Hotel operator: Ritz-Carlton
Architecture: LW Design
Rrame tent architecture: East African Canvas
Contractor: Highmark
Joinery: Nairobi Timber
Interior design: LW Design in collaboration with Sarah Rowe of Northern Nomad Interiors
Furnishings: Custom made, FF&E was manufactured locally in Kenya
Handwoven rugs and upholstery fabrics: Siafu Home
Artists: Simon Bannister (large-scale metal sculpture about historic migration), Gian Paolo Tomasi, Carol Beckwith, Angela Fisher, Ibrahim Muwanga
Photo credits: courtesy of Natelee Cocks
From July to October, millions of wildebeest and zebras migrate between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara in Kenya, seeking fresh pastures. This epic migration unfolds against the backdrop of the Masai Mara National Reserve, home to abundant wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo, alongside over 500 bird species. This breathtaking spectacle is now visible from the new Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp, an exclusive vantage point literally embedded within the African reserve.
It’s a unique opportunity not only to revel in majestic landscapes and fiery sunsets but also to forge a cultural bond with the Maasai community, deepen understanding of their ancient heritage, and witness centuries-old traditions. The connection between guest and environment is elevated through a masterplan meticulously orchestrated by LW Design, integrating ancient trees directly into the architectural footprint with a biophilic design approach
Twenty spacious suites exemplify exceptional immersive architecture: elevated three meters above ground, they utilize low-impact, labor-intensive construction techniques instead of heavy machinery. This allows wildlife to move freely underneath, simultaneously promoting natural vegetation regeneration and preserving soil health. Each unit serves as an intimate treetop sanctuary, offering uninterrupted views of the riverine forest and vast savanna, with open-plan spaces where interior and exterior are separated by canvas rather than solid walls.
An organic, curved tent structure, inspired by the bend of the Sand River and supported by local firms Highmark and East African Canvas, enhances daytime ventilation and porosity with nature. Guests can experience this close connection at all times, also through private terraces, infinity pools, lounges, and indoor and outdoor showers.
Throughout the camp, wood and semi-volcanic stone dominate, paired with furnishings created in collaboration with Nairobi Timber joinery, and accessories crafted by local artisans. These include hand-woven rugs and textiles from Siafu Home, a Kenyan social enterprise, and Maasai beadwork, meticulously integrated into joinery details and tableware. A series of artworks further enrich the decor, once again weaving a narrative of the Masai Mara’s cultural and natural heritage.
