Kirawira Camp: Our full report
Open since 1998, Kirawira Camp is part of the East African chain of Serena Hotels.
It is the smartest and smallest of their properties in northern Tanzania and is designed to be a high-end, colonial-style tented camp.The most noticeable thing about Kirawira Camp is its location. Atop a high hill, Kirawira looks down over the plains of Serengeti National Park's Western Corridor. On a clear day, the views are spectacular, and a Swarovski spotting scope in the lounge area makes game viewing possible without leaving the lodge!
Kirawira Camp faces west, and relaxing by the lodge's swimming pool, watching the sun set over the Serengeti plains, is one of the highlights of staying here.
In the main areas of Kirawira Camp a colonial-Victorian style predominates: you will find polished wooden floors, Persian rugs and leather-bound travelling cases. The floral-patterned furniture and stud-backed leather smoking chairs look as if they come straight out of an English country home and give a sense of style that is fairly unusual in a safari destination (even if the chairs are a little worn).
The main lounge is a cool, spacious room, dotted with antique-style sofas and chairs clustered round coffee tables. Old hat stands, leather trunks and antique record players add character and a style reminiscent of the Victorian era. You will also find a games cabinet here, with Scrabble, chess, backgammon and other classic games. During the day guests might want to sit out on the shaded veranda, which looks out over the plains below; there is a Swarovski spotting scope here for game viewing.
The dining room at Kirawira Camp is split between two different tented rooms, which gives the impression that the camp is smaller than it really is. White cotton tablecloths hang over solid wood tables set with silver cutlery and starched white napkins. It's simple, yet what is there is high quality. You can expect to be served tasty food by formal waiters who are well-trained in silver service. The silver cutlery is polished to a high shine, and the tablecloths are white and spotlessly clean. We found the service during meals to be friendly and of a high standard – although it did feel strange, almost 'staged', to be in a tented safari camp surrounded by attentive waiters wearing starched white uniforms.
Kirawira also has a well-stocked gift shop selling a variety of curios and gifts – like wooden carvings, jewellery and fabrics. There are also some lovely coffee table books as well as wildlife and bird books. If you have forgotten any toiletries there is also a small selection on sale here.
Down a flight of steps, on a lower level from the lounge and dining room, is Kirawira's cool and inviting swimming pool. A small waterfall from a higher plunge pool adds style to the pool area and gives it a natural-spring feel. Sunloungers sit under shades and look out across the Serengeti plains. The swimming pool is a popular place for sundowners in the evenings, when staff come down to make cocktails.
The 25 bedrooms at Kirawira are tented en-suite rooms raised on wooden platforms, each with a private veranda. The rooms are well spaced apart, and so are peaceful and quiet. Click here to read more about the tented rooms at Kirawira Tented Camp
The activities at Kirawira Camp focus on 4WD safari drives, and most travellers visit here with their own private guide and 4WD. Then you'll either head out for a full day's safari to explore deep into the park, taking a packed lunch with you; or you’ll go on a morning game drive, returning for lunch at the lodge, before going out on another drive in the late afternoon.
From May to July this camp is perfectly located for the great wildebeest migration. The plains around the camp fill with animals heading north as they prepare to cross the dry Grumeti River. For an idea of where the migration is and when, look at our moving map of the Serengeti migration.
You can also arrange to visit Lake Victoria, which is only 45km away. This day trip costs about US$100 per person. Whilst there you can also visit a local fishing village, and you’ll need to pay a small fee direct to the village to do this.
Our view
Kirawira Camp is reminiscent of the early colonial days of the explorers, with an antique style and standards of service which are very good. However as well as having 'old-world' décor by design, it was looking a little old and tired when we visited in April 2015, and we felt that Kirawira had missed the 'classic safari' look that other camps have achieved so well. Although Kirawira is a relatively small tented property, it hasn't managed to shake off the hotel nature of the 'Serena' chain – and this showed itself in the atmosphere which was quite stiff and formal at times even though the staff were friendly.
Tanzania expert
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay here for three or four nights, exploring the surrounding area with your driver and guide.
- Directions
- The lodge is approximately 14km from Grumeti airstrip. Alternatively, you may access it on a longer guided safari driving from Arusha and visiting wildlife areas such as the Ngorongoro Crater along the way.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- The food at Kirawira Camp was good when we were last there. The menu was varied and imaginative and there were plenty of options to suit different tastes.
Breakfast is a variety of continental choices such as cereals, fruit, yoghurt and fresh baked bread. There is also a full English breakfast and toast on offer.
