The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp Set to Offer Elevated Luxury in the Wild

Nairobi,  Kenya  –  The  Ritz-Carlton  is  poised  to  unveil  a  new  era  of  luxury hospitality  in  Kenya  with  the  highly  anticipated  opening  of  the  brand’s  first  luxury  safari  camp.   Expected  to  open  this  August,  The  Ritz-Carlton,  Masai  Mara  Safari  Camp  will  bring  the  brand’s legendary  service  and  elegant  style  to  the  heart  of  the  Masai  Mara  National  Reserve,  one  of Africa’s  most celebrated wildlife conservation regions. 

Nestled on the banks of the Sand River, just steps from the Kenya-Tanzania border, the secluded  camp promises a front-row seat to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles—the Great  Migration. From July to October, millions of wildebeest and zebra travel between the Serengeti  and Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing, a breathtaking display of survival and instinct. Beyond  the migration season, the reserve is home to abundant wildlife, including the Big Five—lion,  leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo— and more than 500 bird species, which can be viewed  throughout the year. 

“At The Ritz-Carlton, we believe in the power of travel to transform—not just the places we visit,  but also those who journey there. The Masai Mara is one of the most spectacular destinations in  the world and we look forward to introducing The Ritz-Carlton's first safari experience and  signature hospitality to this extraordinary setting,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury  Brands, EMEA. “Each guest will enjoy a bespoke adventure based on their ultimate safari. From  breathtaking wildlife encounters to personalised service in the heart of the savannah, every  moment is designed to inspire, leaving guests with a renewed sense of wonder that will stay with  them long after they leave.” 

Designed in Harmony with Nature 

Blending seamlessly into its lush surroundings, the camp will feature 20 expansive tented suites, starting  from 163  square metres, perched among  the  treetops with  sweeping views of  the Sand River, golden savannahs and distant acacia-dotted horizons. Private decks, infinity plunge pools, sunken  lounges,  and  both  indoor  and  outdoor  showers  will  provide  guests  with  an  intimate connection  to  nature.  For  families  or  groups,  the  exclusive  four-bedroom  Presidential  Suite  will feature a spacious indoor-outdoor living space, private dining areas and a kitchenette. Each suite includes  a  dedicated  'Encholiek'—a  Maasai  term  meaning  'one  who  walks  with  you'—providing guests with a personalised butler service throughout their stay. 

Sustainability  is  at  the  core  of  the  camp’s  design  and  operations.  Solar  power,  rainwater harvesting,  and  waste  reduction  initiatives  will  minimise  environmental  impact,  while  materials and  furnishings have been  sourced  from local artisans  to  support  the  regional economy. Beyond environmental  stewardship,  the  camp  is  rooted  in  the  culture  of  the  Maasai  people—partnering with local builders, guides and storytellers to create an experience that is not only immersive in nature, but also in heritage. 

A Culinary Journey in the Wild 

Dining  at  The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp will invite guests  to immersive  and  sensory experiences that celebrate African flavours amidst a spectacular landscape. Menus will be crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients and tailored to individual guest preferences. 

Guests  can  choose  to  dine  on  the  elevated  sky  deck  under  a  canopy  of  stars  or  in  the  camp’s private wine cellar where expert-led tastings will showcase rare vintages. The authentic boma will see  guests  gather  around  an  open  fire  for  a meal inspired  by Maasai  traditions,  featuring  slow cooked  barbecue  meats,  and  hearty  stews  accompanied  by  stories  of  local  culture  and  history from the camp’s experts. The camp’s main restaurant will offer a unique take on fine dining. For those  seeking  a  more  secluded  setting,  bush  breakfasts  and  picnic  lunches  will  offer  the opportunity to dine in the wilderness, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Mara. 

Beyond the Safari: Unforgettable Experiences 

Guests will be invited to experience the Mara from new perspectives — from private game drives in  open-air  Land  Cruisers  with  expert  local  guides,  to  nature  walks  through  the  camp  to  spot wildlife  and  hot  air  balloon  flights  above  the  endless  plains.  Cultural  connection  will  be  woven throughout the stay, with opportunities to engage with the Maasai community both in camp and during  immersive  village  visits,  enabling  guests  to  gain  a  deeper  understanding  of  Maasai heritage, and witness age-old traditions. 

One of the camp’s signature experiences, ‘The Call of Dusk’, will immerse guests in the magic of the Mara as the sun sets. The deep call of a traditional Maasai horn will signal the transition from day to night, while a Maasai warrior, adorned in full regalia, welcomes guests to the evening. As the scent of burning olorien wood fills the air, they will gather for a vibrant dance and storytelling session, sipping Kenyan tea in a moment of cultural connection. 

Guests will get access to an on-site photographic studio including professional Canon equipment, as well as expert guidance to help them capture memories that will last a lifetime. 

The  camp’s  spa  and  wellness  centre  will  emulate  the  serenity  of  the  Reserve  and  offer  holistic journeys inspired by indigenous healing traditions, complemented by a gym and pool overlooking the savannah. 

The camp is located near Serena Airstrip, just a 45-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. For those preferring a scenic journey, the camp is accessible via a five-hour drive from Nairobi. 

Bookings Now Open 

Reservations are now open for stays from 15 August 2025, with rates from $3,500 per person, per night (all-inclusive*). Due to limited availability, early booking is recommended. 

For more information or to reserve a stay, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/masaimara. 

*The all-inclusive rate includes luxury accommodation with personalised butler service, all dining experiences and beverages (including premium wines and spirits), private game drives, Maasai cultural visits, child minding, laundry, Wi-Fi, use of professional Canon photographic equipment and guidance, binoculars, and return Serena Airstrip transfers.