Accor is expanding its footprint in Eastern Africa with the opening of the first Mantis property in Kenya. The Mantis Masai Mara Eco-Lodge is set to become a highlight property for the brand and the group, offering direct access to the Mara-Seregenti game reserve.
Mantis was founded in 2000 by global entrepreneur and conservationist, Adrian Gardiner, and features a diverse collection of extraordinary destinations around the globe. Since joining forces in 2018, Accor and Mantis have worked together to take on new opportunities to welcome guests in authentic curated hotels, eco-lodges and waterways, while prioritising the cause of sustainability and to promote further appreciation of the natural environment across every unique destination.
The group is partnering with Rakam Investment, a limited company engaged in investment, focusing on real estate since its inception in 2016, and which has developed commercial and residential properties in the Greater Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
“We are pleased to bring Accor’s brand, Mantis, to one of the most distinct and exclusive locations in Masai Mara,” comments Ann Rutere, CEO Rakam Investment. “In addition to the brand’s uniqueness and awareness in the market, our confidence in this project comes from the high focus to sustainability and preservation of natural heritage offered by the Enonkishu Conservancy and Mantis expertise in the industry. We are excited to open our doors in 2024 and look forward to offering a combination of authentic, unique, and curated experiences to our guests visiting from all parts of the world.”
Mantis Masai Mara Eco-Lodge will be strategically located in the Enonkishu Conservancy, on the Northern boundary of the Mara-Serengeti game reserve, and will feature 20 tented suites, one restaurant and bar, events space, a sauna and a wellness facility.
As with every Mantis across the world, guests staying at Mantis Masai Mara Eco-Lodge will be immersed in an environment celebrating: conservation, locality and sustainability, with activities varying from educational talks about the Masai people and the history of the land or evening ‘story-telling’ around the boma.
The lodge will feature meeting facilities, catering to small board and executive meetings, as well as dedicated outdoor event areas, which can cater to weddings, social events and outdoor events for special occasions.
In addition, leisure and recreational facilities will be available for guests to enjoy, including a small curio shop for guest to purchase basic amenities, Kenyan art, and designer items.
“The Masai Mara is one of the most renown wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa, and we are excited to offer guests sustainable adventures which celebrate the region’s culture and stay true to the roots of safari,” says Paul Gardiner, CEO of the Mantis Collection.
“We will provide fresh experiences which enable guests to make authentic connections with both nature and the people, all whilst supporting sustainability, conservation and community empowerment and upliftment – the founding core pillars of Mantis.”
