Virgin Limited Edition unveils the new Mahali Mzuri look
Mahali Mzuri reopens with a full redesign, offering enhanced luxury, panoramic views, and deeper cultural immersion ahead of Kenya's Great Migration season.
Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson's luxury tented safari camp in Kenya's famed Maasai Mara, and part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection, has officially re-opened following a full interior re-design. The re-opening is welcomed in time for guests to take their front row seats for the annual Great Migration, which typically occurs during July and August.
Mahali Mazuri, meaning 'beautiful place', was born out of a passion to conserve the under-threat route of the Great Wildebeest Migration, in 2013. Today, with a refreshed look and feel, following its first ever full refurbishment, the camp's connection to its surrounding environment has been brought even further to the fore. Its 12 luxury tented suites retain their iconic peaked roofs, while the new addition of floor to ceiling glass windows provides guests with the ultimate panoramic viewing experience of the diverse wildlife and verdant valley beyond.
The design of each tented suite, created in partnership with Lynne Hunt London, has been inspired by Maasai craftsmanship and the local culture that is an integral part of Mahali Mzuri's DNA. Textiles, hardware and custom furnishings were sourced from Nairobi-based suppliers such as Siafu, Matbronze and Nishit & Co, among others. Contemporary African design blends seamlessly 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 spectacular views of the valley and the abundant roaming wildlife, as well as a spacious 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. Complimentary minibars, stamped postcards and yoga mats provide extra special touches to the in-room amenities.
Beyond the guest tents, the camp's communal open firepit area, with its panoramic views, offers a central space for stargazing and wildlife watching. The new design concept extends to the restaurant and bar, which also overlook the stunning scenery, while the infinity swimming pool area has been transformed with the addition of cabanas featuring striking red and black soft furnishings, in a nod to traditional Maasai attire.
James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, commented: 'I am delighted to be unveiling the new-look Mahali Mzuri as we go into the Great Migration season. 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.'
As with all Virgin Limited Edition properties, sustainability is at the forefront, with a large solar farm, a rainwater harvesting system in place, 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 longstanding partnership with the local landowners and surrounding communities remains at the heart of the camp, which employs 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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Travel Daily News
a day ago
- Travel Daily News
Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines start strategic codeshare partnership
Etihad – Ethiopian Airlines codeshare unlocks seamless connections across a vast range of destinations leveraging the networks of both airlines. ABU DHABI, UAE – Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines activated their strategic codeshare agreement, strengthening connectivity between Africa and Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. This bilateral partnership enhances global travel opportunities for guests, with seats available to book now. Ethiopian will start services from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on 15 July, and Etihad Airways introducing daily flights to Addis Ababa starting 8 October 2025. This is the first step ahead of implementation of the groundbreaking Joint Venture agreed between Etihad and Ethiopian in March 2025 unlocking greater travel opportunities for passengers across both networks. The codeshare lets guests simplify their journeys by making a single booking with one check-in process at the start and the added convenience of having their baggage transferred to their final destination. Arik De, Etihad Airways's Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer said: 'By leveraging our combined networks, we are unlocking seamless travel opportunities between Africa and Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Easy connections via Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, will enhance flexibility, boosting trade and tourism, and delivering unparalleled travel experiences to guests of both airlines.' Under this partnership, Etihad passengers will gain access to Ethiopian Airlines' extensive African network, with connections via Addis Ababa to 55 destinations across 33 countries, including Entebbe, Kinshasa, Kigali, Lusaka, Harare and Victoria Falls expanding their travel options across the continent. At the same time, Ethiopian Airlines passengers can book itineraries connecting to Etihad Airways-operated flights through Abu Dhabi, with onward service to 20 key destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East including Sydney, Krabi, Colombo and Phnom Penh. As part of its commitment to Africa's growing demand for air travel, Etihad is significantly expanding its network in 2025, introducing new destinations and increased frequencies to strengthen links across the continent.
