W Marriott to Launch into Safari Lodges with Conservation at its Heart

W Marriott is set to make its debut in the luxury safari segment with the highly anticipated opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge later this month

W Marriott is set to make its debut in the luxury safari segment with the highly anticipated opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge later this month. The first JW Marriott safari lodge will sit within the Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya surrounded by abundant wildlife with a connection to the local land and people at its core.

“JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is an elegant retreat for guests to practice mindfulness and connect with the locale. We are proud to be supporting the community and to contribute towards the conservation of the Masai Mara’s wildlife and environment, which we are so grateful to call home and look forward to sharing meaningful moments with our guests,” said Barnabas Wamoto, General Manager, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge.

Partnership with the community began during the early development process of the lodge. Developed on land committed to a tourism project so to not unduly disturb the surrounding environment, much of the construction was undertaken by local experts overseen by technical specialists with build materials sourced from sustainable suppliers. The lodge has rehabilitated access roads to the property, installed power to the area, and provided access to clean drinking water for locals through a water treatment plant.

For the opening 60 percent of the lodge’s team are from the local area, and plans are to reach 70 percent employment for locals, ensuring its contribution to the socio-economic development of the region. As an ongoing initiative, JW Marriott Masai Mara’s Apprenticeship Programme will invite young women from the community to diversify their skills and broaden their experience to kick-start their careers in the hospitality industry.

Set amongst breathtaking land renowned for stunning vistas, abundant wildlife and endless plains, conservation will be a priority at the lodge. By supporting local organisations such as The Mara Elephant Project and The Mara Protector Conservation Programme, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will contribute to protecting animals and their habitat across the greater Mara ecosystem. Bringing a passion for the surrounding wildlife and nature to guests, the lodge’s Head Guide is a lifelong conservationist and wildlife enthusiast, and guests will also be able to learn more about local conversation at talks held at the lodge as well as guided walking tours.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com.

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