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Marriott is jumping into the safari business with the opening of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya.
The chain operates more than 120 properties across the African continent. However, this is Marriott’s first foray into safari hotel stays.
Here’s what you need to know about the newly opened resort!
The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya overlooks the banks of the River Talek.
The hotel features 20 private tents — including a presidential canvas-topped pavilion and 2 interconnecting canopied suites for families. Each features a private terrace overlooking the river.
Furthermore, the hotel also includes several dining options, lounge bar, spa, and outdoor terrace with fire pits.
Guests will be able to observe the “Big 5” Masai Mara is known for: lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceroses, and elephants. The reserve also hosts an annual wildebeest migration between June and September, as 10 million animals travel nearly 2,000 miles from the Serengeti in Tanzania.
“Offering our guests once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a deep connection to place, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge balances the thrill of a game drive with thoughtful opportunities to switch off and take it all in,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader at JW Marriott.
Reservations at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are now available. It will cost roughly $1,450 per person, per night on an all-inclusive board basis. But it’s unclear how much award stays will cost per night, as points bookings don’t appear to be available.
Africa is home to some of Marriott’s most exclusive — and expensive — properties, including the JW Marriott Mauritius and North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles. There are other safari hotels in the Marriott portfolio on the continent, including the Protea Hotel Lusaka Safari Lodge in Zambia which features a private game reserve.
But the signing of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge signals Marriott’s desire to have a bigger footprint in the luxury safari space.
“Fostering meaningful connections and nourishing the soul is at the heart of the JW Marriott brand, so entering the luxury safari segment is a natural next step,” Rohr said.
Hot Tip: Read about the best ways to fly to Africa using points and miles, including flights to Nairobi (NBO)!
Safari lovers now have more options with the opening of the new JW Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya. While we don’t yet know how much award rates will cost, we’ll keep you updated if tents become bookable with your Marriott Bonvoy points!
