The JW Marriott Masai Mara is one of the newest hotels in Marriott’s portfolio and among its first in the luxury East African safari scene. In fact, this is one of the first safari lodges from any of the major hotel chains. The JW Marriott Masai Mara is a luxurious safari lodge located in the heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Set against the backdrop of the stunning savannah landscape, this resort offers an unparalleled blend of opulence and natural beauty.
This ultra stunning property has quickly become one of Marriott’s most aspirational hotels in line with the likes of the Ritz Carlton Maldives. I had visited the Masai Mara over a decade ago and it blew my mind. The safaris in East Africa are unmatched anywhere else on the continent. Sadly, I was much poorer back then while on my Kenya and Tanzania trip with no knowledge of personal finance or of how to take advantage of credit cards. Thankfully, I’m an older but also much wiser human being!
This review will dive in great detail about everything we experienced at the JW Masai Mara as well as how to book the stay on Marriott points (which is what I did). Expect a ton of commentary, pictures, and videos because there is just so much to talk about with this resort. If you’re looking to understand as much as possible before booking this resort, look no further than this review and guide!
Overview of the JW Marriot Masai Mara
The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is one of Marriott’s newest additions in Kenya and one of the first major lodges that belong to the larger hotel chains. East Africa has always been home to large individual operators like andBeyond, Singita, and others but this is the first lodge that belongs to one of the hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, IHG, etc.).
While I’ve always stayed in more small and intimate lodges during my safari visits around Africa, I was a bit apprehensive and cautious with how a big hotel chain like Marriott would approach something like this.
Would the lodge maintain that rustic but charming safari bush vibe or would it be over commercialized from such a big hotel brand?
My worries were quickly mitigated as soon as setting foot onto the property. not only
Where is the JW Marriott Masai Mara?
The JW Marriott Masai Mara Safari Lodge is located within the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya. This vast reserve is famous for its rich wildlife diversity and spectacular landscapes. The lodge itself offers a unique blend of luxury and wilderness, allowing guests to experience the beauty of the Mara while staying in a five-star property.
With only 20 luxury tents, the lodge is relatively intimate in size, providing a more personalized and exclusive experience. This smaller capacity ensures that each guest receives attentive service, and it allows the lodge to maintain a peaceful, secluded atmosphere in the heart of the African wilderness.
Despite its size, the lodge’s location gives visitors easy access to the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos — and other iconic wildlife that roam the plains of the Masai Mara. One of the most exciting aspects of staying at the JW Marriott is its proximity to key areas for wildlife viewing, particularly during the Great Migration.
From July to September, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara, and the lodge’s location offers unparalleled opportunities to witness these dramatic river crossings and predator interactions.
Getting to the JW Marriott Masai Mara From Nairobi
All flights into the JW Masai Mara are from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. This is not to be confused with the much larger and international Jomo Kenyatta International airport. The Wilson airport is primarily used for regional flights and small planes into the game reserves around Kenya.
The JW Marriott Masai Mara is situated just outside the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya, approximately a 30-minute drive from the Keekorok Airstrip. Note that it’s an airstrip, not an airport—a significant difference! Most visitors arrive at the JW Marriott Masai Mara by first flying into Nairobi and then taking a 30-minute “bush flight” to the Masai Mara, which is the route we took.
We flew with SafariLink, which offers a 30-minute flight but with two stops, extending our journey to around 90 minutes. We booked this flight directly through the JW Marriott Masai Mara, and the round-trip cost was $450 USD per person. Although SafariLink’s luggage limit is 33 pounds per person, they were lenient on our flight, though this might not be the case on smaller planes. Overall, the flight was smooth, and we would choose SafariLink again.
I found that the transfer costs are very reasonable, even if it is on a commercial airline and not a private plane. This compares to the insane prices I paid at the Ritz Carlton Maldives which was $900 USD for a 45 minute speedboat ride!
Arriving at the Keekorok Airstrip
Our flight on Safarilink was fast and comfortable. There are some amazing views of the Kenyan countryside enroute to the Masai Mara that are stunning from above. Upon arrival, the JW Masai Mara team met us in a safari jeep which set the tone for the days to come.