Travel Daily News
2 days ago
- Travel Daily News
Planning a trip with the future in mind: How a fertility tracker helps not only at home but also on the road
Vacation and fertility are things that can go hand in hand. When planning a trip, do not forget about yourself, your goals, and your health. Integrating a fertility tracker into your trip makes it not only enjoyable but also conscious. Traveling is an opportunity to escape from the routine and discover new cultures. But for many women, especially those planning a pregnancy, a trip is not only a vacation, but also a moment when it is important to maintain control over their health and reproductive cycle. In such cases, a fertility tracker comes to the rescue, a digital assistant accompanying a woman even on the other side of the world. Why is it Important to Track Fertility While Traveling Many women are sure that they can 'pause' cycle tracking during vacation. However, it is during travel that the body can react to stress, time zone changes, climate, changes in diet, and sleep. All this can affect ovulation and fertility. Let's say you are planning to conceive and at the same time dreaming of a romantic trip to Tuscany or a safari in Kenya. Without systematic cycle tracking, you risk missing your 'fertility window,' those days when you are most likely to get pregnant. And if you are already pregnant but don't know it yet, it is important that your body receives the necessary conditions from nutrition and rest. This is where your fertility tracker comes into play. What is a Fertility Tracker and How Does it Work A fertility tracker is a device or mobile application that helps a woman track her menstrual cycle, predict ovulation, monitor changes in body temperature, hormonal fluctuations, stress levels, sleep, and even emotional state. Some trackers work on the basis of data entered manually, while others, like Mira, offer integration with hormone tests, ensuring maximum accuracy and a personalized approach. When traveling, especially when your usual rhythm is disrupted, such a tool becomes a real find. It reminds you when you should be especially attentive to yourself, suggests which days are suitable for conception, and when it is better to simply enjoy your vacation without expectations. How to integrate a fertility tracker into your vacation 1. Install the app in advance. You shouldn't install the app at the last minute at the airport. Make sure you're comfortable with the interface, understand its functions, and enter enough data before your trip. 2. Take test strips or sensors with you if the tracker requires them. Many advanced models use hormonal tests. Put them in your carry-on luggage so they don't get lost. 3. Monitor your sleep and nutrition patterns. Even short-term sleep disturbances can affect your hormonal levels. Smart trackers help recognize such fluctuations and provide recommendations. 4. Save data in the cloud. If you lose your phone on the road or it runs out of battery at the wrong time, cloud storage will allow you to restore all the information. Real-Life Stories: How a Tracker Helped on the Road Anna and Mikhail, a young couple from St. Petersburg, went on a two-week trip to France. They had been planning a child for a long time, but their work schedule prevented them from following the regimen. Anna took the Mira fertility tracker with her and continued to keep a fertility diary during the trip. Thanks to the accurate determination of ovulation and regular tests, the couple achieved success during the trip. A month later, they found out about the pregnancy. There are hundreds of such stories. Women all over the world use the fertility tracker not only at home, but also in the mountains, on the beach, in big cities, and in small villages. This allows you not to postpone the dream of motherhood because of the vacation, but, on the contrary, to make the trip a special moment of the beginning of a new life. Fertility and the mindful approach to tourism In the modern world, tourism is becoming not just entertainment, but a part of self-care. We choose eco-tours, practice yoga in Bali, and go on retreats in the Himalayas. The fertility tracker fits harmoniously into this concept; it does not disrupt the rest, does not require strict rules, but at the same time helps to maintain a connection with your own body. And if you add to this regular meditation, a balanced diet, and the absence of city stress, you get the perfect combination when rest really helps not only the body, but also the future life. Conclusion Vacation and fertility are things that can go hand in hand. When planning a trip, do not forget about yourself, your goals, and your health. Integrating a fertility tracker into your trip makes it not only enjoyable but also conscious. The dream of having a child should not be postponed 'for later', especially if technology allows you to combine concern for fertility with the joy of new discoveries. After all, perhaps it is on that trip you dreamed of that a new chapter of your life will begin. Photo by Chen Mizrach on Unsplash
Travel Daily News
2 days ago
- Travel Daily News
Kenya and Rwanda's travel sector shows record income in 2025
