The Masai Mara is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most renowned wilderness conservation regions, and the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge has been crafted to provide guests with a sanctuary from which to discover nature and breathtaking vistas in harmony.

With guided game drives, guests can observe the “Big Five” that the Masai Mara is home to, including lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros, and elephants. In addition, between June and September, guests can witness the annual great wildebeest migration from the Serengeti, an unforgettable experience.

The lodge is located at River Talek, a water source and habitat for many wildlife species, allowing guests to observe wildlife from the comfort of their rooms or while enjoying a meal at the on-site restaurant. With its stunning location, luxurious amenities, and unparalleled hospitality, the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge promises to be a game-changer in the luxury safari segment.

Read More: The New Look Of AndBeyond’s Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge

The Design of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, designed by Kristina Zanic Consultants, blends the savannah inwards, drawing inspiration from the natural elements that surround it. The lodge’s soft, warm tones, natural materials, textures, and native colours thread through its design, creating a sense of harmony and tranquillity.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge’s Tented Suite

JW Marriott Masai Mara’s Tented Suite

The lodge comprises 20 private tents, each with a private terrace overlooking the River Talek, providing guests with a peaceful sanctuary to relax and soak up the stunning views. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the tented honeymoon suite has a private plunge pool, perfect for a romantic retreat. Families are also catered to, with two interconnecting king and twin suites available.

Culinary & Wellness Journeys at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

At the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, culinary journeys are integral to the experience. The lodge’s signature restaurant, JW Garden, offers outdoor dining in a lush garden setting, where guests can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine with organic ingredients sourced locally. In addition, the live cooking stations, interactive cocktail mixology, and chef-led talks make dining at JW Garden an interactive and unforgettable experience.

For those looking for a more relaxed setting, the Fig Tree Lounge offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains, with indoor and outdoor seating options available. The lounge serves a range of refreshing beverages, including cocktails, and is the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the stunning vistas.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge’s Fig Tree Lounge

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge’s Spa by JW

The Spa by JW at the lodge offers a range of signature treatments that blend locally inspired techniques and therapies, using products by the renowned African skincare brand Healing Earth. Guests can indulge in a relaxing massage, facial, or body treatment while surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness, creating an immersive and rejuvenating experience.

Sustainability & local engagement at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

When it comes to engaging with the local community, one of the lodge’s ongoing initiatives is the Apprenticeship Programme, which invites young women from the surrounding community to diversify their skills and broaden their experience, kick-starting their careers in the hospitality industry.

The lodge also supports local organizations that protect the environment and its wildlife, such as The Mara Elephant Project and The Mara Protector Conservation Programme. Guests can learn more about these initiatives and the local culture from the lodge’s Head Guide, a lifelong conservationist who offers talks and guided walking tours.

Read More: No Ordinary Safari! Track Gorilla Families In East Africa

By prioritizing sustainability and community support, the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge offers a luxurious safari experience and plays an essential role in preserving the natural beauty of the Masai Mara and empowering the local community. Guests can feel good knowing that their stay at the lodge is positively impacting the environment and the lives of those who call the region home.

“Fostering meaningful connections and nourishing the soul is at the heart of the JW Marriott brand, so entering the luxury safari segment is a natural next step,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “Offering our guests once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a deep connection to place, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge balances the thrill of a game drive with thoughtful opportunities to switch off and take it all in.”

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is a 30-minute drive from Keekorok Airstrip and a 25-minute drive from Sekenani Main Gate.

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© This article was first published online in Apr 2023 – World Travel Magazine.

The post Experience Safari In Luxury At JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

Try trekking & hiking safaris in Kenya

Kenya is an excellent destination for trekking and hiking safaris. The country is home to several mountain ranges, including the Aberdares and Mt. Kenya, which offer breathtaking views and the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife.

For those interested in a more challenging trek, Mt. Kenya offers several routes of varying difficulty, including the Sirimon Route and the Chogoria Route. Both routes offer stunning views of the mountain’s peaks and the surrounding landscape and the chance to spot wildlife such as buffalo, elephant, and leopard.

The Aberdares, on the other hand, offer a more moderate trekking experience. The range is home to various wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and lions, as well as beautiful forests and waterfalls.

 

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Several options are available in Kenya if you’re looking for a luxury trekking experience. Many tour operators offer guided treks with experienced guides, comfortable accommodations, and all the necessary equipment. You can also choose to stay in a luxury lodge or tented camp during your trek, which offers the added convenience of hot showers and comfortable beds after a long day on the trail.