They came prepared with prosecco, snacks, and a team of people to greet us. From the airport, we drove 30 minutes to the lodge while seeing animals en route. The safari had already began and we weren’t even at the lodge yet!
Overview of the JW Masai Mara Rooms
Staying at the JW Marriott Masai Mara felt like stepping into a perfect blend of luxury and nature. The rooms are actually beautifully designed safari tents, offering a unique way to experience the African wilderness without sacrificing any of the comforts you’d expect from a high-end resort.
When I first walked into my tent, I was struck by how spacious and luxurious it felt. The king-sized bed was incredibly inviting, and the rich wooden accents and Maasai-inspired decor added a beautiful sense of place.
Even though it’s a tent, it felt more like a chic, private retreat. The best part? The room was decked out with everything you could need—air conditioning, a rainfall shower in the en-suite bathroom, and even a Nespresso machine!
They really thought of everything to make you feel at home, despite being in the middle of the wild.
Unbeatable Views Right from the Deck
One of my favorite things about the room was the private deck. Every morning, I’d step out with my coffee and just take in the incredible views of the Masai Mara. Sometimes you could see the odd zebra or gazelle roaming around in the distance.
The connection to nature here is unbeatable—it feels like you’re part of the landscape, but with the luxury of lounging on your own deck. The sunsets were absolutely stunning, too. There’s something magical about sitting there, drink in hand, watching the colors of the sky fade over the Mara.
Modern Amenities in the Middle of the Wilderness
Despite being out in the middle of the Masai Mara, the tents are surprisingly modern. Wifi is fast and reliable and the mini fridge is stocked with goodies.
It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of game drives. Even though you’re surrounded by nature, the JW Marriott has made sure you don’t have to compromise on comfort or convenience.
Eco-Friendly Luxury
What’s great about the JW Marriott Masai Mara is their commitment to sustainability. The resort really makes an effort to minimize its environmental impact, and it felt good knowing that, despite all the luxury, they were operating in an eco-conscious way. It’s a thoughtful touch that adds to the whole experience.
An Intimate, Exclusive Escape
With only 20 tents on the property, it felt intimate and personal. I loved that there was a sense of seclusion, but the main areas of the resort were just a short walk away. The staff were incredibly attentive, always checking in to make sure everything was perfect. It felt like a real escape—luxurious, private, and deeply connected to the landscape around us.
JW Marriott Masai Mara – Resort Overview
The JW Marriott Masai Mara isn’t just about luxury tents and breathtaking views—the common spaces and facilities really elevate the whole experience. From cozy lounges to stunning outdoor spaces, the resort has created an environment where you can truly unwind between game drives, all while staying connected to the beauty of the Mara.
The Fig Tree Lounge
One of my favorite places to unwind was the Fig Tree Lounge. It’s a small, cozy space with just a handful of barstools, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. The lounge is beautifully decorated, with comfortable seating and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for kicking back after a day of exploring.
I often found myself here in the afternoons, sipping on a cocktail or a glass of South African wine while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. The staff were always friendly and attentive, making sure my drink was never empty. It’s also where I discovered my favorite safari drink—Amarula! If you’re looking for a quiet place to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures, the Fig Tree Lounge is the perfect spot.
The Pool at the JW Masai Mara
Another standout feature of the JW Marriott Masai Mara is the gorgeous outdoor pool. Set against the backdrop of the sprawling savannah, the pool offers a serene place to cool off and relax.
I loved spending time here between game drives—whether lounging by the water with a book or taking a dip while watching the wildlife roam in the distance. There’s something so surreal about swimming in a pool while zebras and giraffes stroll by in the background. It’s the ultimate reminder that you’re in the heart of nature, but with all the comforts of a luxury resort.
The Spa at the JW Masai Mara
After a few days of adventure, I decided to treat myself to a visit to the spa, and it did not disappoint! The spa is tucked away, offering a peaceful retreat where you can unwind and recharge.
