Marriott International, Inc. has signed an agreement with Baraka Lodges LTD. to enter the safari segment in Africa.
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will be located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife conservation and wilderness regions.
The retreat expects to welcome guests in 2023. Located on the banks of the River Talek on the edge of the reserve, its prime location from which guests can explore.
Plans for the new-build lodge feature 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.
The untamed landscape will offer guests the opportunity to observethe “Big Five” that Masai Mara is home to: lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros and elephants.
Between June and September, 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 neighbouring Tanzania.
Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Brand Leader, JW Marriott, Marriott International, said: “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.
“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.”
The brand said in a statement that conservation of the land and its inhabitants will 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 robust learning opportunities for guests looking to immersive themselves in the destination.
Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said: “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,”
Mr. Shivan Patel of Baraka Lodges LTD said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with Marriott International to debut this stunning luxury lodge and their first Safari offering in the Masai Mara.”
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.
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