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.
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.
- Accommodation
- 25 tented rooms
- Children
- Best for 12+
- Open
- All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Hot air ballooning
Kirawira Camp: Full Report
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Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 15 pictures of Kirawira Camp to get the candid view.
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Kirawira Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kirawira Camp.
When to go to Serengeti Migration Area
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kirawira Camp in Serengeti Migration Area
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Tanzania in January
January usually marks the start of the short dry season, although the exact timings of this are a little unpredictable. You can expect clear blue skies and sunshine, if the short rains have stopped, and the temperatures will be building. The short dry season is a little less pronounced in Southern Tanzania, and so it can still be wet in these areas. It is an interesting time for avians as resident birds go into breeding plumage and migrant species can be present.
Once the New Year busy period has quietened down, January can offer great value and quieter parks, although the weather can be variable, and in the Selous and Ruaha the wildlife is more dispersed.
- Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
- Occasional thunderstorms may occur.
- A good time of year for birding as and many migrant species are around
- The wildebeest migration is gathering in the southern Serengeti.
- Busy in early January, quietening down through the month.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Tanzania in February
February is during the short dry season and is one of the hottest months in Tanzania, with temperatures reaching around 33°Celsius. This can be a good time to visit, as some areas of the Northern Circuit are comparatively quieter than during the European summer months, and lodge rates are also a little lower.
The wildebeest will typically be on the southern plains of the Serengeti for their calving season, which tends to occur in a 2-3 week window in early-mid February – although this does vary year on year. This is also a particularly rewarding time for birdlife, as northern hemisphere migrants join the resident species.
- Hot and dry weather.
- Wildebeest migration calving on Serengeti’s southern plains.
- Ngorongoro Crater and southern Serengeti busy for the migration.
- Selous and Ruaha are typically quiet at this time.
- The parks are likely to be lush and green, leading to pretty landscape
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Tanzania in March
The heavier ‘long rains’ start in earnest in March although exactly when varies year on year. With no need to stay close to permanent water sources, migratory wildlife disperses, and so game viewing starts to become more challenging. This is most prominently seen in Tarangire National Park. The wildebeest migration may still be calving, or have moved on into the central regions of the Serengeti.
Many of the camps in the southern parks close mid March and mobile tented camps in the Serengeti will wind down towards the end of the month in order to move location or carry out refurbishments, ready for the new tourist season.
- Hot with building humidity, before the rains begin at some point.
- Wildlife viewing is variable depending on the start of the rains.
- Parks are quiet and rates are low.
- Not great for southern or western Tanzania.
- March can be a good time for birding, with many migrant species.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Tanzania in April
April is in the middle of the long rainy season and is the wettest month, with on average 250mm of rain. Temperatures are fairly high and humid in comparison to the rest of the year. Expect the bush to be lush and flowering, and alive with insects, birds and smaller animals. It is however also dense, allowing wildlife to hide, which in turn makes game viewing harder. This is a very quiet time in terms of visitor numbers.
Many of the tented camps are closed in April, however the larger lodges remain open. The rates are significantly cheaper, and so if you are willing to work harder to spot the bigger game, some accommodation bargains can be had.
- Heavy rain expected, with impressive thunderstorms and lightning.
- Many camps closed and roads impassable due to ground conditions.
- Rates are at their lowest all year round, with very few other tourists
- Places that are open are green and vibrant, wildlife more dispersed.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Tanzania in May
As Tanzania is close to the equator there is no dramatic difference in climate throughout the year, but temperatures do start to drop a little in May. The rains are likely to still be present, although potentially clearing towards the end of the month. Visitor numbers and lodge rates are still low. The wildebeest migration is making its way through the western regions of the Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River.
Virtually all camps in southern Tanzania remain closed, and many of the roads and tracks in the Selous become impassable.
- Heavy rains and storms are likely, this can create some dramatic skies
- Blissfully quiet in northern Tanzania, and a good time to avoid crowds
- The parks are likely to look lush and green, with long grass.
- Wildlife is likely to be more dispersed, with fewer sightings.
- The low prices make safaris much more affordable at this time.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in May
Tanzania in June
The rains come to an end at some point during the month and migratory wildlife begins to be drawn back to perennial water sources as the land starts to dry up. It’s likely that the parks will still be quite green and the grass high though, so walking and fly-camping may be unlikely. This marks the start of the season with camps reopening, but prices are still more affordable than the subsequent months.
The migration may still be in the Western Corridor, or on the move northwards towards the Mara River. Western Tanzania presents more challenging conditions for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale National Park, as the chimps are higher in the mountains.
- Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
- A transitory time for the migration – moving from west to north.
- The parks may still be quite green, and grasses high.
- Wildlife may be dispersed still.
- Relatively low visitor numbers and good value, shoulder season prices.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Tanzania in July
July is considered to be the start of the peak season, with no rainfall expected and pleasant daytime temperatures. As the parks dry, the wildlife congregates in fewer areas, grass is eaten and trampled by the migration, and game viewing gets better and better. The wildebeest are typically arriving in the northern Serengeti, ready to begin their period of crossings of the Mara River.
In the Selous and Ruaha wildlife sightings can be fantastic, with animals gathering around the lakes and rivers. Great conditions and school holidays mean the parks are at their busiest, with Ngorongoro and the Serengeti particularly crowded.
- Dry and warm daytimes, chilly and windy in the mornings and evenings.
- Great wildlife viewing, as water sources diminish.
- The most popular time of year with very high visitor numbers.
- Prices are at their highest due to the great conditions on the ground.
