JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge: The Ultimate Luxury Safari Experience
Nestled along the Talek River in Kenya’s world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge represents a new era of luxury safari hospitality. As the debut of the first luxury safari lodge in the JW Marriott brand portfolio, this exceptional property combines authentic wilderness immersion with the unparalleled service and wellness-focused philosophy that discerning travelers have come to expect from the JW Marriott name.
Since opening in 2023, the lodge has quickly established itself as a benchmark for luxury safaris in East Africa. It offers guests an intimate connection with nature without compromising on comfort or sophistication.

A Masterclass in Safari Design
The lodge features 20-24 luxurious tented suites, each designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape while offering every modern comfort. The canvas-topped tents, inspired by the classic safari camps of a bygone era, are elevated on wooden decks that offer breathtaking views of the Talek River and the vast savanna beyond JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge.
Each suite is a sanctuary of tranquility, featuring:
- King-sized beds with premium linens
- En-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers
- Private decks with temperature-controlled Jacuzzi tubs
- Complimentary minibars and premium amenities
- Yoga mats for in-room wellness practice
- Spacious living areas with writing desks
For families or groups traveling together, the lodge offers a 2-bedroom suite option consisting of a King Suite and a Twin Suite connected by a shared lounge area, each with its own private bathroom and whirlpool bath .
The design philosophy focuses on sustainability, with soft tones, natural textures, and local colors that harmonize with the environment . The tents offer an immersive experience where guests can wake to the sounds of birdsong and distant lion roars before setting out on an exhilarating morning game drive .

Safari Experiences in the Heart of the Mara
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. It boasts an exceptional array of wildlife including the iconic “Big Five”—buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino. It is also home to the Great Migration, a spectacular natural phenomenon where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains between July and October.
Game Drives
The lodge offers twice-daily game drives in custom-designed luxury safari landcruisers. The open-air vehicles allow guests to feel the breeze and immerse themselves in the sounds and scents of the savanna. Expert guides, praised by guests for their knowledge and dedication, ensure unforgettable wildlife encounters. Recent guests have shared experiences of seeing all of the Big Five within their first two days, thanks to exceptional guide expertise.
Wildlife Photography with Canon
One standout feature of the lodge is the Canon Photo Studio, a unique amenity that lets guests capture professional-quality images without traveling with expensive camera equipment. Knowledgeable photography staff are on hand to provide guidance and loan Canon SLR cameras and lenses during game drives, ensuring every magical moment is preserved in stunning detail. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
Culinary Adventures in the Wild
Dining at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is a celebration of flavor and location:
- Sarabi Restaurant offers diverse, locally-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, served in an open-air setting overlooking the river .
- Bush Breakfasts provide a unique opportunity to enjoy a morning meal amidst the stunning landscape, with zebras grazing nearby .
- Sundowner Experiences combine cocktail sipping with breathtaking African sunsets, creating the perfect way to end a day of adventure .
- In-Tent Dining is available for those seeking intimate privacy on their private deck .
- The JW Garden supplies fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables, ensuring seasonal and sustainable culinary creations .
Holistic Wellness and Relaxation
Spa by JW is an award-winning sanctuary that has been recognized as Africa’s Best Safari Spa . The spa offers treatments rooted in African botanicals, including Pinotage grapes, Mongongo nut oil, and Kalahari melon . Guests can indulge in:
- Signature massages and body treatments
- Relaxation lounges and plunge pools
- Holistic wellness experiences that regenerate mind, body, and spirit
Additional wellness facilities include a well-equipped fitness center overlooking the wilderness and an outdoor heated swimming pool .
Sustainability and Community Commitment
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is deeply committed to environmental and cultural sustainability . Operating on community land, the lodge partners with local communities through job creation, education programs, and wildlife conservation initiatives . The property operates with respect for the land and its people, ensuring that the lodge’s presence benefits both the ecosystem and the local Maasai community .
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge Rates
Seasons:
- Low 6 Jan – 31 May 2027 16 Oct – 19 Dec 2027
- Shoulder: 1 June -14 July 2027 16 Sep -15 Oct 2027
- Peak: 15 July – 15 Sep 2027 20 Dec -5 Jan 2028
| Board | Low | Shoulder | Peak |
| Per Person Sharing Per night | $1,675 | $2,080 | $2,600 |
| Single Occupancy | $2,021 | $2,310 | $2,888 |
| Children 6-12 in own room | $1,256 | $1,562 | $1,952 |
| Children 6-12 in sharing with adults | $838 | $1,040 | $1,300 |
| Guide/Pilot | $500 | $500 | $500 |
| Honemoon / Family Room Supplement | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Lazizi Welfare Foundation Fees | $15 | $15 | $15 |
INCLUDED IN THE RATES:
- Accommodation and full board meals Select alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Bush meals – Bush breakfast or picnic lunch, once during your stay, weather permittingCE Sundowners – Once during your stay, weather permitting
- 2 shared game drives per day including refreshments Refreshments on game drives
- Bird watching
- Guided walking safaris within the property Wifi throughout the lodge
- Return airstrip transfers from Keekorok airstrip
- Use of the Canon photo studio, gym, pool and adventure studio
- Activities on property such as (boules, archery, spear-throwing and adopt a tree) Laundry services – 5 items per person per day
All statutory taxes
EXCLUDED IN THE RATES:
- Champagnes, premium wines and spirits Masai Mara Park entrance fee Photo safari with resident photographer
- Spa treatments
- Items of personal nature Gratuities
ACTIVITIES AT AN ADDITIONAL COST:
- Flights and safaris to and from the Masai Mara National Reserve Hot air balloon safaris
- Visit to the rhino sanctuary Cultural village entrance fees Guided horseback riding
- Exclusive use of vehicle – subject to availability – USD 450 per day
SINGLE ROOM POLICY
Maximum of 3 single rooms per group at single room rate, any additional single room request will be charged at a double room rate.
