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Kirawira Camp
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.
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.
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.
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