Kenya is experiencing a significant wave of acquisitions in its luxury safari camp sector, signalling renewed investor confidence in the country’s high-end tourism market. Driven by strong international demand, rising visitor numbers, and the promise of attractive returns, global hospitality brands and private investors are actively expanding their footprint across the country’s premier wildlife destinations.
In less than two years, more than a dozen luxury lodges and tented camps have changed hands, according to industry sources, highlighting a consolidation trend in one of Kenya’s most iconic and lucrative tourism segments.
One notable acquisition includes Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp, which was recently acquired by an international investment firm for an undisclosed amount. Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the camp is known for its exclusive views of Amboseli’s elephant herds and its eco-conscious design. The new owners are expected to inject fresh capital into upgrading the facility and expanding its marketing reach across Europe and North America.
Another high-profile transaction is the acquisition of House in the Wild, a boutique lodge located in the Enonkishu Conservancy near the Maasai Mara. The property, formerly family-owned, is now under new management following a multimillion-shilling deal with a regional hospitality group. Industry insiders say the new operators are repositioning the property as part of a broader luxury circuit targeting high-spending travellers seeking private, immersive safari experiences.
This surge in activity comes as Kenya’s tourism industry rebounds from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the Ministry of Tourism shows a 35 percent increase in international arrivals in 2024 compared to the previous year, with luxury travel emerging as a key driver of growth. The sector’s recovery has been further buoyed by infrastructure improvements, including expanded airstrips near conservancies and enhanced road networks linking Nairobi to key safari destinations.
“We’re seeing a strong appetite for premium, boutique properties that offer both exclusivity and authenticity,” said a senior executive at a Nairobi-based investment advisory firm involved in several recent transactions. “Global investors are attracted not only by the financial upside but also by Kenya’s growing reputation as a sustainable and experiential travel hub.”
Major international hotel chains have also taken notice. Marriott International, for instance, recently announced the signing of two new luxury safari camps in Kenya under its Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott brands. The developments slated for the Maasai Mara and Mount Kenya regions signal the increasing corporatisation of Kenya’s luxury wilderness experiences.
However, the acquisition boom has sparked a debate among conservationists and community leaders. Critics warn that rapid commercialisation could strain local ecosystems and undermine long-standing conservation efforts. In the Maasai Mara, where land pressure and overdevelopment are already concerns, the proliferation of high-end camps has reignited calls for stricter regulation.
“There’s a fine line between sustainable tourism and overexploitation,” said a spokesperson for a local conservancy. “We welcome investment, but it must align with long-term ecological goals and community benefit.”
Despite these concerns, analysts predict that the trend will continue as global travel rebounds and Kenya solidifies its position as a leading destination for luxury safaris. The challenge, they say, will be to balance growth with sustainability ensuring that the benefits of investment are widely shared and that Kenya’s natural heritage remains protected for generations to come.
“There’s a fine line between sustainable tourism and overexploitation.” “We welcome investment, but it must align with long-term ecological goals and community benefit.”
spokesperson for a local conservancy.