The Ritz-Carlton is taking a walk on the wild side with its first-ever safari property opening in August 2025 in Kenya’s Masai Mara. Designed by LW Design Group, the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp will combine luxury living with the sights and sounds of one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife reserves.
Perched on the banks of the Sand River, the entire camp is raised three metres off the ground, offering guests an elevated view right into the forest canopy – and some added protection from seasonal floods. Each tented suite will come with a private plunge pool, a sunken outdoor lounge, and roll-up canvas walls to bring the outdoors in.
To enter the camp, guests will walk across a 30-metre swing bridge designed to create what LW Design calls “a sensory shift” into the wilderness. Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy, from the filtered sunlight through the trees to the locally grown vegetation surrounding the lodge.
Inside, nearly everything has been made in Kenya – from handwoven rugs by local women to custom furniture crafted by generational joinery workshops. “Every element, while luxurious, is rooted in the textures, traditions, and spirit of Kenya,” said Pooja Shah-Mulani, Managing Partner, Creative at LW Design Group.
Dining options include a stargazing sky deck, an underground wine cellar, and The Boma, where guests can enjoy fireside meals under the stars.
With solar power, rainwater harvesting, and minimal ground disturbance built into its design, the new safari camp aims to blend high-end comfort with low environmental impact – all while keeping guests close to nature, in every sense.