Exploring Hells Gate National Park & Mount Longonot

With adventure activities such as walking, hiking, biking, and boating, Hells Gate National Park offers adrenaline-filled adventure seekers a chance to explore the hidden recesses of the Great Rift Valley in Naivasha.

The landscape here is breathtaking; towering cliffs hemmed by spectacular scenic views and abundant flora and fauna roam the culverts and water-gouged gorges, with rock towers providing an impressive canopy. From adventure racers to day adventurers alike, there’s no shortage of reasons for people to be drawn to this magnificent natural wonderland.

 

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Mount Longonot is an adventure-seeking paradise in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. A unique combination of volcanic terrain and lush forests make this iconic landmark a remarkable find for adventure enthusiasts. The flanks are characterized by V-shaped valleys and ridges, providing breathtaking scenes for climbers or hikers to appreciate.

For those daring to adventure further, the crater boasts an impenetrable forest and even provides a reward for brave explorers – with no roads in the vicinity, visitors must hike up and go around the rim of the crater to take in the raw adventure activities of such a powerful location. Not only is Mount Longonot a beautiful landmark, but an adventurous one too.

The safaris of Kenya

The South Rift Valley of Kenya is teaming with adventure activities, offering every imaginable delight for tourists searching for a wild adventure. Named a protected reserve by the Kenyan government in 1983, this area hosts an array of wildlife, including buffalo, eland, leopard, bushbuck, zebra, giraffe and Grant’s gazelle.

Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy the scenery as it is a paradise for birds of prey soaring through the skies over this beautiful landscape. Visitors can find adventure through hiking, birdwatching, game viewing and nature photography, as well as camping under the stars. An intrepid safari awaits those seeking adventure in South Rift Valley.

Read More: Richard Branson And The Royal Lair Of Lions

Paragliding over Kerio Valley

Adventure-seekers looking for an aerial escapade that will take their breath away should look no further than Kerio Valley’s paragliding experience. Situated in the North Rift, adventure activities like this offer a thrilling view of the valley’s barren lands and sharp mountains, all while you glide through the air.

Every adventure is unique due to the shifting winds and rapidly changing landscapes of the area, so nobody will have the same experience as another person. Paragliding in Iten is perfect for anyone seeking sights and thrills, so take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Overall, Kenya is an excellent destination for luxury trekking and hiking safaris, offering a variety of trails and the opportunity to spot a wide range of wildlife in stunning natural surroundings.

Adventure continues along Kenya’s coastline

From surfing waves in the Indian Ocean to swimming among aquatic wildlife, adventure along Kenya’s sweeping coastline is genuinely unique. Explorers can find thrilling adventure activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving, windsurfing and whale watching, making Kenya the perfect destination for adventure seekers looking for an eye-opening experience. So whether you are a timid traveller or an extreme adventure junkie, plenty of exciting opportunities await your exploration along this fascinating coastline.

 

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Spend your January sailing the African Spice Route for a truly memorable adventure. Join a traditional Swahili Dhow expedition along Kenya’s coast to discover some of East Africa’s most beautiful beaches. Participate in adventure activities like snorkelling, kayaking or simply sunbathing.

 

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Along your trip, explore the Indian Ocean’s salty waters and all its wondrous flora and fauna. Visit local villages and learn about their history from experienced guides -all while experiencing magnificent views from the deck of your very own African-style dhow sailboat!

Kenya’s Big Five of the Sea at Watamu

Visiting Watamu for a deep-sea fishing adventure is like entering a new world. Watamu is renowned as one of the best adventure destinations in Africa and is known to locals as the ‘Big Five of the Sea’. Here, fishermen have the potential to come face-to-face with some of the most remarkable creatures from above and beneath the surface.

 

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Those who take part in Watamu’s deep sea fishing journeys are rewarded with never-forgettable experiences, including sightings of some truly majestic marine life forming part of this unique adventure activity. Offering everything from the equatorial dolphins, striated dolphins, ‘bottle-nosed’ dolphins, humpbacked dolphins, sea turtles, Humpbacks whales, dwarf whales, killer whales, sharks, manta rays, sailfish and other species, be prepared for a lifetime worth of memories and stories.

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© This article was first published online in Dec 2022 – World Travel Magazine.

