Marriott International has announced the upcoming debut of its first Autograph Collection safari camp, set to open in the third quarter of 2025.
The Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, will be located near the Fort Ikoma gate of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, a strategic location along the route of the annual Great Migration.
This migration, which typically occurs between May and July, sees thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope traverse the region, attracting global attention and tourism.
However, wildlife activity in the area continues year-round, with species such as lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and giraffes also populating the surrounding ecosystem.
The introduction of the Autograph Collection to the Serengeti marks Marriott’s expansion into high-end, experience-driven hospitality in Africa’s safari tourism sector. The planned property will feature 16 tented suites, including a two-bedroom villa, according to a report by Travel Pulse.
Each suite is designed to offer a blend of comfort and outdoor immersion, featuring an outdoor deck, fire pit, and retractable roof for open-air stargazing—an amenity not yet seen in the region.
“Mapito Safari Camp will mark a defining moment for Autograph Collection as we introduce the brand’s first safari experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife destinations,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.
“The Serengeti’s scale, beauty, and cultural heritage will make an unforgettable setting for a property that will embody the individuality and character that Autograph Collection is known for.”
The safari camp will also include a range of amenities such as a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, and multiple dining venues. One of these, The Boma, will be a communal restaurant inspired by traditional bonfire gatherings.
Sustainability will be a key focus, with plans to implement environmentally responsible practices to minimize ecological impact and support local conservation efforts.
Immersive guest activities will include daytime and nighttime game drives, walking safaris, hot air balloon excursions, bush dining experiences, and cultural engagement with the local Ikoma tribe.
“We are excited to collaborate with Marriott International to bring Autograph Collection to the Serengeti,” said Rishen Patel, developer of Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection.
“This camp will offer an intimate and immersive experience that reflects both the natural wonder of the region and the timeless storytelling and craftsmanship of the brand.”
For outdoor hospitality business owners, this development highlights a growing trend toward upscale, experience-centric travel in remote and natural settings.
The inclusion of sustainable infrastructure, community integration, and unique guest offerings such as retractable-roof suites could inform future planning and investment strategies for operators looking to meet evolving traveler expectations.