Nonstop Points has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Nonstop Points and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. This post may contain affiliate links; please read our advertiser disclosure for more information
Hakuna Matata, the famous Swahili phrase and popularized saying from the famed Lion King means no worries, and undeniably, at the JW Marriott Masai Mara, it certainly holds true. My recent stay in Southern Kenya was not only marked by excitement but by tranquility and relaxation.
Over the five nights I visited the property, I was able to sample all of the services the camp offered while exploring the spectacular savannah that is Masai Mara. While this review will ultimately be a part of my East Africa trip report, I cannot but stop to marvel at the star of the show.
Location
Situated along the Talek River running the border of Masai Mara, the remoteness of the property was clear upon arrival as we crossed over the water on a rope bridge. Although all of the tents and most of the camp face the river, what really makes this property shine is how closely tied the JW was into its natural environment.
With no fence separating the wildlife from the grounds, don’t be surprised to see hippopotamus or zebra tracks during your stay. Despite being a brand-new property, I felt that the camp is embraced by its surroundings rather than being built over them.
Located a 45-minute drive away from the Keekorok Airstrip, or north of a five-hour drive from Nairobi, it is not possible to arrive without driving on at least one dirt road. Excellent for exploring the unbelievable nature reserve of Masai Mara, its location is perfect for a proper African Safari.
The Camp
A camp, rather than a lodge, is apparent upon arrival. The intimacy of the quant common area creates a warm and homey feeling difficult to experience at any hotel, let alone a chain property with more than 8,000 locations worldwide. The details of the decorations were a lovely touch and thoughtfully curated. They even provided warm blankets for those who are chilly.
Upon crossing the river to the entry of the hotel, the lobby flows outside to the stunning Fig Tree deck built upon a gorgeous and massive, well,… fig tree. This space is the living room of the property that offers you coffee and snacks in preparation for your early morning drive, as well as a place to kick back and relax with a drink of your choice from a small, yet well equipped bar, at the end of the day..
Behind the deck, there are two tents that are just as beautifully decorated. One, is a kids’ club and the other is a conference room, or more likely, the hotel’s photo studio. This is also where the property’s only TV is located, a perfect reminder that the focus of this camp is to relax and enjoy nature directly.
Parallel to the river, the deck flows into the second heart of the camp, the restaurant. While by no means is dining restricted to this venue, who would not want to marvel at the river while eating or enjoying a glass of wine with a table lit dinner under the stars.
Walking down the stone path that follows the restaurant leads you to a a gorgeous infinite pool. While you may not have to worry about hippos coming for a drink during the day, the pool is the perfect place to refresh during the hot, Kenyan afternoons.
Just behind the pool is, quite honestly, one of my favorite fitness centers of all time. Acknowledging that this gym is rather limited in equipment, there were very few patrons given that there are only 20 tents and never once was there any trouble with regard to overcrowding, access to equipment, and frankly, very few people were present. With walls that open to the great outdoors, it’s a challenge to not want to work out here, and if you know lazy ‘ol me, that’s impressive.
The spa is not only equipped with three gorgeous treatment rooms, all with individual balconies and shower facilities, but the gem is the center spa room ready with a steam room and sauna, as well as a private plunge pool. If you were to get a treatment at the spa, I would highly recommend requesting this room at no additional cost.
A final addition, not yet fully ready for guests during my stay, is the camp’s garden. Not only will this provide fresh produce, but it will ultimately allow guests to pick their own fresh vegetables, which can be prepared, on the spot, by the chef for lunch.
The Tents
While called ‘a tent’, the deluxe suite in which I stayed is hardly roughing it. The mesh siding of the structure may fool you until you see the gorgeous back windows facing out over the Talek River. With either a king bed or two doubles, there is more than enough room with more space than many Manhattan apartments.
The back of the room had two large wardrobes, ready with plush robes and slippers, as well as laundry bags for the fully-included laundry service.
Along the side of the room was a desk, however, the only possible reason I could imagine someone needing to work here would be to edit the unbelievable pictures they took on safari.
There are plenty of seating options, ready for lounging with a blanket and throw pillows, which face the beautiful scenery. This was the perfect spot to rest and recharge during the rainy time of our stay, and to enjoy the sounds of the drops on the canvas roof.
In the corner of the room is an expansive minibar. Always ready with a fresh bottle of wine, or assorted spirits, as well as non-alcoholic beverages ranging from soda to Kenyan tea, there are many options. One can’t forget some of the snacks that they left for us, including chips, nuts, and cookies.
The space flows into a gorgeous bathroom with light wood touches and marble counters. They provide plenty of bathroom amenities on the counter, with more available upon request.
The massive rainfall shower, with a handheld option, also had a second door that led to the outside of the tent where you could take an outdoor shower. So, if you want to see some baboons or Zebras while you shower, this is the place to do it.
