Located on one of the Kirawira range of hills in the western corridor of the Serengeti, Kirawira Camp overlooks, in the near distance, the famous Grumeti River with its giant crocodiles and, some distance beyond, Speke’s Bay, a part of Lake Victoria. The camp is all canvas and is almost invisible from afar. It is designed and sited to harmonize with the natural surroundings whilst offering the highest standards of comfort and service. The Serengeti is also deservedly famous for its lions and boasts over five hundred species of birds. The camp has strategically placed birdbaths dotted around which were, in earlier times, grindstones once used by local inhabitants. Kirawira provides a tranquil environment from which to enjoy the African scenery and wildlife.
This luxury-tented camp is a stylish evocation of the Victorian colonial period. Guests have all the comforts that colonial travelers would have taken on safari, supplemented by more modern luxuries. A covered terrace flanks the main lounge and frames vistas across the plains to the misty-blue Bunda Hills rising in the distance. A thoughtfully placed telescope allows you to pick out minute detail. Here you may take afternoon tea, served from a silver teapot. This is also a favorite spot in which to take a sundowner. Kirawira serves a potent cocktail called the “paralytic weaver”. The second part of the name refers to the little birds that weave their straw nests in the trees around the camp, the first part is self-explanatory! Dinner is served in the dining tent, where white napery, crystal and porcelain recall colonial dinner parties. Waiters wearing the khanzu – a long white tunic – will serve the high quality cuisine in which East African flavors predominate yet are never overpowering.
At Kirawira Camp, twenty-five double tents on platforms have either twin or king-sized beds, mosquito netted and covered in bright patchwork covers. The en-suite bathroom contains a generous selection of Floris goodies including blissful aromatherapy oils, a robe and large, soft white towels. The wardrobe is leather cornered and studded just like a colonial traveling trunk. A dish of delicious treats awaits the weary traveler – fresh fruit, chocolate, sweetmeats and nuts tempt the palate. A large tented veranda allows you to gaze at the lovely views as you sip your drink and think about the Empire!
