Sir Richard Branson is sitting on top of the world with his hospitality industry investment in Kenya.

The British tycoon’s luxury safari camp located in the world-famous Maasai Mara ecosystem has been named the Number One Hotel in the World as well as the Number One Safari Lodge in Travel + Leisure’s 2021 World’s Best Awards, also signalling a boon for Kenya’s global tourism.

Mahali Mzuri charmed discerning travellers and visitors with its rooms, location, service, food, and value topping a survey that was concluded in May after three months of voting.

“Sending big congratulations to Virgin Limited Edition whose beautiful property in Kenya_Mahali Mzuri_has been named the best hotel in the world. A very special place, run by a brilliant team of people,” Sir Richard tweeted.

To add a feather to their cap, Mahali Mzuri’s sister hotel Kasbah Tamadot was named the best in North Africa for the fourth time.

12 luxury tented suites

Situated in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy , Mahali Mzuri which is owned by Virgin Limited Edition sits smack in the path of the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, with 12 luxury tented suites that make for the perfect retreat after a day of world-class game viewing in the vast Kenyan plains.

The hotel can accommodate up to 24 guests at any given time. The visitors can enjoy a view of the Mara and the teeming wildlife through the expansive windows and doors that open up to the massive deck.

“Due to Mahali Mzuri’s excellent location on the Kenyan plains, you’ll have a front-row seat, not just to the annual great migration but also to the abundant game you can see all year round,” the hotel says on its website.

Mahali Mzuri— which means “beautiful place” in Kiswahili was set up in partnership with the former chair of the Kenya Tourism Federation Jake Grieves Cook in 2007 as a way of getting closer to the wildlife and conserving the Maasai Mara. Mr Cook noted that the Mara ecosystem was in peril and the only way to save it was through development through such investments.

Mahali Mzuri charges Sh104,000 per person, per night for guests during low tourism seasons, Sh167,000 per person for peak seasons, and Sh157,000 for a tourist seeking a wilderness escape in December to early January.

A family or a group of friends can rent out all the 12 tents for Sh3.8 million during the festive season.

Game viewing is a top activity for guests. Who wouldn’t want to witness the thrill of a hunt or see a baby warthog rolling in the sand? Also make sure to head out on a local Maasai community tour or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment.

In the safari camp itself, the 12 luxury tents come complete with an ensuite bathroom, private deck and breath-taking views.

Relaxing lounge

In the centre of the 12 tents is the Main Tent. Here, at the heart of the camp, is the relaxing lounge with an open fireplace and a large decked area where breakfast and lunch are served.

Just a short distance from the main tent is a 12-metre infinity swimming pool, big enough for a leisurely swim or a refreshing dip.

Mahali Mzuri’s recognition is not surprising. Travel + Leisure names top hotels, islands, cities, cruise lines, airlines, spas, and more, based on the results of their readers’ survey. Readers rated hotels on rooms, facilities, location, service, food and value.

Nayara Tented Camp at Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica came second in the awards, followed by The Opposite House in Beijing, the Capella in Bangkok, Capella Ubud in Bali, Indonesia and Grace Hotel, and Auberge Resorts Collection in Santorini, Greece.

India had the most hotels appearing in the Top 100 ratings with a total of 12 properties.