is keeping mum on the details, other than to say that the hotel will offer “boutique, upscale accommodations for travelers seeking an immersive nature experience.”

However, there’s another reason to be excited about this resort: It’ll be another way to earn and redeem Choice Privileges points in the Masai Mara region.

While Choice doesn’t use an award chart, awards tend to be more affordable in the Choice Privileges program than programs like Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. Even award rates at its ultra-luxury brand, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, usually top out at around 90,000 points per night.

Bottom Line:

The new Ascend Collection hotel will become the latest luxury property in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp opened in August, and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp is scheduled to open next year.

Choice Hotels’ Plans for Africa

Choice is one of the world’s largest hotel chains, with 7,500+ hotels and resorts in 47 countries and territories. But Choice Privileges loyalists have long bemoaned the lack of options for points stays on the African continent. Major brands, such as Marriott and Hyatt, have announced expansions in Africa in recent years.

These 3 hotels are just the beginning for Choice’s expansion in Africa.

The company also inked an agreement to add at least 15 hotels across sub-Saharan and southern Africa by the end of the decade.

“Entering Africa is an important milestone in that journey and presents a unique opportunity to bring our world-class hospitality to one of the continent’s fastest-growing hospitality markets,” said Pat Pacious, Choice Hotels president and CEO.

Final Thoughts

Choice Hotels’ debut in Africa is fantastic news for Choice Privileges members, as they’ll soon be able to earn and redeem points on the continent. We are especially excited for the Ascend Collection hotel opening in the Masai Mara National Reserve, which is sure to be one of the best Choice sweet spots!