First Look at the New Ritz-Carlton Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp, Maasai Mara is set to open in August 2025. As a visionary design firm, LW is renowned in the industry for creating iconic hotel projects worldwide. This time, they have meticulously crafted an extraordinary safari experience, blending world-class luxury with the essence of Maasai Mara's local culture. This landmark project marks the first foray into the safari camp domain for both parties, leveraging global hospitality expertise to set a new benchmark in luxury adventure travel. Perched along the Sand River, The Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp, Maasai Mara redefines wilderness luxury with its groundbreaking architectural concept—each structure stands three meters above the ground. This ingenious design by LW not only addresses seasonal flooding but also offers a unique "canopy perspective," allowing guests to immerse themselves at treetop level, experiencing the rhythm and vitality of the Maasai Mara wilderness. "At the heart of The Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp, Maasai Mara is the vision to create an unparalleled experience—a destination where world-class luxury naturally intertwines with the soul of the Mara," said Pooja Shah-Mulani, Executive Partner of LW Design Group. "As a global design firm, we’ve had the privilege of leading numerous iconic hotel projects worldwide. Now, with great enthusiasm, we bring this wealth of international experience into the new realm of safari camps, embarking on an exhilarating journey of discovery." Biophilic Design: A Dialogue Between Architecture and Nature The hotel’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in biophilic principles, where architecture and interiors serve not just as functional spaces but as mediums for an ongoing conversation with nature. Guests begin their sensory transition upon crossing a 30-meter suspension bridge to the camp—a symbolic journey away from the mundane into the heart of the wild. Each tented suite features roll-up canvas walls, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, immersing guests fully in the sights, sounds, and scents of the Mara. The landscape design honors ecological integrity, preserving native vegetation and using natural plantings to soften the edges between the camp and its surroundings. Dappled sunlight through the canopy, natural shade, and the murmur of flowing water create a multisensory environment that evolves with the rhythms of day and night and the changing seasons. Local Craftsmanship: Celebrating Kenyan Artistry LW’s unwavering commitment to locally sourced materials grounds this project in authenticity. From material selection to artisanal details and the cultural narratives woven into the design, every element is deeply connected to Kenya’s land and traditions. All furniture and woodwork in the camp are handcrafted by local workshops with generational expertise, refined to meet international hospitality standards. The carpets and textiles throughout are handwoven by Kenyan women artisans on traditional looms, embodying a graceful fusion of local artistry and global quality. "Every detail exudes luxury while remaining true to Kenya’s textures, traditions, and spirit," Pooja added. "Personally, this project holds profound meaning—Kenya isn’t just a destination; it’s my homeland. To channel my global experience back into this land I love is an incredibly precious journey."