The post Kenya’s Wild Adventure Activities Beyond Safaris & Beaches first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

The new design of andBeyond’s Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge

The lodge is designed to make the most of its spectacular setting and offer guests an unparalleled safari experience. The new look has redefined the traditional concept in a manner that is luxurious and contemporary while retaining the rustic and tactile nature of the original camp and following the contours of the nearby Grumeti River, creating a natural flow of sitting and dining areas with the landscape.

Tanzania Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge

Tanzania Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge

Tanzania Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge Family Suite

Tanzania Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge Suite’s bathroom

What to do at andBeyond’s Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge

The lodge offers various activities for guests, including morning and afternoon game drives, all-day safari, bush walks with experienced guides, cultural visits to nearby Lukungu community, stargazing and bird watching. For the more adventurous, there is also the opportunity to go hot air ballooning over the Serengeti.

If you’re looking to get a taste of traditional African life, there’s no better place to start than Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. This vast body of water is home to many traditional communities that make their living through fishing. Visiting these communities is a great way to learn more about their way of life and see first-hand how they make a living.

The cuisine here at the lodge is designed to reflect the best of the local area. Seasonally sourced ingredients are used to create wholesome, flavoursome dishes that are colourful enough to steal the limelight of your social media feed. With its new look, AndBeyond’s Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge is the perfect place to enjoy an African safari.

Africa Tanzania Grumeti Experience Game Drive

The Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

World-renowned for the great migration, the Serengeti National Park, a World Heritage Site, is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Over 4000 lions, 1000 leopards, 550 cheetahs, some 500 bird species endless herds of wildebeest and zebra inhabit an area close to 15,000 square kilometres in size and roam in their own habitats freely.

Other lodges in Tanzania include Singita Faru Faru Lodge, Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, One Nature Nyaruswiga and Mwiba Lodge.

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© This article was first published online in June 2022 – World Travel Magazine.

The post The New look of andBeyond’s Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

Tents at Serra Cafema mix traditional aesthetics with smooth luxury

Explore the sprawling dunes at Serra Cafema in style and comfort

Have dinner in the comfort of your tent overlooking Serra Cafema

The post Luxurious Desert Camp Serra Cafema Leads In Supporting Namibia’s Skeleton Coast’s Communities first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection

Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection

Shinta Mani Wild Bensley Collection

The post Sustainable Luxury In The Wilderness Of Southern Cardamom National Park first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

Pamu game walk with wardens

Drinks on bar

Lounge and fire place

Pamu master bedroom

Pamu decadent treats

Pamu diner by the trees

The post Be immersed in nature at the re-designed Singita Pamushana Lodge first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

Wildlife at Chobe National Park

Wildlife at Chobe National Park

Wildlife at Chobe National Park

The post Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge reopens after a full redesign first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

Botswana is the secret safari Africa has tucked under her belt, a place where the delta yawns, the sky floods, and the wildlife is best seen on horseback or helicopter.

Many tourists flock to Tanzania to gaze in awe at the great migration, others grab their packs to climb snow dusted Kilimanjaro, and then there are the few who want to discover the last Eden of Africa. Botswana is nothing short of climatic with its deep-water deltas, palm-fringed islands, and graceful canoes gliding past weary-eyed elephants.

Discover a water-world of wonder at the Belmond Eagle Lodge

Unlike the swaying grasslands of other safari destinations, Botswana breaks the mould; offering a rich variety of landscapes – shimmering salt pans, golden sand dunes, and bushlands where wild dogs roam. The Kalahari Desert is a sight that will stay with you long after you leave, and the sparse and ethereal salt pans of Makgadikgadi make you feel as though you are walking on the moon.

Alongside, the Big Five that bloom in impressive numbers across the landscape, you also have the chance to form cultural connections with local tribes. Hunting and cooking with the indigenous San people allow you a glimpse into a soon to be lost world, and leaves another imprint of Africa in your soul.

Botswana knows how to serve up luxury on a silver platter. This is a land that has built their tourism industry upon the banks of sheer, unadulterated and exclusive luxury. Lavish lodges boast outdoor tubs and four-poster beds, beautiful houseboats glide down the Chobe River, and chefs whip up five-star suppers in the wild. There is something about blending well-tailored comforts and delightful decadence with the sheer isolation that brings out your spiritual side. Discover the finest experiences you can have in beautiful Botswana.

Camping is all silk and finery at the Belmond Eagle Lodge

A HORSEBACK AND HELICOPTER SAFARI COMBINED WITH A STAY AT THE BELMOND EAGLE ISLAND LODGE

Take an open-sided helicopter flight above the expansive waterways to see the dazzling delta from a new height. As you soar through the air, you may spot herds of buffalo and zebra tearing up the tracks. After you touch down, saddle up your pony and prepare to gallop across watery plains in search of elephants and zebras. Crossing the bushes, islands and floodplains, you may find yourself cantering next to a pack of wild dogs, or moving slowly in pursuit of a leopard.

