The savannah just got a serious glow-up. Opening this August, The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp is bringing its signature luxe-meets-location magic to one of the most iconic wilderness settings in the world. Nestled along the Sand River, just a lion’s stride from the Kenya–Tanzania border, the new outpost is perfectly placed for a front-row view of the Great Migration. From July to October, wildebeest, zebra, and drama on hooves pass right through.
But this isn’t your usual safari tent setup.
20 Tented Suites, But Make It Ritz
Each of the 20 tented suites (and yes, that includes a four-bedroom Presidential one) is perched above the riverbank, featuring outdoor showers, sunken lounges, infinity plunge pools, and uninterrupted views of the golden grasslands. Expect all the creature comforts, and a few actual creatures in view. Every guest is also assigned a dedicated “Encholiek” (a personal butler-slash-guide, named after the Maasai word for “one who walks with you.”)
Sustainability, With a Soul
Ritz isn’t just planting flags, they’re planting roots. The camp runs on solar power, harvests rainwater, and collaborates closely with the Maasai community on everything from storytelling to construction. Materials have been sourced locally, and the vibe feels more “respectful immersion” than “luxury takeover.”
Dine Under the Stars, Wake Up in the Wild
The food? Elevated, but earthy. Sky-deck dinners under the stars, wine cellar tastings, and boma nights around an open fire where slow-cooked meats and spicy stews meet oral histories and live storytelling. Want something quieter? Take breakfast in the bush or pack a picnic lunch on game drive days. It’s fine dining, but make it fully wild.
Safari, But Not As You Know It
Guests will get access to private open-air game drives with local guides, hot air balloon rides over the Mara at dawn, and an on-site photography studio stocked with Canon gear (plus experts to help you get that Nat Geo shot). There’s also a spa and wellness centre on-site. Because there’s nothing like a massage with views of a watering hole.
But one of the most magical touches? The Call of Dusk. As the sun begins to set, a Maasai warrior blows a traditional horn to welcome guests. The evening unfolds with tea, dance, and ritual storytelling by firelight. It’s moments like these that make the camp feel less like a hotel stay — and more like a memory you’ll never shut up about.
Getting There
You can fly into Serena Airstrip, just a 45-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Or take the scenic (and slightly bumpy) five-hour drive from the city.
Details
The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara opens 15 August 2025, with rates starting at $3,500 per person per night (all-inclusive). The price includes a luxe suite, all meals and drinks (yes, premium wines too), daily game drives, airport transfers, cultural visits, and even Canon photography equipment.
Trust us: this one’s going on the dream list.