Virgin Limited Edition unveils the new Mahali Mzuri look
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.
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