I opted for a deep tissue massage, and the combination of the expert therapist and the sounds of the surrounding wilderness made for one of the most relaxing experiences I’ve ever had.
The spa uses local, natural ingredients in their treatments, adding a unique touch that made the experience feel even more special. If you’re looking to relax after a day of bumping along safari trails, a visit to the spa is an absolute must.
Dining Area of the JW Masai Mara
The resort’s dining areas are just as stunning as the rest of the property. Whether you’re dining at the Sarabi Restaurant or enjoying a meal on the outdoor deck overlooking the Talek River, the scenery is always a part of the experience.
I loved the flexibility of choosing whether to sit inside or take in the fresh air and beautiful views from the deck. The attention to detail in the design really makes these spaces feel both luxurious and connected to nature.
The resort was designed with sustainability in mind, and it’s evident in the thoughtful use of natural materials and eco-friendly practices throughout. The balance between luxury and environmental consciousness adds to the overall sense of harmony you feel while staying here.
Restaurants At JW Masai Mara
As you’d expect with an ultra high end hotel, the JW Masai Mara makes no compromises on its restaurant and food quality.
The JW Marriott Masai Mara offers a diverse and refined dining experience that perfectly complements the luxury safari adventure. The resort features the Sarabi Restaurant as its main dining venue, but the culinary options extend far beyond the dining room, with special experiences like bush breakfasts and private garden lunches. Here’s a closer look at what guests can expect from the restaurants and meals during their stay.
Sarabi Restaurant: The Heart of JW Marriott Masai Mara’s Dining
Sarabi Restaurant serves as the central dining spot, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant boasts an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, with the option to dine inside or on the deck, which overlooks the beautiful Talek River.
The focus is on farm-to-table cuisine, with ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. Breakfast is available until 11:00 AM and typically follows the morning safari, offering a range of options from hearty classics like Eggs Benedict to fresh local fruits, including Kenya’s famously sweet bananas. Lunch is just as enjoyable, with a variety of sandwiches, salads, and daily specials—don’t miss the popular chicken sandwich!
Special Dining Experiences: Breakfast in the Bush
For a more immersive experience, the JW Marriott Masai Mara offers unique dining options such as a bush breakfast. This allows guests to enjoy their meal in the heart of the savannah during a break in their morning game drive.
While some may prefer the restaurant’s comfort, bush breakfast is a memorable experience that brings you closer to nature without sacrificing quality. Another special option is lunch in the hotel’s private garden, which offers an intimate and scenic setting for a relaxing meal.
Dinner: Themed Nights with Global and Local Flavors
Dinner at the JW Marriott Masai Mara typically begins at 7:00 PM and is served in a more formal setting, with a three-course themed menu offered most evenings.
Themes range from Kenyan to Thai, Indian, and Chinese nights, providing a variety of global flavors. While the dishes are often adapted to suit a more international palate, the chefs are accommodating, so don’t hesitate to request a spicier or more authentic version if desired.
Kenyan night, in particular, stands out for its rich flavors and local ingredients, and many guests wish for more Kenyan-inspired dishes on the menu.
The Fig Tree Lounge: A Boutique Bar with Premium Selections
Located in the Fig Tree Lounge, the resort’s intimate bar may be small, but it features an exceptional selection of premium liquors, including Italian Gin Mare, Japanese whiskey, and South African wines.
The cocktail menu is extensive, and most drinks are complimentary, with the exception of a few premium wines listed with prices. The South African Merlot and sparkling wine are guest favorites, and the friendly staff ensures that your glass is never empty. If there’s one thing missing, it’s a cider—perhaps something to look forward to on a future visit!
Breakfast at the JW Marriott Masai Mara
Three daily meals are included, and I assure you, you won’t go hungry. All meals are served at the Sarabi Restaurant, the sole on-site dining option, unless you choose to enjoy breakfast in the bush or lunch in the JW Marriott Masai Mara’s private garden.
The resort ensures guests are well-fed, with generous portions and plenty of variety. Every meal offers multiple options, including at least one vegetarian choice. I’ll go into more detail about each meal below, but if you have a special request, don’t hesitate to ask—the hotel is likely to accommodate it. And be sure to try the incredible chicken sandwich at lunch!
