đŠ Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara vs. JW Marriott Masai Mara â How to Choose the Right Safari Experience for You
- Ilay Avni
- Nov 12
- 13 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Introduction
Less than three weeks ago, I returned from a five-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara â a new property that completely redefined what a luxury safari can feel like. During the same trip, I also visited the JW Marriott Masai Mara for a full site inspection as a Marriott STARS agent. I met with the hotelâs management, toured the property in detail, and gained a thorough understanding of the experience it offers its guests.
If you havenât read my first article, where I shared a detailed review of my stay at the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara (including dozens of photos and insights), you can find it here.
This comparison isnât about deciding which hotel is better. The JW Marriott Masai Mara is an outstanding property in its own right â some of my closest friends and clients have stayed there recently and had a fantastic experience.
That said, the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara takes the concept of safari luxury to another level. Itâs more exclusive, more personalized â and, naturally, significantly more expensive.
My goal in writing this article is straightforward: to help those debating between the two understand the differences in the overall experience, as I personally perceive them, so you can make the right choice based on your expectations, travel style, and budget.
Contact Me for Special RatesAs a Marriott STARS advisor, I can offer special rates and added value for stays at both the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara and the JW Marriott Masai Mara. I know the management teams at both hotels personally, and Iâll make sure your experience is seamless and unforgettable from start to finish. đ Click here to contact me for a personalized quote â available 7 days a week |
What's Next?
Below: Ilay Avni with Justin, the GM of both properties, with Steve, the JW Masai Mara Hotel manager, and with Redempta, the senior sales manager. Photos: Ilay Avni.
Atmosphere & Character
The JW Marriott Masai Mara opened in April 2023, marking Marriottâs first step into the safari world. Just over two years later, in August 2025, the same ownership group â the Lazizi Group â opened the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara, building on their experience from the JW and taking every aspect of design, service, and luxury several levels higher.
The JW quickly earned a strong reputation. Guests loved it, reviews were excellent, and word spread fast within the Marriott Bonvoy community about the outstanding service, guides, and overall experience.
Both hotels are similar in size â the JW has 24 tents, and the Ritz-Carlton has 20 â and, from my conversations with both management teams, occupancy rates are consistently high in each. The difference isnât in how full they are, but in how they feel.
The JW Marriott feels lively and social. The bar, lounge, and restaurant are close together, so during lunchtime it can feel busier, with more guest activity in the common areas.
At the Ritz-Carlton, the feeling is very different. The communal areas are spacious, with a large pool separating the restaurant and the bar, providing guests with more privacy and quiet even when the camp is fully booked. The design and materials reflect a noticeably higher level of luxury, as you would expect from the Ritz-Carlton brand.
The guest mix also reflects these differences. The JW Marriott tends to attract more families and small groups â its relatively approachable price point and lively energy make it an excellent choice for travelers who enjoy a more social setting. The Ritz-Carlton, on the other hand, attracts mainly couples seeking privacy and a calm, refined atmosphere. Still, both sides are flexible â I met a lovely family with young children at the Ritz, and plenty of couples enjoying romantic stays at the JW.
Both camps deliver outstanding experiences, doing so with different moods â one vibrant and connected, the other serene and deeply personal.
The difference in cost and location
Both the JW Marriott Masai Mara and the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara are reached through the same airstrip â Keekorok â the main gateway for travelers arriving by air to this area of the reserve.
Geographically, the two camps are positioned quite differently. The Ritz-Carlton is situated within the Masai Mara National Reserve, directly on the border with Tanzania, along the Sand River. The JW Marriott is located just outside the park, near the Talek Gate.
From an experience standpoint, this distinction hardly matters. The wildlife, scenery, and overall safari rhythm are equally impressive at both properties. The only practical difference is in how park fees are charged: at the Ritz-Carlton, being inside the park means guests pay the Masai Mara park fees for every night of their stay â USD 100 per person per day from January to June, and USD 200 per person per day from July to December.
