MARRIOTT International has announced a partnership with Delaware Investment Limited to establish its inaugural JW Marriott luxury safari lodge in the Serengeti, Tanzania. The lodge, expected to commence operations in 2026, will be located within the Serengeti National Park, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned safari destination. The park is celebrated for its sprawling plains, the awe-inspiring Great Migration, and impressive herds of wildlife.
The JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge will comprise 30 exclusive suites, including two presidential suites, each boasting its own swimming pool and deck area. Extensive dining, beverage, and meeting facilities are also planned for the lodge.
Situated between the Grumeti and Mbalageti rivers, the lodge will offer breathtaking views of the surrounding plains, as well as abundant wildlife that frequents the riverside areas. Serengeti National Park, spanning 5,700 square miles, is a vital conservation and wilderness area in sub-Saharan Africa. It serves as the starting point for the Great Migration, a magnificent wildlife spectacle where millions of animals journey 1,800 miles from the Serengeti to the neighbouring Masai Mara between June and September. The park is also home to the ‘Big Five’ – lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceroses, and African elephants.
Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President of Brand Portfolio Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Marriott International, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Delaware Investment Limited, saying, ‘We are delighted to partner with Delaware Investment Limited for this landmark project in the Serengeti, an exciting new destination for the brand which also signifies our growing commitment to offering enriching experiences for our guests.’
Located approximately 660 kilometres northwest of Dodoma, near the Kenyan border, the Serengeti can be easily accessed via the Grumeti airstrip, a 25-minute drive from the lodge. International visitors can reach the lodge from Kilimanjaro International Airport followed by a domestic flight to a Serengeti airstrip or an eight-hour drive showcasing the vast savannas and wildlife along the route.
Rishen Patel, Owner of Delaware Investment Limited, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, ‘It’s a very exciting moment for us to be able to collaborate with Marriott International to debut such a prestigious brand in one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world.’
The JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge will become the brand’s second luxury safari lodge in Africa, following the successful opening of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge earlier this year in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Marriott International currently operates over 120 properties across its portfolio in Africa.