Lunch is quite formal, with a four course meal and silver service. There is a menu card for lunch with a number of options for each course. Start your meal with a fresh salad, then for the second course there is a choice between two soups (cream of carrot soup or mutton broth soup when we last visited in 2015).
The main course has four options; red meat, chicken, vegetarian and fish. The options where all very differently cooked, the red meat was grilled beef steak, the vegetarian option was a curry, the fish was poached snapper and the chicken was roasted. There was something to suit most palettes.
Desert has three options, ranging in heaviness – when we were there we could choose between fresh fruit salad, chocolate brownies or malva pudding.
There is the option of a lighter midday meal for those not hungry enough to face all these courses!
Dinner follows the same pattern as lunch – with silver service and a four course meal, with a variety of choices for each course. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Kirawira Camp offer room service, and with some advance notice can usually do private meals on the terrace of your tent.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included in the price of the accommodation. These will be added to your bill for you to settle before you depart. The cost of a mineral water or a soda is about US$3, a beer is about US$5 and a glass of wine is about US$7.
Special interests
- Wildlife safaris
- Between May and July, the Western Corridor teems with the great wildebeest migration that is heading north across the Serengeti plains and the Grumeti River; Kirawira Camp is then a good base for exploring. At other times of year, there is some resident game in the area.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Kirawira Camp welcomes older children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Kirawira Camp has a minimum age of 7 years.
- Special activities & services
- Kirawira Camp offers child-minding is from their housekeeping team; there is no charge for this but it is customary to leave a tip. It is important to note that the 'baby sitters' are usually one of the camp staff members and not trained child minders.
- Generally recommended for children
- The camp has a selection of activities to keep children occupied when they are not out on safari activities. There is a swimming pool and a few board games. Meal times are flexible for families with young children and there is a children's menu to choose from.
- Notes
- The camp is not fenced in and so wild animals can, and sometimes do, pass through the grounds. Children must be under their parent's supervision at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is 24-hour power supply, with British style three-pin plugs, in all of the rooms which can be used for charging batteries.
- Communications
- There is free Wi-fi in the main area and by the swimming pool.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV or radio here.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Bottled water is supplied in the rooms which should be used for drinking and brushing teeth.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is usually a doctor on site, as well as a small clinic. For more serious cases Kirawira Camp has links to the flying doctors.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- There is a central safe for valuables – just hand your valuables to the manager on arrival. At night you will be escorted between your tent and the main areas, incase of wild animals in camp.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in rooms and main areas.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Hot air ballooning
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is available at an additional charge of US$1-2 per item. The lodge uses washing machines so a quick turnaround service is available on request but more usually takes about 12 hours.
- Money
- Kirawira Camp can exchange small amounts of money - USD, GBP, EUR, ZAR and Kenyan shillings can all be exchanged.
- Accepted payment on location
- Kirawira Camp accepts cash in GBP, EUR, USD and Tanzanian shillings. They also accept Visa, MasterCard and Amex credit cards; there is no additional fee for using a credit card.
Room types at Kirawira Camp
Kirawira Tent
Each of the 25 tented rooms at Kirawira are set on raised on wooden platforms. A number of stairs climb up to the platform and shaded veranda where there is a pair of director's chairs.
Inside the tent is a large four-poster bed, draped in mosquito netting. Each room has a hairdryer, 24-hour electricity and a standing fan for hot nights. There is also antique style writing desk, and hanging space for clothes. The rooms have an antique style, though they do also feel a little dated. Since our visit in April 2015, we understand that most tents have been fully refurbished.
At the back of the tent is the en-suite bathroom, which is relatively small yet quite smart. Dark polished wood and marble effect make up the surfaces of the bathroom. The newer bathrooms have twin basins whilst the original bathrooms each have a single basin. White bathrobes are provided for each guest and toiletries are included. Behind one door is a flush toilet, and then behind a curtain is a white-and-navy-tiled shower with running hot-and-cold water.
Other lodges in Serengeti Migration Area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Olakira Camp
Comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Olakira Camp moves between the Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest migration.
Nomad Serengeti Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp is a well-appointed tented camp that moves several times a year to follow the predicted path of the migration.
Dunia Camp
Dunia Camp is well located for the migration from December to March, and has excellent game viewing for the rest of the year.
Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains is one of the best camps in the Serengeti and its remoteness ensures a fantastic wildlife experience away from the crowds.