Coffee Bar at the JW Marriott Masai Mara
The first “meal” of the day at the JW Marriott Masai Mara is a fruit, pastry, water, and coffee bar, available in the restaurant starting around 5:00 AM. This light spread is designed for guests to grab a quick bite before heading out on the morning game drive.
The pastries, reportedly made in-house, were delicious. Be sure to request a coffee to go, as there’s no coffee or tea break during the game drive, unlike some other safaris. Though it opens early, this coffee bar remains available all day. For breakfast, we enjoyed cappuccinos and French Press coffee.
Breakfast at the JW Marriott Masai Mara is served at Sarabi until around 11:00 AM, perfect timing for guests returning from the morning safari drives, which typically wrap up by 10:00 AM. The daily menu offers a variety of options, and we often opted for the Eggs Benedict, which was excellent. A highlight for me was the local bananas, which are noticeably sweeter than what I’m accustomed to.
Breakfast in the Bush
In addition to the regular breakfast at the restaurant, the JW Marriott Masai Mara offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a bush breakfast at least once during their stay. This means you’ll have breakfast during a break on the morning safari.
While I personally preferred dining at the restaurant, the bush breakfast is a unique and memorable experience. The food remained warm and tasted great despite the outdoor setting. The hotel also offers a cook-on-site bush breakfast, which we unfortunately didn’t get to experience.
Dinner at the JW Marriott Masai Mara
While we thoroughly enjoyed breakfast and lunch, dinner was consistently our least favorite meal at the JW Marriott Masai Mara. Dinner service begins at 7:00 PM, with guests seated in the cozy dining room or on the deck overlooking the Talek River. Most evenings featured a three-course themed menu, with several main course options.
Themes included Kenyan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese nights. However, aside from the Kenyan night, we found many of the dishes toned down to cater to Western tastes because well…almost all the guests are Western and spice challenged.
The Game Drives at the JW Masai Mara
Finally onto the real stuff, the safari! It’s clear from the first moment that this hotel was going to special with its state of the art finishes, luxury amenities, and breathtaking views. But we are here to see the majestic animals of the Masai Mara and specifically the Great Migration so how does that stack up?
I’ve been on safaris in the Masai Mara and Serengeti many years ago, albeit on a much stricter budget. Even though we stayed in basic tents with really nothing to write home about, the game drives were absolutely incredible. Even though we were not paying top dollar (more like bottom dollar), the rangers were amazing at finding animals, teaching us about the Masai mara ecosystem, and more.
How does a more luxurious JW experience stack up in the most important department of this stay?
Well to put it short, absolutely amazing.
We came to the Masai Mara in July specifically to witness the world famous Great Migration and it absolutely did not disappoint. While you can see animals in other countries in Africa, nothing quite compares to the spectacle of the Great Migration that you can only witness in the Masai Mara and Serengeti at certain times of the year.
How Game Drives Work at the JW
There are two game drives per day that are part of the room rate. The first game drive is in the morning shortly after sunrise and the second is in the late afternoon going into the sunset hours. Unlike other parts of Africa, the safaris in East Africa tend to be longer. Each game drive lasts 3-4 hours.
The parks are much bigger and you tend to cover longer distances. It’s not unusual for the drives to last much longer, especially if you’re about to see some amazing things. Since you’re at a super luxurious resort like the JW, you dictate the terms. You can, of course choose to end the game drive earlier and go back for your morning meal, or you may choose to continue on especially if the ranger knows there’s something good to see.
We would routinely drive for 4-5 hours in the mornings because there was just so much to see, especially around the Great Migration period.
On the day you check in, you are entitled to one game drive in the afternoon, and on the day you check out, you’re entitled to one morning game drive. If you’re checking out in the evening like we did, you can also pay for an additional game drive in the afternoon before flying back to Nairobi.
