Marriott International has signed an agreement with Baraka Lodges as its entry into the safari segment of the market in Africa.

The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will be located within the Mara National Reserve in the south east of Kenya, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife conservation and wilderness regions. It expects to welcome guests to the new lodge 2023.

Overlooking the famed banks of the River Talek and on the edge of the reserve, the lodge’s prime location will offer guests an elevated camp from which to discover the Masai Mara National Reserve.

The new-build lodge will offer 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 a large outdoor terrace with fire pits that will play host to traditional Masai dance performances in the evening.

The Masai Mara is home to the Big Five – lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinoceros and elephants – and between June and September, the reserve is also host to the annual great wildebeest migration, when more than 1 million animals travel miles from the Serengeti in 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.

He said conservation of the land and its inhabitants would be at the heart 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 immerse themselves in the destination.   

“The signing of JW Masai Mara Lodge is a milestone in Marriott International’s growth in Africa as the company enters the luxury safari segment. This landmark project is in response to travellers' growing desire for experiential offerings that enable them to build a deeper connection with their chosen destination. JW Marriott encourages guests to be mindful and present, which perfectly lends itself to meaningful safari holidays.” added Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

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

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.