tl;dr – The property has been embroiled in controversy dating back to its announcement.
In 2025, Marriott debuted its first-ever Ritz-Carlton-branded safari lodge. The 20-tent Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara joined the JW Marriott Masai Mara as its second safari property in Kenya, and a third, the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, is scheduled to open early this year.
However, there are many who believe the Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara should have never been built, much less approved. The resort sits on the border of Kenya and Tanzania right along one of the most critical points of the Great Migration. As a result, many local Masai people, as well as conservationists, believe the ecological impact of the resort is extremely damaging, in particular as the remote location was one of the last places in the Mara that wasn’t built on.
Opponents of the resort have not been idle since its opening. According to the Reuters, Maasai elder, Dr. Meitamei Olol Dapash, filed a lawsuit against Marriott International, “accusing Marriott International, Ritz-Carlton, their Kenyan partner Lazizi Mara, and local authorities of building the camp in the middle of a corridor used by wildebeest during the Great Migration, which happens primarily between July and September.” In addition, there are many voices on social media and online platforms advocating against guests staying at the property. This post from the subreddit r/chubbytravel is a prime example. A key gripe of many opponents is that the “Ritz, and Marriott more broadly, has no history of conservation or commitment to the community, nor do they have a legacy of sustainable ecotourism in the Mara.
In large part, I agree with the opponents here. I say this as someone who’s written extensively about several points-forward options for African safari adventures (and referenced this very same Ritz-Carlton property as one of them). I also say this as someone who has been on exactly one safari in his life, and it was at a Marriott property – Leopard Sands, an Autograph Collection property in Kruger National Park in South Africa. It was a solid enough experience that I’d definitely consider other Marriott safari properties, such as the Mapito Safari Camp, the Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Lodge, and the mysterious (possibly still happening, possibly not) JW Marriott Serengeti. However, I’m going to steer clear of both Marriott properties, Masai Mara (the Ritz and the JW), as it seems these properties lack the proper planning, and to borrow a line from the Reddit thread linked above, are “a signal of the growing commoditization of safari tourism.”
It’s also a bit peculiar that Marriott chose to open a property on this site, in this fashion, while seemingly exhibiting greater awareness with its upcoming property at the Rhino Reserve further north in Kenya (the properties were announced at the same time). Given that visitors go on safari primarily for the wildlife experience, wouldn’t it make sense for one to do all that one can to conserve the habitat to ensure the best experience possible?
While redeeming points for a safari can truly be a great bucket list experience, the fact of the matter is that there are several safari lodges that preach and live conservatism as one of their core values, and if that at all matters to you, it’s an easy decision to spend your money (and time) supporting one of those outlets. I have no idea how this legal matter will play out – should the proponents find success and should equitable remedies come into play, who knows what they would be? – but the court of public opinion can be a strong one, and when it comes to luxury travel, individuals can always ‘vote’ with their dollars. For now (and the foreseeable future), I’m a pass on this Ritz.
