In March 2022, Marriott introduced plans to open its first safari lodge in Africa. That property is now bookable, so I wished to take an up to date take a look at the small print of this property, together with pricing.
Marriott’s first African safari lodge
Marriott Worldwide and Baraka Lodges LTD have signed an settlement for opening the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, which is able to mark Marriott’s entry into the safari phase in Africa. The property can be positioned within the Mara Nationwide Reserve in Kenya, overlooking the banks of the River Talek. It’s now bookable for stays as of April 1, 2023, so it’ll be opening fairly quickly.
The newly constructed lodge will function 20 personal tents, together with one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites. Shared areas will embrace a restaurant, lounge, bar, spa, and a big out of doors terrace with hearth pits. These visiting Masai Mara will hopefully get to see the “Huge 5,” together with lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros, and elephants.
As Bruce Rohor, JW Marriott’s VP and Model Chief, describes this improvement:
“As a model rooted in mindfulness, we can not consider a extra good retreat for the thoughts, physique, and soul than the Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve in Kenya. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will supply visitors an opulent backdrop to make once-in-a-lifetime recollections as they join with nature and wildlife as by no means earlier than. We’re thrilled that the JW Marriott model can be welcoming journey travellers, together with households, to this breath-taking a part of the world.”
JW Marriott Masai Mara pricing
Now that the JW Marriott Masai Mara is bookable, what are charges like? Stays listed below are all-inclusive (together with meals, drinks, and sport drives), and fluctuate seasonally. Based mostly on double occupancy, it appears charges begin at round $2,500 per evening.
In the meantime throughout peak durations, charges begin at round $3,800 per evening.
It must also be attainable to redeem Marriott Bonvoy factors right here, although as of the time of this put up, factors availability hasn’t but been loaded. I think about that may change quickly. On condition that Marriott has dynamic award pricing these days, I think about this property received’t be low-cost with factors both.
My tackle Marriott’s first luxurious safari property
A safari generally is a as soon as in a lifetime journey, and really is in contrast to every other trip you can take. So it’s superior to see {that a} main resort loyalty program will supply entry to a luxurious safari expertise. Just a few preliminary ideas:
- On condition that this can be a small property by way of the variety of rooms, I discover the branding as a JW Marriott to be odd, since I often affiliate the model with providing large upscale inns, largely focused at conventions; I’m a little bit skeptical as to why Marriott wouldn’t model this a bit extra upmarket and boutique, and it makes me marvel what I’m lacking
- I’m curious to see what award pricing can be like at this lodge, particularly provided that it’s all-inclusive; with Marriott Bonvoy not having a printed award chart, I think about it received’t be low-cost
- The tented camp expertise sounds a bit like Al Maha Dubai, which is a Marriott Luxurious Assortment property; the number of animals needs to be considerably extra fascinating right here, although
- This property has steep pricing, in step with what most of the prime safari camps cost; if I had been spending 1000’s of {dollars} per evening, I’d go along with a identified participant (like Singita) over a JW Marriott
Backside line
The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya is now accepting reservations for stays as of April 2023, and can be Marriott’s first luxurious safari property in Africa. It’s superior to see Marriott opening a tented camp safari expertise in Africa, and I can’t wait to be taught extra particulars. I’m only a bit confused by the JW Marriott branding…
What do you make of Marriott’s first luxurious safari property in Africa?
