On Monday, Marriott International announced that it has entered into an agreement with Delaware Investment to establish its inaugural JW Marriott luxury safari lodge in Serengeti, Tanzania. The luxury safari lodge is expected to open in 2026 and will be located within the Serengeti National Park. The park is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary wildlife.
The JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge will feature 30 private suites, including two presidential suites, each equipped with its own swimming pool and deck area. The lodge also will offer a wide range of dining options, beverage services and meeting facilities.
Jenni Benzaquen, the senior vice president of Brand Portfolio Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, expressed delight in collaborating with Delaware Investment Limited for this significant project in the Serengeti.
Situated northwest of Dodoma in Tanzania, the Serengeti is adjacent to Kenya. The nearest and most convenient access point to the lodge is by the Grumeti airstrip, which is a 25-minute drive away. International visitors can reach the lodge by flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport and taking a domestic flight to an airstrip in Serengeti. They also can reach it by embarking on an eight-hour scenic drive through the vast savannas.
Positioned between the Grumeti and Mbalageti rivers, the JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge will provide breathtaking views of the surrounding plains and abundant wildlife.
Home to the Famous “Big Five” Animals
The Serengeti National Park, covering an expansive area of 5,700 square miles, is a vital conservation area and wilderness region in sub-Saharan Africa. It is the starting point for the awe-inspiring Great Migration, where millions of animals travel approximately 1,800 miles from the Serengeti to the neighboring Masai Mara between June and September. The park is also home to the famous “Big Five” animals: lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceroses and African elephants.
Rishen Patel, the owner of Delaware Investment Limited, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Marriott International, calling it an exciting moment to introduce such a prestigious brand to one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
The JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge will be the brand’s second luxury safari lodge in Africa, following the opening of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Marriott International presently operates over 120 properties across its portfolio in Africa.