Kirawira Tented Lodge

Experience the "Grand Safari" era at Kirawira Tented Lodge. A member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this hilltop sanctuary offers Edwardian elegance, white-glove service, and a front-row seat to the Great Migration in the remote Western Corridor.

Details

Kirawira Tented Lodge is a masterpiece of “posh but not pretentious” luxury. Perched loftily on a hilltop, this canvas-draped oasis offers a striking paradox: the sophisticated refinement of a bygone era set against the raw, untamed wilderness of the Western Serengeti.

The atmosphere is one of Edwardian opulence—think mahogany bars, jewel-hued Persian rugs, and stained glass, all seamlessly blended with native wood and African art. From the moment you are greeted with a cold drink and a hot towel to the evenings spent around a blazing campfire under a canopy of stars, the service here is designed to make every guest feel like royalty.

The Western Gateway

Kirawira is tactically situated in the Western Corridor, just 20 miles from Lake Victoria and south of the Grumeti River. This is one of the Serengeti’s most remote regions, offering a sense of seclusion that few other lodges can match.

The Tactical Advantage:

The Migration Front Seat: In May and June, Kirawira provides a “thunderous theatre” as the million-strong wildebeest migration pours through the corridor.
Exclusive Species: This is the only region in the Serengeti where you can find the beautiful Black and White Colobus Monkey, often seen in the riverine forests nearby.

The Wild West

The lodge’s hilltop position provides effortless access to the Western Corridor’s most legendary wildlife circuits:

Ruwana Plains: These plains offer the premier predator viewing in the Western Serengeti. Home to two resident lion prides and frequent cheetah sightings, the area is dominated by several large clans of spotted hyena. The Ruwana Waterhole is a particularly unique spot to witness intense hunting interactions between lions and hyenas, especially during the dry season.
Lower Grumeti Woodlands: This region hosts one of Africa’s most amazing wildlife spectacles. The centerpiece is the Grumeti River, where thousands of wildebeest take a cold plunge to cross its glittering waters.
The River Giants: The Grumeti is world-renowned for its population of prehistoric Nile crocodiles. Some of these monsters reach up to 17 feet in length and are over 70 years old.
Riparian Forests: The lush forests shading the river banks provide a cool sanctuary for the Colobus monkey and various primate species, offering a stark contrast to the open plains.

Luxury Cabins Under Canvas

The lodge features 25 luxurious tents elevated on wooden stilts. Each tent is spaced roughly 50 feet apart along bricked pathways to ensure total privacy.

The Guest Experience:

The View: Tents 1–15 are situated higher on the hill for sweeping panoramic views, while Tents 16–25 offer a closer “bush feel.” All feature private verandas with tables, chairs, and hammocks.
Grand Safari Decor: Interiors feature four-poster beds with handmade patchwork quilts, brass lamps, and mahogany writing desks.
Mahogany Bathrooms: To the rear is an elegant ensuite with marble twin washstands, polished brass fittings, a tiled shower, and a separate toilet compartment.
Modern Refinement: Kirawira runs a 24-hour generator, providing constant electricity for lighting, hair dryers, and charging camera gear.

A Culinary Theater

Dining at Kirawira is an exquisite affair, characterized by starched napery, delicate blue china, and weighty silver.

Signature Service: Staff donning traditional white Swahili robes and turbans provide impeccable “white-glove” service.
Gourmet Menus: Five-course dinners feature a blend of local flavors and Western favorites. The lodge is particularly famous for its breakfast pancakes and creative sundowner cocktails.
The “Muffin Service”: Wake-up calls include hot coffee and fresh muffins delivered to your balcony. Keep an eye out for Henry, the resident genet cat, who is known to sneak a muffin from the veranda!

Small Luxury Hotels Member: One of the most prestigious accolades for boutique luxury.
Infinity Pool: An immaculate cooling retreat with views over the Acacia groves.
Private Valet: Every tent is assigned a personal valet to ensure your needs are met 24/7.
Lake Victoria Access: The lodge can arrange unique tours to the nearby shores of Africa’s largest lake.
Wellness in the Wild: Relaxing aromatherapy massages and beauty treatments are available.
Escorted Safety: For total peace of mind, guests are escorted to and from their tents at night by staff members.

Nearby Attractions

Seasonal Highlights

Month	Season	Weather	Wildlife Sightings	Rec.
Jan	Green Season	60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers	- - - - -	No
Feb	Green Season	60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers	- - - - -	No
Mar	Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	- - - - -	No
Apr	Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	- - - - -	No
May	Northward Migration	56 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Possibility of the Wildebeest Migration in mid to late May, Giraffe, Impala, Crocodile, Hippo	Yes
Jun	Beginning of Dry Season	56 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Wildebeest Migration, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Crocodile, Hippo	Yes
Jul	Dry Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny	Wildebeest Migration, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Crocodile, Hippo	Yes
Aug	Dry Season	55 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Giraffe, Impala, Hippo, Resident Wildebeest and Zebra	Yes
Sep	Dry Season	55 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Giraffe, Impala, Hippo, Resident Wildebeest and Zebra	Yes
Oct	Dry Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny	Giraffe, Impala, Hippo, Resident Wildebeest and Zebra	Yes
Nov	Southward Migration	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Hippo, Resident Wildebeest and Zebra, and Possibility of the Wildebeest Migration	Yes
Dec	Beginning of Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	- - - - -	No