Finally, on the back deck, just outside the bathroom, was a private hot tub. While on the smaller side, it is perfect for two people wanting to enjoy the evening and relax after a day out on safari, that is, until you are asked to go back inside due to a nearby elephant.
While no trouble at night, especially with the multiple fans, it is important to note that there was no AC within the tent, or throughout the property for that matter. The sides of the tent were left open during the day, with mesh keeping the bugs out and it did get quite warm, but I never had any trouble in the evenings.
Food and Beverage
When we met the chef on our initial tour of the property, I knew we were in for a treat. When I think of all-inclusive resorts, the fresh, well-prepared cuisine that I received at this JW Marriott is hardly what comes to mind.
I truly looked forward to all of the roughly 15 meals I enjoyed at the camp. While the menu may be limited, often with only 2-3 choices per course, do not expect the same menu day after day. Never once did I grow tired of the always changing available options.
When we wanted to try Ugali, a staple food of Kenya, without question, they made it happen. The same holds true for other types of food as well; I overheard the request by another family for pizza for their daughter. As long as there is time for preparation, the kitchen is very flexible and nearly anything is possible.
Although there are specific dining times for the three daily meals, it is completely possible to order at times that are most convenient for guests. We typically had lunch on the later side, after returning from our morning drives.
Further, one of the biggest highlights was being able to have a meal out in the bush. We typically took lunch to go, which was set up as a lovely picnic out under a lone tree. We even had lunch while watching hippos, giraffes, zebras, and elephants when out on an all-day safari.
The chef even considered the daily menu around my gluten allergy, making sure that despite my gluten limitation, there were always multiple available choices. Even during packed-meal game drives, there was always gluten free bread and muffins available, something that, to me, really speaks to their dedication to quality, as well as taking guests’ dietary needs seriously.
All of the food is fresh and full of flavor, so I was never left hungry. I loved the freshly squeezed juice in the mornings. While I do think that it could be beneficial to have some more variety, there was not a meal that I didn’t like.
Although I did not personally choose to partake, there are countless available alcoholic drink options, almost all of which are included with your stay. From champagne popped upon pickup at the airstrip, to South African wines that are recommended at meals, and spirits at the bar, I do not think I went more than 30 minutes without being graciously offered something to drink. I was a big fan of the iced hibiscus tea that I had upon arrival, and all of the other Kenyan teas that I was able to enjoy during my stay.
Despite having high expectations for food and beverage options on the property, these were still managed to be surpassed.
Service
When the staff to guest ratio is about 3:1, which was about the case during my stay, the service truly shines. Even at full capacity, the ratio is still nearly 2:1, an amazing opportunity to relax while everything is taken care of for you. From organizing transfers, to the snacks and drinks offered upon arrival, the service is incredibly well done.
When we were tired after a long day searching for lions, we were offered the option to have dinner delivered to our tent. When swimming in the pool during the afternoon, we were given the choice to have lunch poolside.
This did not just mean a tray of food, but rather, an entire table set up and plated to enjoy our multi-course meal in the shade. I could not possibly write this review without thanking our waiter, Noah, who not only made every meal enjoyable, but brought the entire experience to the next level.
Back at the tent, our room attendant, Timothy, not only left us sweet daily notes, but was quick to help with anything, from delivering bathroom amenities, to helping prepare the hot tub in the evening. Even on departure day, we were able to have laundry done and folded, an amazing service in and of itself, all within just a few hours.
While I did not personally get a chance to visit the spa, the friend with whom I was traveling enjoyed a treatment and was extremely impressed. Despite booking only a 60 minute treatment, the experience stretched from before to after, with snacks and drinks offered, as well as a fabulous massage.
Last, but certainly not least, this review would be incomplete without our truly spectacular and unbelievable guide, Hassan. The quality of a safari, without a doubt,comes down to the guide, and by all means, he made this an unforgettable experience. He is not just a knowledgeable and great driver, but he is able to place guests in the perfect locations, at the right times, to see the amazing wildlife.
This became clear when we were in a different location than many of the other vehicles, and he told us to just wait a brief moment. Seconds later, a leopard or rhino would approach, and the other vehicles then were trying to scramble to get closer.
The Last Point
While it is difficult to put all the amazing experiences that I have been lucky enough to enjoy into words, let me cut to the point. The JW was one of, if not the best, Marriott property that I have been fortunate enough to travel to worldwide.
Although you can tell that they are still in a soft-opening state, putting the finalizing touches on the property before peak season this summer when guests from all over the world come for the great migration, the property itself and their attention to detail is simply spectacular.
I truly do not like writing reviews this positive, as they almost make the stay seem sponsored. However, I can honestly say that after staying on my own dime (in my case using Bonvoy points), it is challenging to find a downside to the JW Marriott Masai Mara besides the high price associated with a stay.
