Sir Richard Branson opens luxury resort in Masai Mara

By GEOFFREY MOSOKU

Last week, Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp officially opened its doors when owner Sir Richard Branson hosted President Uhuru at his newest luxury pad in the Masai Mara.

Although the tented safari lodge has been in operation since 2003, Branson officially launched the camp and invited Maasai elders to bless the establishment, six years after he became a recognised Maasai elder.

“It was an honour and so much fun to participate in the ceremony. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the official opening of Mahali Mzuri and I’m thrilled that so many of the local community have made it here today to observe and take part in what was a beautifully traditional and fitting way of launching our new safari camp,” said Branson on the camp’s website.

Mahali Mzuri is a joint partnership between Sir Richard Branson and the Gehlot family, who run the Intex Group of Companies in Kenya. The Gehlot family joined Branson for the opening ceremony.

The camp, located in Motorongi Conservancy in the Masai Mara ecosystem, joins Virgin Limited Edition, a collection of vacation retreats spread across eight exotic locations around the world. The retreats are designed to offer high-end luxury holidays, serenity and unique retreats.

“I’ve recently been pleased to add my voice to supporters of the tourism industry in Kenya and we see this opening as a symbol of our confidence in its long term future,” added Branson.

Great tourism

Cabinet Secretaries Phyllis Kandie (East African Affairs, Commerce Tourism and Michael Kamau (Transport Infrastructure) attended the ceremony.

“We are extremely delighted to welcome Mahali Mzuri into the staple of great tourism establishments in Kenya. This new camp is a testimony of how international investors like Sir Richard Branson continue to have faith in Kenya,” said Kandie.

Mahali Mzuri consists of 12 sleeper tents named after the 12 Maasai tribes in the conservancy.

The luxury tents can cater for a maximum of 24 guests at any one time. Rates start from Sh50,415.46 per person per night (double occupancy) inclusive of meals, drinks and daily game drives as well as unlimited access to the Olare Motorogi Conservancy.