Safaris are unique. They give visitors the chance to connect with nature while helping them tune into their most primitive selves. However, there is such an overwhelming primal rawness to the entire experience that it only makes sense to temper these trips with certain luxury comforts, which is what most businesses in this category do. And which is what Marriott International plans to do as it enters the vast safari space.

Marriott International has recently announced that it would be adding a safari package to its portfolio following an agreement with Baraka Lodges LTD. The new safari, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, will be located within the Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife conservation and wilderness regions, and is set to welcome guests in 2023.

The proposed interior of one of the tents at the JW Marriott Masai Mara lodge — The new safari lodge will be located at the Masai Mara. Image courtesy of Marriott International

“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,” says Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will offer guests a luxurious backdrop to make once-in-a-lifetime memories as they connect with nature and wildlife as never before. We are thrilled that the JW Marriott brand will be welcoming adventure travellers, including families, to this breath-taking part of the world.”

Overlooking the famed banks of the River Talek and on the edge of the reserve, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge’s prime location will offer guests a distinctively elevated camp from which to discover the Masai Mara National Reserve, its stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and endless plains. They will get to observe the “Big Five” that Masai Mara is home to: lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros and elephants. And between June and September, the annual great wildebeest migration, when more than 10 million animals travel a distance of 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania.

The lodge has been designed to house 20 private tents, including one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites, ideal for families, each with a private terrace overlooking the river. Shared spaces will include a restaurant, lounge bar, spa, and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits that will play host to traditional Masai dance performances in the evening.

JW Marriott Masai Mara promises to put conservation of the land and its inhabitants at the core of its business. The safari lodge aims to employ up to 50 locals from the Masai community and will offer robust learning opportunities for guests looking to immerse themselves in the destination.

A shared space at the Marriott Masai Mara Safari — While the lodge will be private, there will be shared spaces for communal activities. Image courtesy of Marriott International

A nod to the captivating surroundings, guests can expect an authentic sense of place through artful design and architecture. Sophisticated interiors will be led by Kristina Zanic. The location and surrounding landscape will be reflected at every turn, creating harmony with the natural world and drawing inspiration from the elements: earth, wind, fire and water. Warm touches of neutrals and natural materials will lend to a warm ambience, while an earth tone colour palette promises to sit in harmony with the landscape, inviting guests to connect with nature and focus on their wellbeing.

During their stay, guests will enjoy the immersive, holistic approach to wellness while being mindful of the environment and their impact on the land.

“We’re delighted to collaborate with Marriott International to debut this stunning luxury lodge and their first Safari offering in the Masai Mara,” says Mr Shivan Patel of Baraka Lodges LTD.

This latest addition is coming on the heels of the almost 300 properties Marriott Homes and Villas added to its portfolio in February.

Source: APO Group