Lamai Serengeti
Set high in the kopjes with fantastic views, Lamai Serengeti offers top service and guiding and good migration sightings from Jul-Oct.
Ubuntu Camp
Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.
Kati Kati Camp
Kati Kati is a small, very simple bushcamp, which is well-positioned to explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area.
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Large and economical, but not luxurious, Ndutu Safari Lodge is well located in the southern Serengeti, so book early to get space.
Serian Serengeti
Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.
Klein's Camp
Klein's Camp, in a private area of the northern Serengeti, sets high standards. Activities include walks, nights drives and Maasai village visits.
Kimondo Camp
Kimondo Camp is based in the remote Lamai Wedge in the northern Serengeti from Jul–Oct, and on the southern Kusini plains from Nov–Mar.
Serengeti under Canvas
Two of the three Serengeti under Canvas camps move through the Serengeti National Park every few months to follow the wildebeest migration.
Grumeti River Camp
Grumeti River Camp offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with top service, first-rate food, expert guiding and an excellent location.
Lemala Kuria Hills
Lemala Kuria Hills is a luxury permanent camp that is ideally located for wildlife all year around, but especially during the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Mara-Ndutu
Lemala Mara-Ndutu is a semi-permanent camp that moves between the north and south of the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Ewanjan
Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.
Lemala Nanyukie
Lemala Nanyukie is a comfortable and stylish tented camp that opened in 2018 in the central Serengeti.
Kubu Kubu
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
The large Lobo Wildlife Lodge has simple, functional rooms in a stunning location. It's a good base for exploring the north-eastern Serengeti.
Mbalageti Lodge
Mbalageti is a well-run lodge in a quiet part of the Serengeti's western corridor – an ideal location during the Apr-Jun migration.
Serengeti Walking Mobile
This fairly simple camp offers only walking activities, but it's very well done and combines well with more conventional camps or lodges.
Serengeti Serena
The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large, hotel-style lodge and a good family-friendly base from which to explore the central Serengeti.
Kusini Camp
Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west Serengeti.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel offering good-value accommodation in the central Serengeti, with lovely views of the plains.
Migration Camp
Serengeti Migration Camp is a smart tented camp, good for the wildebeest migration from Jul–Aug, or to explore the Lobo Kopjes any time.
Sasakwa Lodge
On a hill looking over the Serengeti plains, Sasakwa Lodge is grand, luxurious safari camp, one of the most opulent properties in Tanzania.
Faru Faru Lodge
On the north bank of the Grumeti River, Faru Faru is a small, chic hideaway in this exclusive corner of the Serengeti.
Mkombe's House Lamai
Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti Green Camp
Serengeti Green Camp is a comfortable camping experience, in your own private safari camp and at the heart of a great wildlife area.
Singita Mara River
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.
Kirurumu Migration Camp
Kirurumu is a rustic tented camp which moves around the Serengeti twice a year to follow the wildebeest migration.
Sabora Tented Camp
Sabora Tented Camp is a smart tented camp – one of the most luxurious, professional and stylish properties to be found in Tanzania.
Olmara Camp
With just eight guest tents, including two family tents and three signature stargazer tents, Olmara is a simple, family-friendly camp with a wonderfully attentive team. The camp captures an authentic bush experience, welcoming travellers of every kind.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Seronera Wildlife Lodge is large hotel-style safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, offering good value and a great location.
Mara Mara
Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.
Nimali Mara
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
Esirai Migration Camp
A season migration camp, with only 8 tents and 1 family tent and plenty of character. Esirai is ideally placed for excellent wildlife and enjoys a simplistic and comfortable under-canvas experience.
Four Seasons Serengeti
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only hotel in the Serengeti offering international facilities such as a gym, spa and children’s club.
Ndutu Kati Kati
Ndutu Kati Kati is a seasonal tented camp, based in the southern Serenget from Dec-Mar, ideal for the migration as it passes through.
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.
Olduvai Camp
Olduvai Camp lies between Ngorongoro and the southern Serengeti plains. It's a good base for the southern plains during the rainy season.
Mwiba Lodge
Mwiba Lodge is a luxurious property located on a private concession on the edge of the southern Serengeti.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a luxurious tented camp in the central Serengeti, styled on African explorers' camps of the early 20th century.
Taasa Lodge
Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.
Mara Kati Kati
Mara Kati Kati is a simple bush camp in the northern Serengeti, based from Jul-Oct near the Mara River for the wildebeest migration.
Nimali Serengeti
Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.
