Mahali Mzuri, a luxury tented safari camp in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection, has officially reopened following a full interior redesign.
Originally created in 2013 with the aim to conserve the under-threat route of the Great Wildebeest Migration, Mahali Mzuri, has undergone its first full refurbishment resulting in a refreshed look and feel, furthering the camp’s connection to its surrounding environment.
Mahali Mzuri – meaning beautiful place – features 12 luxury tented suites that have retained their peaked roofs, while the new addition of floor-to-ceiling windows provides guests with panoramic views of the diverse wildlife and verdant valley beyond.
The design of each tented suite, created in partnership with Lynne Hunt London, is inspired by Maasai craftsmanship and local culture. Textiles, hardware and custom furnishings were sourced from Nairobi-based suppliers such as Siafu, Matbronze and Nishit & Co, among others.
Contemporary African design blends with a collection of artworks by East African artists, such as Theresa Musoke and Dickens Otieno, curated by Circle Art Gallery, along with accents of intricate Maasai beadwork in the accessories and soft furnishings created by local nonprofit, The Maa Trust.
Each tented suite features king-size or twin beds, a lounge area, separate walk-in shower and a freestanding bathtub overlooking the views of the valley and the abundant roaming wildlife, as well as a private viewing deck.
There is also a dedicated family tented suite featuring both a king-size bed and twin beds, as well as two en-suite bathrooms, one with a walk-in shower and the other with a freestanding bathtub. In-room amenities also include complimentary minibars, stamped postcards and yoga mats.
The new design concept extends to the camp’s communal open firepit area, the restaurant and bar, and infinity swimming pool area, now with the addition of cabanas featuring red and black soft furnishings in a nod to traditional Maasai attire.
The camp’s sustainability initiatives include a solar farm, a rainwater harvesting system and a large kitchen garden and greenhouse, which supplies the chefs with home-grown organic fruit, vegetables and herbs. The new staff uniforms have also been created by Kenyan heritage fashion brand Kikoromeo, utilising locally available, natural and biodegradable materials.
Mahali Mzuri’s maintains its partnership with the local landowners and surrounding communities, with over 80% of its staff from the local area. Alongside twice daily game drives, bush walks with Maasai warriors and hot air balloon safaris in search of the Big Five, guests equally have numerous opportunities to engage with the local Maasai tribe through the work of the camp’s charitable arm, Inua Jamii – meaning uplifting the community. From volunteering at the primary school, built and run by Mahali Mzuri and funded by generous guest donations, to experiencing life in the local manyatta.
“I am delighted to be unveiling the new-look Mahali Mzuri as we go into the Great Migration season,” comments James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection. “We strive to create the most extraordinary experiences for our guests, and we’re excited to be able to offer an even more luxurious safari experience, along with a seamless connection to the surrounding nature and authentic local Maasai culture.”
