Marriott International has expanded its footprint in East Africa with the opening of Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection, marking the brand’s first safari property in Tanzania.
Located near the Fort Ikoma gate of Serengeti National Park, the camp places guests in a wildlife-rich corridor known for its proximity to the Great Migration routes and year-round game viewing.
The property features 15 tented suites and a two-bedroom villa, each designed to balance wilderness immersion with modern comfort. The suites include retractable canvas roofs and in-room telescopes for stargazing, along with private decks overlooking the Serengeti landscape. The villa offers expanded indoor-outdoor living space, a private dining area, kitchen, and pool, catering to families or small groups seeking privacy.
Designed by Arusha-based Dunia Designs, the camp showcases Tanzanian craftsmanship, from textiles created by the Ifakara Women Weavers Association to beadwork produced by local cooperatives. Recycled materials are incorporated into sculptural elements and furnishings, reinforcing a design narrative rooted in place.
Experiences are central to the offering. Guests can participate in guided game drives, night safaris, and sunrise hot-air balloon rides, as well as cultural visits to nearby Robanda Village. There, Ikoma artisans lead hands-on workshops in canvas painting, beadwork, cooking, and drumming, providing structured interaction with local traditions.
At the center of the camp is Njia Restaurant, which highlights seasonal ingredients sourced partly from the camp’s own vegetable garden. Additional facilities include a spa featuring treatments with indigenous botanicals, a gym, a bar, and a rim-flow pool illuminated for evening use.
Beyond hospitality, the project underscores Marriott’s growing emphasis on community engagement. Approximately 90% of the workforce is Tanzanian, and the development generated more than 250 jobs during construction. The company also supported the restoration of the Robanda Healthcare Centre, now staffed with a full-time doctor providing free services to the local community.
Mapito Safari Camp is accessible via Fort Ikoma Airstrip, roughly 75 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. With this opening, Autograph Collection enters the high-end safari segment, combining branded luxury with localized design and community integration in one of Africa’s most iconic ecosystems.
