The most
exclusive of the Serena Group’s many Safari venues, the
exquisite Kirawira tented camp is the epitome of classic
safari camp luxury and a member of the Small Luxury Hotels
of the World group. Standing high on the bluff of a
bush-cloaked ridge, commanding panoramic views over the
endlessly rolling reaches and volcanic reefs of the
Serengeti National Park, Kirawira Camp is the epitome of
colonially-styled safari luxury.
Designed in typically Edwardian style, it features an
elegant central meeting tent evocatively furnished with a
tasteful selection of chintz-covered chaises longues,
jewel-hued Persian rugs, antique escritoires, wind-up
phonograms, leather-bound travelling cases, brass shooting
sticks, carved rocking chairs, and stud-backed smoking
chairs. The tent also incorporates a stained-glass and
mahogany Edwardian bar and a stone flagged, khaki-and-canvas
‘Sun downer’ terrace looking out over gently sloping acacia
groves towards the lilac-grey hills and lion-gold plains of
the Serengeti’s Western Corridor, scene of the thunderous
theatre of the million-strong wildebeest migration. As for
camp views, from lilac-streaked sunrise to diamond-domed
night, the searingly sensational Serengeti delivers a series
of timeless volcanic vistas that are second to none.
ACCOMMODATION
The essentially colonial ambiance of the tented-rooms evokes
colourful memories of the famous safaris of days gone by,
when such romantic figures as Teddy Roosevelt and Edward,
Prince of Wales indulged in lavish East African shooting
safaris of unrivalled elegance. Each room has a personal
valet and has been accommodated in a spacious canvas tent,
erected on raised platforms of rope-lashed logs and
sheltered by a bush-thatch roof.
The décor is a clever blend of classic opulence and camp
practicality featuring generous four-poster beds, hand-made
patchwork quilts, steamer-trunk wardrobes, brass lamps,
sepia photographs and rosewood escritoires, whilst to the
rear of each tent is an elegant mahogany-panelled bathroom
with twin marble washstands, polished brass fittings and
classic black-and-white tiled Edwardian shower and lavatory.
RESTAURANT AND BAR
In keeping with the theme of colonial opulence, the elegant
dining tents feature Edwardian-styled dining furniture,
sprung floors, crisp-starched napery, delicate blue and
white china and weighty silver accoutrements, whilst the
staff are attired in classical colonial ‘mess’ uniform of
white Swahili robes and turbans.
The extensive menus, meanwhile, feature full English
breakfasts and five-course luncheons and suppers comprising
delicate soups, lavish roasts, classic salads, home-made
sorbets, local cheese boards and fresh-brewed Arabica
coffee, whilst the extensive wine cellar reflects the best
of both European and South African choices.