The Great Migration at the JW Masai Mara
If you’re lucky enough to come to the Masai Mara during the Great Migration season, prepare for the most incredible game viewing money can buy. The Great Migration is generally between July and September but with climate change, these dates vary more and more every year.
Nevertheless, during my visit in mid July, the wildebeest were in full march with what seemed like tens of thousands of them at any point. Every day we would witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing the various rivers of the Masai Mara.
Often times, we were lucky enough to even see hunts unfolding in front of us. We saw on numerous occasions crocodiles attacking wildebeest in the river as well as lion’s eating on carcasses.
Booking The JW Marriott Masai Mara
Booking the JW Marriott Masai Mara can be a whole post in and of itself. The JW Marriott is one of the most expensive properties in all of Marriott’s portfolio and hacking your way to an award stay is an art in and of itself. However, if you know a thing or two about credit cards and travel hacking, you could book this stay for a lot cheaper or even for free like what I did.
Cash price of the JW Mara Masai Mara
The JW Marriott Masai Mara costs anywhere between $2.5k and $4.5k a night depending on the time of the year. All rooms are the same with river views so there isn’t much to research in that regards.
During the Great Migration season between July and September, you can expect rates to be at their highest. This is obviously the prime time to see the Masai Mara as it is their dry season and when millions of animals migrate from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara
Booking the JW Marriott Masai Mara using Marriott Points
I booked my entire stay using Marriott Bonvoy Points. As Marriott no longer uses hotel categories, instead focusing on dynamic pricing models, the nightly rate for a stay at the JW Masai Mara is 150,000 points per night. This pricing is the same whether it’s the low season or the high season.
Status will not get you upgrades at the JW Marriott because there is only one room time. Since all meals are included as part of the JW room rate, there’s really nothing to upgrade.
When you book with points, Marriott also gives you the famous promotion of book 4 nights and get 1 free. Therefore, my 5 night stay at the JW Marriott cost me roughly 600,000 points. You can expect lower rates in the rainy seasons (Jan to May) and on the higher range during the Great Migration period.. By booking with points, you’re getting somewhere in the range of 3-4 cents per Bonvoy Point which is insane value for money.
Insane value for money at the JW Marriott Masai Mara
In addition, because the JW Marriott Masai Mara is entirely all-inclusive, you have no additional costs after booking with your points. All alcohol, food, and game drives are included in the price (cash or points redemption).
This contrasts starkly to other high end Marriott properties I’ve visited like the Ritz Carlton Maldives. While I got amazing value for money by redeeming points to stay in their absolutely insane overwater villas, I still foot the entire bill for food and alcohol.
Anyone who’s been to the Maldives knows that cash will be flowing out the door. For my 5 night 6 day stay at the Ritz Carlton Maldives, I spent about $3.5k USD on food and drinks for two people. We only drank 4 glasses of wine the entire time. Nonetheless, it was still one of my most amazing experiences.
Getting almost a half million Marriott points is no joke but is easier than you think if you know what you’re doing. If you are not well versed in credit card hacking, make sure to read my travel hacking post which explains everything you need to know about the credit card game including using my credit card spreadsheet to keep track of everything.
Marriott Co-branded credit cards
There are 5 Marriott branded credit cards on the market currently, 2 from Chase and 3 from American Express:
Marriott Bonvoy BoundlessMarriott Bonvoy BoldMarriott Bonvoy Bevy AMEXMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant AMEXMarriott Bonvoy AMEX Business
The sign on bonuses for these cards are constantly changing and you can expect more fruitful sign on offers than what’s currently being advertised (as of Dec 2023).
Racking up Chase Ultimate Rewards points
The Marriott branded credit cards are just one of the options you have at your disposable. The much better option are the Chase credit cards. Chase points transfer 1:1 to Marriott Bonvoy making these points very valuable for your stay at the JW. Sometimes, Chase will even run promotions where you can transfer 1 Chase UR point for 1.5 Marriott Bonvoy points.
The Chase Ink card suite is the best way to rack up huge amounts of Chase points. Currently, the Chase Ink Preferred is offering a 100,000 point sign on bonus which means one of these cards will get almost one free night at the JW Masai Mara simply by opening this one credit card. The Chase Ink Unlimited and Chase Ink Cash are also both offering 90,000 point sign on bonuses and you can easily get all 3 cards.