At the JW Marriott, park fees apply only on the days you go out on game drives. In most cases, guests do go out daily, so the difference is minimal â but for families or couples who decide to enjoy a quiet day at camp, this can translate to a small but pleasant saving.
When it comes to nightly rates, the difference between the two hotels is clear and reflects their positioning:
In May 2026 (off-season), rates for two start around USD 2,700 per night at the JW Marriott, and about USD 4,400 per night at the Ritz-Carlton.
During the Great Migration (JulyâSeptember), when demand peaks, the JW Marriott starts around USD 4,000 per night, while the Ritz-Carlton begins near USD 6,200 per night.
For Marriott Bonvoy members, the Ritz-Carlton generally requires about 50% more points than the JW for the exact dates â another reflection of the difference in tier and exclusivity.
As a Marriott STARS agent, I have a relationship with both hotels, which allows me to often offer more competitive rates and terms compared to the public rates, for most dates throughout the year.
Rate comparison between the two properties in May and July 2026
The service approach in each camp
The difference in service between the two hotels is one of the most noticeable aspects of the experience.
At the JW Marriott Masai Mara, the approach is classic and structured, much like you would expect in a traditional five-star hotel. If you need something in your room, youâll contact housekeeping or the front desk. To book a treatment, youâll reach out to the spa directly. Service is professional, friendly, and attentive. The team makes a genuine effort to provide continuity â for example, they often assign you the same waiter for your meals, so you can enjoy a more personal connection during your stay.
At the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara, the approach is entirely different. Each tent is assigned a dedicated butler, who serves as your single point of contact for all aspects of your stay. In our case, it was Danson, who greeted us personally at the airstrip upon arrival, and from that moment took care of every aspect of our stay.
He was available at any time via WhatsApp and handled every request â from arranging our room setup and coordinating game drives to organizing special activities and serving us during dinner. We didnât need to contact anyone else in the hotel, which made everything feel seamless and personal. Over the course of our stay, he learned our preferences, remembered our favorite drinks, and made sure everything we needed was ready before we even asked.
Danson, our Butler, at the Ritz Carlton, Masai Mara. Photos: Ilay Avni
Every morning, Danson met us to walk us safely to our game-drive vehicle, and in the evening, he escorted us back to our tent after dinner. It felt natural and caring â never formal or overbearing â and added to the warm, personal feeling that defined the entire experience.
When we wanted to visit a nearby Masai village, Danson organized the entire visit for us â from the timing to the coordination â ensuring it was effortless and meaningful.
This level of personal attention, combined with the comfort of communicating directly with one person who truly knows you, creates a level of service that feels uniquely private and genuine.
Comparing the game drive experience
Both the JW Marriott Masai Mara and the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara operate their game drives inside the Masai Mara National Reserve. The guiding teams of both hotels are familiar with each other, and it was nice to see how drivers from both camps collaborate to provide guests with the best possible experience. When one guide spots an interesting animal, theyâll often share the information with others â even across hotels â to help everyone enjoy the sighting.
Although the Ritz-Carlton has slightly newer and more elevated vehicles, the cars can sometimes be shared between the hotels depending on needs and capacity, so the overall quality of the cars is quite similar.
A comparison of the Game Drive Land Cruiser used at both camps. Photos: Ilay Avni
The main difference is in privacy. The JW Marriott generally operates shared game drives, meaning youâll be assigned a seat in a four- or six-passenger vehicle with other guests. For families or groups of friends, this usually doesnât make much difference since they fill the car themselves; however, for couples, it can significantly alter the experience.
At the Ritz-Carlton, every tent has its own private car and driver. That means you decide what you want to focus on, how long you want to stay out, and when to return. The morning game drives usually start around 06:15â06:30, but you can choose to come back at 10:00, 12:00, or even 14:00, entirely according to your preference.
When we spotted a mother Leopard and her nearly grown son with a fresh kill in a tree, we decided to stay there for almost three hours, watching them climb up, move the antelope from one side of the top of the tree to the other, and then come down. It was one of the most memorable mornings of the trip. If we had shared the car with other guests, Iâm not sure everyone would have wanted to spend that much time in one place â for us, it was worth every minute.