Luxury lodges from Belmond that blend seamlessly with their palm fringed surroundings

Back at the Belmond Eagle Lodge, you can catch your breath in your glorious grey and gold tent, cool off in your private plunge pool, and relax on your private terrace as you admire the changing colours of the wetlands. Afterwards, dine on tender meats and chilled wines beneath a blaze of stars or duck into the fabulous Fish-Eagle bar for a nightcap.

LUXURY CAMPING ON OKAVANGO ISLAND IN THE DELTA

The Okavango Delta is one of the most astonishing spots in Botswana. The waters flow from the mountains of Angola trying to reach the Indian Ocean before being fanned by the dense palms and papyrus groves of this wild delta. Hippos wade in the waters, hyenas slink in the shadows and buffalo and giraffe stop at the banks to drink.

Enjoy this untamed setting from the comfort of the remote Duba Plains Camp. Lacy beds, outdoor sitting rooms with crackling fires, and even a media room for editing your photographs – there’s no need for camping to be rough around the edges. The Duba Plains Camp played host to the team at National Geographic when they were shooting for their wildlife-rich film – Relentless Enemies. Boating excursions along the maze-like waterways and night drives are just a couple of thrilling adventures waiting to lift you out of that relaxed reverie that comes with staying at a stunning luxury camp.

Find so much more than the big five at the Duba Plains

JOINING THE ELEPHANT HERD OF THE RARE AND PRESTIGIOUS ABU CAMP

Walk with elephants on a rare and splendid journey from the stunning Abu Camp. Being invited into the herd is a true honour and few have the chance to become part of the matriarchal family. Stays at the Abu Camp go beyond the simple observational safari – from mud baths to bush walks, these physical interactions will form a bond between you and your new family of gentle giants. For over twenty years, visitors have been travelling to Abu Camp with a shared dream; to meet the elephants and become part of their world. When you aren’t wandering with the herd, you can take deep game drives into the bush, journeys down river on the traditional dugout canoe, and scenic helicopter flights to get a new impression of these wet and wondrous lands from the air.

Sink down into a rich copper bath at the Abu Camp

Back at camp and it’s all elegant, airy suites and copper bathtubs on the terrace. Try your hand at meditation, pick up journaling from the peace of your own writing desk, or linger over a long and winding chess game with your elephant master. When evening falls, you can sip French champagne, feast on gourmet dinners, and digest from the bliss of the star beds as you count constellations in the sky.

SKY BEDS AND STAR BATHS AT THE TINY AND ROMANTIC SANCTUARY BAINES CAMP

Sanctuary Bains boasts only five suites and a furry of stars

Romancing beneath the stars is a safari tale as old as time, but nowhere does it better than the Sanctuary Baines Camp. Beautifully built on raised platforms above the ebb and flow of the Boro River and on the borderlands of the Moremi Game Reserve, you can take a star bath on your own private deck to the soundtrack of the call of the wild.

With only five suites, this tiny camp is a sanctuary away from the world. If you can’t bear to pull yourself away from the fury of stars across the sky, you can even have your four-poster bed wheeled out to snooze beneath the moonlight. When the sun rises, you can seek out big cats and a flurry of feathers with wildlife drives through the delta. For intrepid guests, there is also the chance to walk with elephants and take a helicopter tour above the blue, gold and green heights of Okavango.

Morning yoga to the ripple of the golden grass at San Camp

EXPLORING THE LUNAR LANDSCAPE OF THE MAKGADIKGADI SALT PANS AND A STAY AT SAN CAMP

Bolivia isn’t the only place on earth to boast the shimmering salt flats. Out in the Kalahari Desert, you will see a landscape that seems to belong to another world. The dreamy salt flats stretch for over ten thousand kilometres. Where much of Botswana is gold and green, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are sparse and harsh but not without a raw beauty. Endless horizons, epic sunsets, great migrations and stone-age sites all make for a fascinating place to experience another side of safari.

The San Camp certainly has the wow factor, making an idyllic retreat from the harsh outdoors. Expect chic tents with billowing fabrics, morning yoga in the pretty pavilion, and afternoon tea in the desert dessert tent.