Therefore, if you and your partner are both working at it, you can simply open 2 credit cards each and get enough points to stay at the JW Marriott! By both opening a Chase Ink Preferred and Chase Ink Unlimited/Cash, you will have nearly 400,000 points from sign on bonuses. As Marriott allows you to pool points together between multiple accounts, you therefore have enough points to get a 5 night stay at the JW!
The whole process is rather simple if you spend a bit of time at it. If you think this is too munch work and takes too much time, ask yourself how much is your time worth? Probably not the $20,000 USD it costs to actually stay at the JW Marriott!
Pro Tips for staying at the JW Masai Mara
Arrive early to the JW Masai Mara
This is my absolute #1 must-do tip for visiting the JW Masai Mara and essentially any other superhigh end resort. If your flight arrives in Nairobi in the afternoon or in the evening, absolutely stay in Nairobi for the night. If you’re already paying many thousands of dollars a night to go on the safari of your dreams, why give up the entire first day?
Stay at a hotel in Nairobi and enjoy a nice rooftop bar in the city. Nairobi has changed dramatically in the past years and there is plenty to do now in the Kenyan Capital. After getting a nice night of sleep, take the early morning flight option to the lodge and maximize the value you’re getting out of it.
Tipping on a Safari
It’s customary to tip, especially your safari guide. The lodge lets you tip using your credit card, and you can specify how to allocate it (to a particular individual or a team). Cash is preferred, but since there’s no ATM on-site, we mostly tipped via card. There is no minimum or maximum amount but I generally tipped around $100 USD per day.
When heading out on a safari, especially for experiences like guided walks with locals, bring some cash for tips. One day, I forgot and had to borrow from our driver, but I made sure to repay him later.
The Lodge is All Inclusive
Like most safari lodges, JW Marriott Masai Mara offers an all-inclusive experience. This covers meals, drinks (including alcohol, wine bottles, and minibar), and game drives. Although staff provides receipts after each meal or drink, you’ll only be charged for tips. Extras such as premium liquors, certain wines, cigars, spa treatments, and items from the gift shop are not included.
Planning to stay for lunch after checkout? Be aware it costs $45 per person, regardless of how much or little you order.
The Park Entrance Fees at the Masai Mara
The Masai Mara National Reserve charges an entrance fee of $100 USD per person per day, which rises to $200 USD during high season (roughly June to October). You’ll need to pay this fee daily when you leave the resort for game drives. We prepaid via credit card at the hotel, which handled the purchase of our tickets in advance. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay on the spot.
If you book your stay with points, you will still have to pay this fee as it is completely separate from the lodge. This is standard at any game reserve in East Africa (and is even higher in the Serengeti).
This is a substantial cost so make sure to factor this in when you’re planning a safari in East Africa. For reference, we paid roughly $2,000 for 2 people for our 5 night stay for the park fees.
Bring a proper camera!
Like any safaris, make sure to pack a high end camera with a telephoto zoom lens. I prefer my mirrorless cameras which are lightweight but also allow you to attach multiple different lenses. Do not attempt to take photos with an iPhone and expect it to look professional.
If you did not bring a camera, you’re in luck because the lodge has a camera for you! The provided camera with a professional lens is fantastic for capturing wildlife, but it’s quite heavy. If you plan on using it throughout the safari, you might want to hit the gym beforehand to build some strength which is convenient since there is a nice gym at the lodge!
Final Thoughts
The JW Masai Mara is without a doubt one of the best lodge experiences I’ve had. From the aesthetics, design, natural beauty, and customer service, everything was top notch. The staff went out of their way to make us feel like family and elevated the already incredible experience. It felt like anything we wanted was possible (even though we are very low maintenance people).
You know you really love a hotel when you are already dreading checking out on day 2 of a 5 night stay. It almost felt like I left a piece of myself at the JW. Not a bad thing as I am already planning a trip back!