This is where the Ritz-Carlton experience feels truly personal. Having your own guide and vehicle gives you the freedom to follow your interests, stay longer with a sighting, or stop and enjoy the silence of the savannah â without ever having to compromise.
Comparing the tents
Both the JW Marriott Masai Mara and the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara offer beautiful tents that set a very high standard of comfort and design. While they share the same concept of a tented safari experience, they differ in terms of size, layout, and facilities.
At the JW Marriott Masai Mara, the Deluxe Suites measure about 100 sqm / 1,076 sq ft. The space combines the sleeping and living areas in a single open layout, with high-quality furniture and finishes as you would expect from a JW Marriott property. Adjacent to the bedroom is a spacious bathroom featuring two basins, a shower, a toilet, and an outdoor shower. On the terrace, youâll find a private jacuzzi and a small seating area with two chairs and a table. The Deluxe Suites do not have private pools.
The Tent at the JW Masai Mara. Photos: Marriott.com
At the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara, the tents are larger and built as true one-bedroom suites, measuring 163 sqm / 1,754 sq ft, with a separate bedroom and living room. The bedroom features a king-size bed, a freestanding bathtub (with bath salts provided), and two basins positioned behind the bed. Behind the bedroom are two doors â one leading to the toilet and another to the indoor and outdoor showers. In addition, at the back of the living room, there is another complete set of facilities â a second toilet and another pair of indoor and outdoor showers. This gives each tent a total of two toilets and four showers, which is both unique and very practical.
The living room offers a generous space, featuring multiple sofas and a work desk for guests who wish to combine business and leisure.
Outside, the terrace is imposing. It consists of three connected areas:
A dining corner with a high table and two sofa chairs
A heated private pool with a large round lounger beside it
Another seating area with a long sofa for relaxing and reading
This layout allows guests to enjoy the outdoors in different ways â dining, swimming, or simply resting by the river.
The tent at the Ritz Carlton, Masai Mara. Photos: Marriott.com
The Dining Experience and Kosher Options
As is standard across most lodges in the Masai Mara, both the JW Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara operate on an all-inclusive basis. Your stay includes all meals and drinks â whether you enjoy them in the restaurant, in your tent, or during your game drives.
During my stay at the Ritz-Carlton, I enjoyed the full dining offering, which included breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special private meals. At the JW Marriott, I had the chance to try lunch, which provided a good comparison point to understand what can be expected at both hotels (For a detailed look at the full Ritz-Carlton dining experience, you can read my complete review here).
Before discussing the food itself, itâs worth briefly recalling the difference in service approach: At the JW Marriott, service follows the traditional model â youâll usually have the same waiter assigned to you throughout your meals, adding a personal touch. At The Ritz-Carlton, your personal butler handles all dining arrangements, including serving you at the restaurant, making the experience more seamless and individualized.
Lunch and Menu Variety
At the JW Marriott, the lunch menu offers dishes such as Sweet Melon Gazpacho and JW Garden Salad with Asian-style Beef for starters â we tried both, and they were fresh and well-balanced. For mains, youâll find options like Grilled Chicken Wrap with Spicy Mayo, Spaghetti Bolognese, Mixed Seafood Risotto, Pizza, and Cajun Vegetable Wrap, among others. We ordered the Risotto and the chicken wrap, and both were delicious â nicely presented and cooked to a very good standard.
At the Ritz-Carlton, the menu is more extensive, with about 17 starters and mains compared to around 8 at the JW. The ingredients are more upscale, and the dishes are more diverse, featuring options such as the Wagyu Smashburger, Lobster Rolls, Fresh Grilled Fish, Tuna Tartare, and many more. During our stay, we tried almost every dish on the menu, and everything was consistently excellent.
Beverages
Both hotels offer a wide selection of soft drinks, cocktails, wines, and hot beverages. The main difference lies in the premium alcohol policy: At the JW Marriott, top-shelf spirits are part of a âReserve Listâ and available at an additional cost, whereas at the Ritz-Carlton, premium alcohol is included in the all-inclusive offering. I particularly enjoyed a glass of my favorite Japanese whisky, Hibiki, which was available at no extra charge.