Relax beneath the acacia tree at Camp Kalahari

WALKING SAFARI WITH THE LOCAL SAN BUSHMEN AND A STAY AT JACKS CAMP

See a different side to the scarce and sublime Kalahari Desert as you trek across the scrubland and salt pans with the local San bushmen. The San bushmen are truly fascinating figures who understand every inch of rough terrain beneath your feet. They can guide you to where the pink flamingos flock, to seek wild medicine from the parched trees, and to set traps to catch small creatures. The San people are proud of their rich heritage and won’t hesitate to show you their way of life. From visiting the grass huts and watching the women create beautiful beadwork to hunting with the tribe, this enigmatic cultural experience doesn’t come up short. Rest easy at Jacks Camp – this signature camp captures the bygone days of the safari experience. Beautiful tents beckon you in, with their cool cotton bedding, sink down soft Persian rugs, and stunning verandahs where you can sip scotch and gaze out across the pans.

Dive right in, the waters fine at Jacks Camp

TAKE A DESERT QUAD SAFARI AND STAY AT CAMP KALAHARI

Pick up the pace with an adrenaline-fueled adventure across the parched salt desert to the ancient fist of Kubi island. Scattered fossil beaches, skeletal-like baobab trees, and giant boulders surround you as you race on your quad bike across the mirage-like landscape. A team rush on ahead, ready to roll out plush beds beneath bright burning stars and cook a fabulous three-course feast to welcome you.

Chefs complements at Camp Baobab

Combine a heart-racing quad safari with a stay at Camp Kalahari. The authentic bush camp comes with a divine dose of luxury, while still retaining a genuine, simple heart. Ten Meru tents, expertly placed across the space create an intimate environment for settling down in crisp sheets, lavishing in hot showers, and perusing the colourful well-stocked shelves of books on peaceful afternoons.

COCKTAILS ON MOMBO ISLAND

There are few finer moments in life than sipping a sundowner cocktail as a herd of zebra gallop past, leaving a plume of dust in their wake. The Mombo Camp makes the most of its divine location on Kwetsani Island – sitting in the heart of the flowing Okavango Delta and on the tip of Chiefs Island. Surrounded by stunning views of the floodplains, the camp beautifully conceptualises its surroundings – think coffee tables made from pygmy beds and porcupine lampshades.

Outside, the island is awash with wild dogs, umbrella thorns and sweet fig trees. When you aren’t sipping cocktails beneath a twinkling sky, you can plunge into the shimmering pool and take long game drives to look for sleeping lions, spotted cheetah and herds of trundling elephants. At Mombo you don’t feel as though you are part of the backdrop of Africa, you feel as though you are placed centre stage – especially when they wander through the lamplit camp, right beneath your feet.

WATCH ELEPHANTS FROM THE PLUNGE POOL

During the winter months, the Kings Pool Lagoon and Linyanti River bloom to life with the thunderous footsteps of elephants. Taking advantage of this nature-rich spot in Botswana, the Kings Pool Camp constructed a stunning space and elevated walkways, so their guests could stay safe and comfortable and well within sight of the herds. From the blue bliss of your own cooling plunge pool, you can witness elephant families passing, from rambunctious young ones to wise elders – watch the family sagas play out right in front of your eyes.

When you aren’t soaking in the pool, you can lap up the high luxury vibes of the rest of the camp. Sip wine around the elegant campfire, mingle with other guests in the well-appointed soft hued lounge or retreat to your private tent boasting its own alfresco bathroom space, and spectacular sights from the bliss of your bed.

Impeccable encounters with wildlife

DIVE WITH NILE CROCODILES

Those more interested in diving down into the depths of the delta for their safari experience can opt for an underwater crocodile safari. This is not a journey for newbies or the faint of heart. Experienced divers only are invited on this rare and risk-taking adventure. Available only in late May, when the Angola waters pour into the delta and flush away the tannins making for clear visibility and cooler temperatures can you dive with the Nile Crocodiles. These prehistoric beasts are far from tame, and for five days you will hunt the ragged tooth reptiles.

A medic and dive guide will accompany you on this arduous journey and there will be access to an air medevac in case of emergency. While swimming with crocs is a decision not to take lightly, the rewards are insurmountable. Few on earth will have the experience of swimming alongside these fearsome creatures in their natural habitat and few would dare. Afterwards, stay in the simple luxury of the Ikoga Island camp, with only three spacious and soft Meru tents you can rest easy in eco-friendly bliss, with thick linens, a hot shower and an evening fire – there is little more you could wish for.

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The post Botswana: breaking the mould first appeared on World Travel Magazine.