Tented riverbank camp
A wooden suspension bridge leads across the river into a canvas camp where guests gather around the evening bonfire.
“The small-scale, anything-goes vibe makes it feel un-Marriott in the best possible way.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Attentive bush hospitality with handwritten housekeeper notes and veranda whirlpool tubs.
Notable
Daily open-vehicle game drives paired with white-tablecloth bush breakfasts under acacia trees.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
This is a proper safari camp, tents and all, right on the Talek River in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve unfurls across the river, home to resident lion prides, roaming elephants, and seasonal wildebeest migrations.
The rooms
Canvas suites feature draped four-poster beds and open onto timber verandas positioned for watching wildlife along the riverbanks.
Pool and plunge pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An outdoor pool looks across the riverbanks, and a tented relaxation suite houses a sunken plunge pool.
The spa
Tented treatment rooms look out across the bush, where therapies incorporate botanical products from Healing Earth.
The gym
An open-air gym tent stands on the grass, fitted with custom weights carved from polished wood and leather.
Sarabi Restaurant
Canvas awnings shelter an open-air deck where rotating menus draw on produce harvested from the on-site organic garden.
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is bathed in a neutral color palette with pops of pan-African patterns, and the suites are generously sized...
At the table
Cocktails infused with garden herbs are served beneath the limbs of a giant fig tree overlooking the watering hole.
How it began
Pitched along the banks of the Talek River in 2023, the outpost marks the hotel group's inaugural tented safari camp.
Good to know
Stay here
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
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Maasai Mara
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.