Kirawira Camp

Situated in the Western Serengeti National Park, 95 km from the Seronera valley, away from the bustle of the main tourist routes. From this oasis of sophistication, you can survey the endless vista of the Western Serengeti and its teeming wildlife, a cooling drink in hand, served by the attentive staff.

This luxury-tented camp is a stylish evocation of the Victorian colonial period. Guests have all the comforts that colonial travellers would have taken on safari, supplemented by more modern luxuries. Located on one of the Kirawira range of hills in the western corridor of the Serengeti, the 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 harmonise with the natural surroundings whilst offering the highest standards of comfort and service. 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 travelling trunk. A dish of delicious treats awaits the weary traveller - 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! 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 favourite 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 flavours predominate yet are never overpowering.