The commitment to service, attention to detail, and design of the property lend itself to a spectacular safari destination. I have no doubt that this property will be at the center point of the points world, and safari industry for years to come.
Trip Report
This article is part of my Trip Report: Starting Summer in East Africa including:
- My Comically Bad Luck Flying to Africa
- No Compensation for an Involuntary Business Class Downgrade?!?
- Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge IAD
- Review: Lufthansa Business Class Lounge IAD
- Review: Lufthansa B747-8 Economy IAD-FRA
- My First Flight on the Queen: My Thoughts
- Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge FRA
- Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge FRA
- Review: Lufthansa A330 Business Class FRA-NBO
- Review: DoubleTree by Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham
- Review: Air Kenya into the Safari
- JW Marriott Masai Mara Review: Luxury in the Savannah, a Truly Unforgettable Safari
- Is the JW Marriott Masai Mara Worth $3k a Night?
- Review: Aspire Lounge Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO)
- Review: Kenya Airways NBO-ZNZ E190
- Exploring Tanzania: My Thoughts on Zanzibar
- When Flights Don’t Go as Planned: Delayed in Zanzibar
- Review: Air Tanzania ZNZ-ARK
- Mt. Kilimanjaro Day Hike: My Thoughts
- Exploring Moshi, Tanzania: What Everyone Gets Wrong
- Review: Twiga Lounge by Aspire Lounge Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Weirdest Flight Delay I Have Ever Had…
- Review: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa Executive Regency Suite
- Exploring Addis Ababa: My Thoughts
- Review: Ethiopian Cloud Nine Business Class Lounge Addis Ababa
- Review: Ethiopian Cloud Nine B787-8 Business Class ADD-IAD
- My 18 Hour Odd Business Class Experience: A Stop in Lome, Togo?
Nonstop Points has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Nonstop Points and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. This post may contain affiliate links; please read our advertiser disclosure for more information
Wondering how you were able to book on points? There isn’t a single point room available going out through spring of 2024.
Would love to go here on points!
Early this year they opened availability for points and was able to book. Haven’t seen much availability since.
When you booked with points, how many per night?
80-100k now that awards have opened back up. This was initially loaded at a mistake rate that was honored
Bookings now are about 355k for 5 night stays more or less.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the trip review and see more amazing photos!
Price on cash or points?
Why would you have to go inside if an elephant was in the area?
Paid on points. At night when there is no guide/security they asked us to go inside for safety (only late a night).
This review is much more thorough than others. Thank you for this great information
I have a booking in the fall (on points), can’t wait.
This is a beautifully written review and makes me want to visit this rad place.
Thank you. Definitely go check it out!
This is a well-written and persuasive review. I would definitely consider this resort!
The resort looks amazing. Your words and pictures give us a desire to experience this place.
Excellent write up. One of the best I have seen. Thank you.
Excellent write up. One of the best I have read. Thank you. Paul T
This gentleman is always giving accurate advice. His passion and knowledge always leave you with the desire to visit his amazing descriptions You will never be disappointed after visiting the beautiful places that he has been.
This gentleman is always giving accurate advice. His passion and knowledge always leave you with the desire to visit his amazing descriptions You will never be disappointed after visiting the beautiful places that he has been.
Ii definitely want to travel with my nephew!
After reading this wonderful review, I turned to my husband and said, “let’s book a trip to this awesome destination!” Excellent and detailed information!.
You should book it! Reach out to me if you need any help with a reservation… happy to help with a booking!
I fell in love with Payton’s stories and experiences from his world travels. From now on, I will definitely use my credit card for travel points. I might just be able to travel for free someday
A wonderfully detailed review that makes the reader feel transported. I can’t wait to book a trip to this special spot!
Such a through write up. I REALLY want to go. Sounds amazing.
A wonderful review. I loved the pictures
Let’s get one fact straight. Kenyans were saying Hakuna Matata way before Disney stole and made that a copyright. We even have songs about that phrase. So no, it didn’t come from Disney, they appropriated from Swahili.
This sounds like an amazing place to visit! The thoroughness of this review gives one that needed push to get it off the bucket list and book the trip.
Book it!
After reading this review with its wonderful descriptions, I am ready to book my trip.
Feel free to reach out if you need any help booking!
This review is So detailed and the areas that the reviewer zeroed in on, are so clear and cover all the points I would want to know about. The photos also enhance his review. I WANT TO GO & BOOK NOW. The fact that he took the time to acknowledge all the staff that helped make his stay so memorable, says So much about this JW Marriott. An amazing place.
