International design house LW Design Group has revealed its transformative vision for The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp, the brand’s first foray into the safari lodge market. Opening in August 2025, this pioneering property is poised to redefine safari luxury through an innovative biophilic design ethos that fuses world-class hospitality with the soul of Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara.
Set along the Sand River, the camp introduces a first-of-its-kind architectural approach, with each structure elevated three metres above ground. This not only mitigates seasonal flooding but offers guests a unique treetop vantage point—eye level with the forest canopy—for an immersive, uninterrupted connection to the wild.
“At the heart of our vision was a desire to craft an experience that’s both luxurious and profoundly rooted in place,” shares Pooja Shah-Mulani, Managing Partner, Creative at LW. “We wanted to bring our global expertise to a destination that’s deeply personal to me, while celebrating the culture and craft of Kenya.”
One With Nature
The camp’s biophilic design begins at the very threshold: a 30-metre swing bridge ushers guests into a world where architecture dances with nature. Interiors dissolve into the landscape through roll-up canvas walls, while curated landscape elements preserve native vegetation, blurring the boundaries between lodge and land. The sounds of the river, filtered light, and natural shade compose an ever-changing symphony of sensory experience.
A cornerstone of LW’s design narrative is local craftsmanship. Furniture and joinery are handcrafted by Kenyan artisans, and handwoven textiles created by local women lend authenticity and artistry to every space. This celebration of indigenous craft not only supports the local economy but adds rich, tactile layers to the guest experience.
The camp also introduces unprecedented amenities for a tented safari lodge, including private plunge pools, sunken treetop lounges, and dual indoor-outdoor showers that frame the sky. Each space is carefully designed to harmonise luxury with the elemental beauty of the bush.
Sustainability underscores every aspect—from the use of local materials and elevated structures that preserve natural flow, to integrated solar energy and rainwater systems.
Blending timeless design, ecological stewardship, and unrivalled comfort, The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp is set to become a new icon of sustainable luxury in Africa.
