Virgin Limited Edition has announced a full interior refurbishment of its luxury tented safari camp, Mahali Mzuri, in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, with a new interior design concept that has been carefully curated in partnership with Lynne Hunt London…
The Virgin Limited Edition, Mahali Mzuri project will include a re-concept of the 12 luxury tents and common areas, including the dining tent, bar and lounge, and breathtaking swimming pool, which directly overlook the valley encompassing the route of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Image credit: Virgin Limited Edition
The design partnership with Lynne Hunt London focusses on enhancing the guest experience by providing an immersive and serene environment that further connects Mahali Mzuri’s guests with the surrounding nature. While the camp will retain its iconic tented structures and deep-seated connection to the Maasai culture, the re-design will reflect a contemporary interpretation of African style, utilising natural materials and an earthy colour palette complemented by splashes of vibrant red and black in a nod to traditional Maasai attire. Local East African artists will also be celebrated throughout the camp with a thoughtfully curated collection of contemporary artworks.
Image credit: Virgin Limited Edition
The individual tent accommodations, including a dedicated family tent, will feature spacious, open-plan suite-style living, incorporating large wrap around windows and terraces offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and bringing the outside in. The camp’s communal open firepit area and bar will continue to offer central spaces for social gathering post-game drives, or to simply relax and take in the wildlife in the valley beyond.
Wilson Odhiambo, General Manager for Mahali Mzuri, commented: “I am thrilled to announce this exciting refurbishment of our beloved camp and to have the opportunity to encourage our guests to connect even further with Mahali Mzuri’s majestic surroundings and, of course, the wildlife.
Image credit: Virgin Limited Edition
“Our continued partnership with the local Maasai people is at the heart of everything we do, and I’m delighted to be able to celebrate local culture and craftsmanship through a refreshed design incorporating custom Maasai beadwork and bronze spear finials, among many other elements.”
The newly refurbished camp will re-open in June 2025, ready for guests to take their front row seats to the Great Migration, which occurs every year during July and August when the wildebeest travel from Loita Hills to the Serengeti. The Great Migration is central to the origins of the camp, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, who’s concept was born out of a need to protect the route and land that was coming under threat.
Image credit: Virgin Limited Edition
As with all Virgin Limited Edition properties, sustainability and community will remain at the heart of the camp, which proudly employs 80 per cent of staff who come from the surrounding Maasai villages. From its inception, Mahali Mazuri has worked hand in hand with the local landowners and conservation managers to protect the wildlife and uplift the local communities by spearheading projects such as the decade-long development and continued running of a primary school for 300 pupils, funded by generous guest donations.
The sustainable operation of the camp is equally front of mind. A solar farm allows the camp to run on up to 100 per cent renewable energy, a rainwater harvesting system is in place, and an ever-expanding kitchen garden supplies the chefs with home-grown fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Main image credit: Virgin Limited Edition