Kenya's Travel & Tourism sector is set to contribute KSh1.2tn in 2024, while Rwanda reaches record highs across GDP, jobs, and spending. LONDON, UK – Research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed Kenya's Travel & Tourism sector is set to contribute a record KSh1.2tn. to the economy this year, a record 24% above 2019 levels and equivalent to more than 7% of national GDP. Employment and domestic spending in Kenya is also expected to reach new heights. The sector is also expected to support 1.7mn. jobs in 2025 – maintaining over 8% of total national employment, playing a key role in the country's future, representing nearly one in every 12 jobs in the country. Visitor spending projections show a healthy rise across the board with domestic visitor spending set to reach a new record at just under KSh560bn. International visitor spending is forecast to hit over KSh300bn., up 31% from 2019, and edging closer to surpassing its previous peak of 2011. These record-breaking forecasts reflect a strong rebound for Travel & Tourism sector in Kenya and a growing appetite among travellers to experience the country's coastlines, safari parks, mountains, and vibrant urban centres. The growth reflects Kenya's expanding appeal on the global travel map, underpinned by its natural beauty, cultural heritage, wildlife experiences, and improving infrastructure. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: 'Kenya is on track for an exceptional year in Travel & Tourism. This projected growth in GDP, jobs, and visitor spending is a testament to the country's enduring appeal and to the work done by both government and private sector partners. Kenya has everything today's traveller is looking for. Nature, culture, authenticity, and hospitality, and WTTC sees it playing a key leadership role in Africa's tourism future.' WTTC projects that by 2035, Travel & Tourism will contribute KSh1.8tn. to the economy, supporting over 2.2mn. jobs. That's 500,000 new jobs expected over the next decade – reinforcing the sector's role in driving inclusive and sustainable growth. International visitor spending is forecast to reach KSh409bn., with domestic visitor spending expected to reach KSh821bn. Reflecting on 2024 In 2024, Kenya's Travel & Tourism sector contributed KSh1.2tn. to the national economy, a 10% year-on-year increase, and supported 1.7mn. jobs across the country. nInternational visitor spending reached KSh288bn., while domestic visitor spending totalled KSh528bn., reflecting a strong rebound in both international arrivals and local travel demand. Rwanda's Travel & Tourism Sector Broke all Records in 2024 Rwanda's Travel & Tourism sector broke all records in 2024, with its contribution to the economy, employment and domestic and international visitor spend all reaching record levels. In 2024, Rwanda's Travel & Tourism sector contributed a record breaking Fr1.9tn. to the economy, representing 9.8% of the total economy and 17.7% above the previous peak in 2019. Despite lagging in 2023, job numbers and international visitor spend both reached record levels last year. According to the research from the global tourism body, Travel & Tourism supported just under 386,000 jobs last year, whilst international visitors spent a record Fr1tn. – representing an increase of Fr169bn. on 2019. Domestic spending was above pre-pandemic levels by almost one third (32.2%) to reach more than Fr773bn. This growth reflects the Rwandan government's strategic investment in tourism as a pillar of economic diversification. Infrastructure projects such as the new Bugesera International Airport, which when completed will be able to handle 14 million passengers a year, will further boost long-term connectivity, international visitor numbers and spending. In 2025, Travel & Tourism in Rwanda is poised for another year of robust growth, with WTTC forecasting a 13% year on year increase in economic contribution to reach Fr2.1tn. – 10.3% of national GDP. The sector is set to support more than 402,000 jobs, accounting for over 8% of total employment. Growth is expected to be driven by both international and domestic spending worth Fr1.2τν. and Fr822bn. respectively. Rwanda continues to champion a high-value, low-volume tourism model that prioritises sustainability, conservation, and community benefit, particularly through flagship experiences like gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and eco-tourism expansion across Akagera and Nyungwe. Julia Simpson said 'Rwanda is a standout example of how tourism, when supported by clear vision and partnership, can deliver real economic impact and long-term opportunity. The President's focus on sustainability, innovation, and diversification is setting a benchmark not only for Africa, but globally. From gorilla trekking to high-level business events and major sporting competitions, Rwanda is showing what's possible when a country invests in its tourism future.' Looking to 2035 WTTC forecasts that by 2035, the sector will contribute Fr3.1TN to the economy, a 10% share of GDP, and support more than 545,000 jobs across the country. Over 140,000 new jobs are expected to be created in the next decade.