CHILDREN POLICY
The property is unfenced and for safety reasons, we don’t recommend children below the age of 6 years.
BOOKING RESERVATIONS AND CONFIRMATION
All reservations are subject to room availability unless a firm room allotment has been agreed upon as part of this Agreement. A booking will only be confirmed upon receipt of a booking voucher from the tour operator (payment terms and conditions as per contract), and any further amendments should follow the same procedure. A booking confirmation voucher will be send to the agent upon receipt of full payments as per the invoice. Please ensure that clients have a copy of their confirmation voucher, as they are required to present this voucher on arrival at the lodge.
CHECK – IN | CHECK – OUT
Check-in time is 12:00 noon check-out time is 10:00 am All guests arriving before 12:00 noon will be accommodated as rooms become available. Baggage may be checked-in for those arriving early if rooms are unavailable.
MULTI-PROPERTY STAYS SPECIAL OFFER
Combine all 3 properties (JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp) and get a 10% discount on the total value on accommodation package.
*Not applicable when booking on offer rates.
PAYMENT TERMS
| Shoulder/Low Season | Peak/High Season | |
| On Confirmation | 30% non-refundable deposit. Balance due 60 days prior to arrival date. | 30% non-refundable deposit*. Balance due 60 days prior to arrival date. |
| Cancellation Policy | 100% cancellation fees will be charged on bookings cancelled within 60 days prior to arrival. | 100% cancellation fees will be charged on bookings cancelled within 60 days to arrival date. |
Guest Testimonials: Unforgettable Experiences
Recent guests consistently rate their stays at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge as exceptional, with many calling it “the finest place we have ever stayed” . Highlights include:
- Personalized service from staff who greet guests by name and anticipate their needs
- Exceptional dining with chefs accommodating special dietary requirements
- Expert game guides with deep local knowledge and a passion for wildlife
- Immaculate accommodations with thoughtful touches like hot water bottles placed in beds on chilly nights
One guest wrote: “We came to the Masai Mara hoping for an incredible safari. We left with unforgettable memories and new friendships” .
Plan Your Stay
Important Policies
- Check-in: 2:00 PM | Check-out: 10:00 AM
- Age Restriction: Children under six years are not permitted for safety and comfort reasons
- All-Inclusive Experience: Packages cover accommodation, meals, beverages, game drives, airstrip transfers, and selected activities
Getting There
The lodge is accessible via a scenic flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to one of the Mara’s airstrips, followed by a lodge transfer. Road transfers from Nairobi are also available (approximately 276 km
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge with Its East African Sister Properties
For travelers seeking a comprehensive East African safari adventure, the lodge serves as an ideal anchor within a growing portfolio of world-class Marriott safari properties across the region. Here is how JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge connects with its sister properties:
Sister Properties in Kenya
JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp – Opened in 2026, this is JW Marriott’s second safari property in Kenya. Located in the 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve in Laikipia County, the camp features 19 tented suites with private decks and plunge pools. Solio is renowned for its successful rhino breeding program, housing one of Africa’s largest populations of both black and white rhinos. While the Masai Mara Lodge focuses on the Great Migration and big cats, the Mount Kenya property offers unique rhino conservation experiences, visits to the Solio Rhino Orphanage, and guided walking and cycling safaris. Combining both JW Marriott properties allows guests to experience Kenya’s diverse ecosystems—from the open savanna plains of the Mara to the private conservancy wilderness of Laikipia.
The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp – Scheduled to open in August 2025, this marks The Ritz-Carlton brand’s debut in the safari segment. Located on a secluded island along the Sand River near the Tanzanian border within the Masai Mara National Reserve, the camp will feature 20 luxury tented suites with infinity plunge pools. Its prime position offers front-row views of the Great Migration as millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains. While JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge delivers the brand’s signature wellness-focused hospitality, The Ritz-Carlton property elevates the experience with ultra-luxury service and an even more exclusive setting, making it an ideal pairing for discerning travelers seeking variety in the same reserve.
Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection – Located in Nairobi’s Westlands district, this 168-room property offers a sophisticated urban experience for guests beginning or ending their safari journey. It provides a seamless transition between the wilderness and the city, with amenities including an executive lounge, rooftop dining, and a fitness center. As an Autograph Collection property, it delivers unique local character while maintaining Marriott’s high standards.
Sister Property in Tanzania
Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection – This property represents the Autograph Collection’s first safari camp globally, opened in 2025/2026 near the Fort Ikoma gate of Serengeti National Park. The camp features 15 tented suites and a two-bedroom villa, each with retractable canvas roofs for stargazing and in-room telescopes. Positioned directly along the Great Migration route, the camp offers spectacular game viewing as herds move through the Serengeti between May and July. Designed with Tanzanian craftsmanship by Arusha’s Dunia Designs, the property incorporates local textiles and beadwork from women-led cooperatives. Combining JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge with Mapito Safari Camp delivers the ultimate East African migration experience, allowing guests to witness the phenomenon from both Kenya and Tanzania.
Sample Multi-Property Itineraries
The Ultimate Migration Safari (10-12 nights):
- JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge (4 nights) – Experience the Great Migration in Kenya
- The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (3 nights) – Ultra-luxury Mara experience
- Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti (3 nights) – Witness the migration in Tanzania
Conservation & Wildlife Safari (8-10 nights):
- JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge (4 nights) – Classic Mara safari
- JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp (4 nights) – Rhino conservation focus
City & Safari Escape (6-8 nights):
- Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection (2 nights) – Urban luxury
- JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge (4 nights) – Wilderness immersion
