Treetop Sanctuary

Situated in the Masai Mara, the new Ritz-Carlton is a new safari camp combining architectural sensitivity, handcrafted interiors and progressive sustainability practices throughout. 

Designed by LW Design, the architecture draws from the principles of biophilic design, where nature and structure exist in quiet harmony. “Our goal was to elevate the guest experience through the highest levels of design excellence, hospitality and attention to detail, while ensuring that the unique charm, culture and natural beauty of the Masai Mara remained at the heart of the project,” shares Pooja Shah-Mulani, Managing Partner – Creative at LW Design. “Personally, this project holds special significance, as Kenya is not just a destination, it’s home. Being able to combine my global experience with the opportunity to contribute to a place so close to my heart has been an incredibly rewarding journey.”

The camp hosts 20 distinctive hooded tent suites with soft, rounded forms that echo the meandering Sand River. Canvas walls, flowing drapery and indoor-outdoor lounges melt the boundary between room and landscape, creating an environment where the rustle of leaves, scent of rain and calls of the wild move freely through each space. Outside, guests can soak in the views from private plunge pools, outdoor showers and canopy-level stargazing decks. “This is a place that stirs your soul,” shares said Tina Edmundson, President, Luxury at Marriott International.

Inside, the design is a celebration of Kenyan textures and craftmanship, bringing depth and authenticity to every detail. Earthy palettes and tactile materials such as hand-carved wood, semi-volcanic stone and woven textiles handloomed by local women create a rich, understated materiality. Intricate Maasai beadwork, seamlessly integrated into joinery and furnishings, anchors the camp in local heritage. 

Art throughout the camp serves as a powerful storytelling medium, grounding guests in the cultural and natural heritage of the Masai Mara. Dynamic statues of cheetahs mid-sprint by Simon Bannister placed above fireplaces evoke movement, strength and resilience, while photographic portraits of local women by Gian Paolo Tomasi blend documentary realism with emotional depth. Vintage photographs by Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher document age-old Maasai rituals and ceremonies.

Each suite is paired with a personal Encholiek – a Maasai term meaning “one who walks with you.” Part cultural guide, part intuitive butler, the Encholiek offers guests a rare blend of immersive storytelling and elevated service, ensuring every moment is both deeply rooted and effortlessly refined. 

Sustainability lies at the heart of the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara experience. The camp is fully solar-powered, operating one of East Africa’s most energy-efficient systems with a 650kW solar farm and 7,000kWh battery storage facility capable of running the property for up to three days. A closed-loop water system recycles greywater and harvests rainwater, while a strict zero-waste-to-landfill policy ensures minimal environmental impact.

Beyond operations, the camp supports the Greater Mara Ecosystem through biodiversity monitoring and habitat restoration, including reforestation along the Sand River. Guests are invited to participate in tree-planting initiatives, linking ecological stewardship with experiential luxury.

The project is also deeply community-focused. Over 70% of the staff are drawn from surrounding villages, with apprenticeship programmes training youth in hospitality careers. Dedicated initiatives empower women through employment as wildlife rangers, artisans and cultural ambassadors, while educational projects, such as book donations and fruit tree planting at Embu Primary School, strengthen long-term community resilience.

Photography: Jiri Lizler