Going on safari is the ultimate bucket-list experience … and the ultimate budget-buster. Marriott is adding to the (very short) list of properties you can book using points with not one but two additions over the next year or so.
The hotel conglomerate recently announced it will open two new luxury safari camp properties in Kenya: The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara later this year, followed by the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve.
These two new properties won't be far from the existing JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, which is widely regarded among the best safari experiences in Kenya – and one of the few in the world bookable with points. That property opened in 2023, and while it experienced some horrific flooding last year it has since reopened.
It starts with the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara, which is set to open this coming August. Like most safari camps, it's an all-inclusive experience, and it won't be cheap: Nightly rates start north of $2,600 … per person. Time will tell if those rates come down.
Award nights bookable with points aren't available yet. But based upon what we've seen at the existing JW Marriott Masai Mara after a painful devaluation from Marriott – where free nights now generally start around 200,000 Bonvoy points per night – we're not necessarily expecting any major bargains here.
Details are scant, but the property will feature 20 tree-top tented suites equipped with private infinity plunge pools, spacious living areas, and decks overlooking the reserve. The full property will have a stargazing deck, outdoor gym, photography studio, wine cellar, and many more amenities.
Most importantly: Guests will, of course, go out on daily game drives. And that's all included in the (admittedly steep) rates.
There are even fewer details available for the hotel chain's second safari property on tap.
The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve is expected to open sometime in early 2026 – it's not currently open for reservations yet. The property is actually located on the private Solio Game Reserve north of Nairobi, featuring 20 luxury tents (including some two-bedroom suites) with private plunge pools.
Marriott says its second JW Marriott safari property will feature a horse barn, fitness center, swimming pool, spa, and ample opportunities to spot rhinos.
Bottom Line
Marriott is adding two more top-tier safari properties to its extensive portfolio.
These upcoming properties in Kenya aren't yet bookable with points. When that happens – and if there's a halfway decent deal – Thrifty Traveler Premium members who opt into our new Hotel Alerts will be the first to know.
All renderings courtesy of Marriott