Kosher Dining Options
For guests who observe Kosher Dietary Requirements, both hotels can accommodate your needs, although their setups differ.
The JW Marriott Masai Mara operates a dedicated Kosher kitchen, with two separate areas for meat and dairy, each with its own stoves, ovens, utensils, and cookware. The kitchen does not currently hold a formal Kosher certificate; however, the chefs are trained and can prepare Kosher meals while adhering to all requirements. Guests can also bring their own meat, and the hotel is working on sourcing certified meat from Chabad Nairobi.
The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara can dedicate a separate kitchen for Kosher preparation upon request, using Kosher utensils and cooking tools. However, it does not have separate stoves or ovens.
At both properties, guests may bring their own Kosher chef to prepare meals privately, and both hotels are happy to assist with the arrangements.
If you require additional information or guidance, please donât hesitate to contact me directly, and Iâll be happy to assist you in coordinating the process.
The Pool, Gym & Spa
At both properties, the pool and spa areas serve as calm spots to relax between game drives, but they differ in size, layout, and atmosphere.
At the JW Marriott Masai Mara, the pool is located in the center of the camp. Itâs a rectangular pool surrounded by loungers, shaded seating, and round daybeds. The area feels intimate and well integrated into the campâs overall design.
Nearby, the spa includes two treatment rooms â one single and one double â and offers a good range of massages and body treatments. Thereâs also a small gym, equipped with a few cardio machines and basic weightlifting equipment. The spa also features a steam room, Finnish sauna, and a cold pool.
At the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara, the pool is larger and oval-shaped, set between the restaurant and the bar. It overlooks the savannah, and itâs not unusual to see wildlife while swimming or resting nearby. The layout is more spacious, featuring cabanas and round loungers, which give it a more open and luxurious feel.
The Whispering Tree Spa at the Ritz-Carlton is also larger, with two single treatment rooms and one coupleâs suite, and includes a steam room, Finnish sauna, and cold pool. We experienced the hotelâs signature Whispering Tree Ritual, which was excellent â you can read more about it in my full review of the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara.
The gym at the Ritz-Carlton is also larger than the one at the JW, featuring several treadmills, Technogym equipment, and strength machines. Working out surrounded by nature and open air added something special to the experience.
Summary â Who Should Choose Which
Both the JW Marriott Masai Mara and the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara offer an unforgettable safari experience, but they suit different types of travelers.
If youâre traveling as a family, the JW Marriott is likely the better fit. The shared game drives are often private for families anyway, and the lower cost makes it a more practical option â especially considering the high standard of comfort, food, and service. Unless your family is used to the very top tier of luxury, the JW delivers everything you would expect from a high-end safari lodge.
For couples who value maximum privacy, top-tier service, and fine dining, the Ritz-Carlton is the natural choice. The private car and driver, the butler service, and the personalized dining experience make it one of the most luxurious safari properties in Kenya.
If staying several nights at the Ritz-Carlton feels beyond your budget, a great alternative is to combine the two hotels â start your safari with a few nights at the JW and then finish your trip with a shorter stay at the Ritz-Carlton. This way, you can enjoy both the JWâs warm, social atmosphere and the Ritzâs exclusive, ultra-luxurious experience.
If youâd like help deciding which combination or property fits you best, or to secure the best available rate, Iâll be happy to assist and tailor the right stay for you.
Contact Me for Special RatesAs a Marriott STARS advisor, I can offer special rates and added value for stays at both the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara and the JW Marriott Masai Mara. I know the management teams at both hotels personally, and Iâll make sure your experience is seamless and unforgettable from start to finish. đ Click here to contact me for a personalized quote â available 7 days a week |
Disclaimer: Although Iâm a Marriott STARS advisor, I paid in full for my stay at The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara. I only introduced myself to the General Manager as a travel advisor on our last day. This review reflects my genuine and unbiased personal experience as a guest.
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