Thanks for a great trip, Payton Turner, and
read.. Marriot’s the way to go. Arlene K
This was the very best ad I ever saw it made me want ant to go there’ it takes a lot to make me travel thank you looking forward to see other places you will send you are the best sandy kaufman
Hi, I am going next week, lucky to have seen this review, very thorough, my main concern since this was left out, can we order food at night or odd times outside of the 3 meals? Is there a part that is say open 24 hrs? Also, given the limitations on baggage, i want to drink often, is the bar in the room big enough? what time did the bar close? and we stay up late and want to sit in the jacuzzi, i totally understand a cut off time, i guess no midnight jacuzzi bc i dont mess w mother nature
Happy you found it. We were able to order food at times outside of the main meals, such as mid afternoon. I am not sure though what would happen if you wanted a snack at 2am though. I am sure they are happy to stock your mini fridge if you requested it. Bar closed as late as someone was there, so that is not an issue.
How was your trip? Please share! Were there any resort fees on top of the booking? Did you have kids with you by any chance? Thank you!
No kids with us, but there were kids at the property. Staff was great at accommodating. A little wanted pizza instead of what was on the menu and the chef happily complied.
Did you fly with Air Kenya or Safari Link into Keekorok airstrip? Did you also arrange it yourself or go through the hotel? Debating between the two carriers and whether to fly into Keekorok or Olkiombo airstrip.
I flew Air Kenya to Keekorok and arranged it myslef online. Keekorok is the best bet for JW since they were willing to pick us up for free from there. Booked directly since it was about $30 per person cheaper.
Greg, would you share the price of that flight and if you know kids tickets are the same price? Thanks!
Payton here – the flight was $390 round trip per person. I am not sure if children are discounted.
I am looking at booking on points for 5 nights. Was there any exclusions for people booking on points vs paying cash?!? I’ve seen conflicting assumptions so wanted to be sure!
Nope, no difference in my experience. Everything was included in the price from the drives, to the food and beverages, to even the airport pickup. Only additional costs were mandatory park fees, flights to the air strip, and tips for the staff.
Thank you for wonderful review and beautiful pictures. I am secretly book this hotel for February 2024 to surprise my husband.
You said everything is included in the price except tips and flight to air strip.
How do you tip staff? Is it add to your room bill like on a cruise ship or you just put money in the envelope and give it to them at the end?
What month did you go? Do you feel like 5 nights is the perfect amount of time? Did you see a lot of animals?
Thank you for the kind words! You and he will definitely enjoy! If you want to tip people individually, you need cash. If you want to get cash from the hotel they charge a large fee. You can leave a general tip that is distributed to everyone on the room, but especially for your driver you should tip them direct with cash about $10-20 per person per day (on the higher side at this property).
Greg, what about resort fees? Marriott usually charges resort fees on top of point bookings, right? Thank you!
Marriott will charge a resort fee id there is one. This property does not have a resort fee, so there is not one charged. However, there are park fees that are about $80 per person per day that the government charges in order to be able to go on the safari.
Was there any checking to make sure you have the yellow fever vaccine? I’m going in a few weeks and ended up getting it but I was curious
I got it. No one once checked the YF vaccine in Kenya. When entering Tanzania everyone was checked and a few weeks later it was checked by Singapore.
As far as the tent goes, do you know if they offer a roll-away bed option? Or maybe a pull out couch? Just trying to figure out how it would work for a family of 4.
They offer a roll away bed for the tent but there are no pull out couches meaning you can fit 3. The only way to visit with a family of 4 would likely be to book the family tent which is essentially two of the standard tents side by side with a living room in between (which to my knowledge can actually sleep up to 6). It might be possible the hotel would let you have two roll away beds but I find it unlikely.
What would you say the best room # is? I’ve heard 19 or 20 is good but it seems a bit farther of a walk to the main area. 12-21 get sunrise while 1-11 get sunset.
I would say that the higher the number, the better the view. We originally had 19 I believe which was phenomenal, but opted for a two-bed room instead in the low teens with a worse but still amazing view.
Oh I didn’t know they had 2 bed-room as an option. I thought they were all single kings. I’ll put in a request for 19 or 20!
There are fewer 2-bed rooms but with the target of more couples, single kings is the majority.
Thanks for your phenomenal review Payton.. I just want to add my two cents that booking with points is great for couples or the solo traveler. If you add a third person, they charge around $1500+ per child per day..!!
Do they charge you that on the spot? Or at the time of the booking? It allows me to book 3 with points but not 4… thank you! Kate
With my tests, you can book up to 3 on points (because max occupancy is 3 people per tent). Above that you will need another room or to workout booking the Family Tent.
If you had to do it over would you do 2-3 nights here and 2-3 nights at another lodge? Or the 5 nights in one place because of the points redemption only?
If I was paying for it with cash, I would likely have split up the trip to visit multiple lodges (maybe one in Tanzania). However, with points the 5th night free makes staying in one place make a lot of sense.
Any tips on what clothes to pack?!?
I am unsure of what to wear on the Safari drives and then what to wear on the property throughout the day!
I would love your insight!