- To avoid the crowds consider Tanzania’s southern parks.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Tanzania in August
August is the middle of the long dry season, with clear skies and sunny weather. You can expect some cooler weather at night and first thing in the morning. Remember to pack layered clothing, so you can wrap up warm on your early morning game drives, but remain comfortable as it heats up throughout the day.
August is a very popular time to visit, so accommodation prices are at their highest and advanced booking is necessary. It can get noticeably busier in some of the northern parks – in particular the Ngorongoro Crater and northern Serengeti, as visitors flock to the area in hope of witnessing an exciting migration river crossing.
- Dry and warm daytimes, chilly in the early mornings and evenings.
- General wildlife viewing should be excellent.
- An exciting time of year for the wildebeest migration.
- Certain areas will be very busy and camps fill up fast.
- Great wildlife sightings in the Selous and Ruaha, and fewer people.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Tanzania in September
September can be an excellent time of year to visit Tanzania. As the parks continue to dry up the wildlife becomes increasingly reliant on the remaining water sources, leading to high densities of animals. Whilst early September can be busy, with fewer families traveling at this time the parks typically become quieter as the month goes on.
You are still likely to see the wildebeest migration in the northern Serengeti, with river crossings occurring on a regular basis. Tanzania’s southern parks are also fantastic at this time of year, generally receiving far fewer visitors than the north, and wildlife sightings can be great. Prices remain high and the weather generally remains good.
- Wildlife viewing in September can be fantastic.
- Whilst still fairly busy, often the parks are typically a little quiet
- The parks will start to become very dry, with little new vegetation
- Cooler mornings and evenings, warming up during the day.
- Prices remain high.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Tanzania in October
At the tail end of the dry season, the wildlife should be the easiest to spot, although photographers should be aware that it can be a bit dusty at this time of year, as there has been no rain for several months. Great general wildlife viewing throughout as animals are attracted to remaining sources of water. Elephant numbers are particularly high at this time in Tarangire, and Mahale and Katavi are especially rewarding with frequent wildlife sightings close to camp.
There is a chance of rainfall towards the end of the month, if the short rains commence. While prices remain high, visitors numbers are significantly lower than in July-August.
- Mostly dry and temperatures comfortably warm, with the chance of storm
- Great game viewing although the landscape can be a bit barren.
- Much lower visitor numbers than the earlier months.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Tanzania in November
In November you can expect the start of the short rains, although the start date varies every year. The rains are highly localised, and are much lighter and more unpredictable than the long rains that occur earlier in the year. These should not really interfere with your safari – as the game viewing at this time is still good - but you should pack a waterproof jacket and be prepared for some short rain showers!
The majority of tented camps remain open, but some of the mobile camps in Northern Tanzania will close for the latter half on the month. Given the seasonality, camps are charging shoulder season rates so there are often some bargains to be had. Early November can offer great value for money and the weather conditions are likely to be comparable to late October.
- Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
- Parks are comparatively quiet and prices at the lower end.
- Some camps will close towards the end of the month for maintenance.
- Good wildlife sightings, but animals will disperse when rain starts
- The wildebeest migration is on the move and the location unpredictable
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Tanzania in December
December is also during the short rainy period, but this does not stop Tanzania being a popular destination to spend the festive period. Be aware that many of the lodges book up early, and charge peak rates over this time. Advanced booking is essential over this period, especially if travelling in larger family groups.
Travelling in December outside of the festive period allows travellers to make use of excellent shoulder season rates. Temperatures are pleasant with the averages of 27Celsius, although there is the chance of intermittent thunderstorms.
- Variable weather:clear & dry or cloudy with some rain and thunderstorm
- Good general game viewing in parks with low seasonality - Serengeti.
- Very quiet early in the month, becoming exceptionally busy.
- Prices reflect this – great value rising to the highest they are.
- The wildlife in southern Tanzania is more dispersed.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
Other areas in Tanzania
Tanzania fact file
Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Kirawira Camp
How to get to and within the country
Attitudes, the law & our experiences
Safari with a private guide in your own 4WD
Info to maximise the experience
Essential travel information
Expectations & guidelines for tipping
The best time to visit Tanzania
Excursions from Kirawira Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Kirawira Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Three hours - approx. one hour flight
As the sun rises over the Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania, climb aboard for an extraordinary adventure. For an hour you’ll float in a hot air balloon over beautiful savannah and woodland and a diversity of plains wildlife.
More about Balloon Safari
100%(17 reviews)
Other lodges in Serengeti Migration Area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Olakira Camp moves between the Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
96%(73 reviews)
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest migration.
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Serengeti Safari Camp is a well-appointed tented camp that moves several times a year to follow the predicted path of the migration.
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Dunia Camp is well located for the migration from December to March, and has excellent game viewing for the rest of the year.
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Namiri Plains is one of the best camps in the Serengeti and its remoteness ensures a fantastic wildlife experience away from the crowds.
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Set high in the kopjes with fantastic views, Lamai Serengeti offers top service and guiding and good migration sightings from Jul-Oct.
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Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.
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Kati Kati is a small, very simple bushcamp, which is well-positioned to explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area.
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Large and economical, but not luxurious, Ndutu Safari Lodge is well located in the southern Serengeti, so book early to get space.
91%(15 reviews)
Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.
92%(13 reviews)
Klein's Camp, in a private area of the northern Serengeti, sets high standards. Activities include walks, nights drives and Maasai village visits.
98%(12 reviews)
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.
98%(11 reviews)
Two of the three Serengeti under Canvas camps move through the Serengeti National Park every few months to follow the wildebeest migration.
98%(11 reviews)
Grumeti River Camp offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with top service, first-rate food, expert guiding and an excellent location.
93%(9 reviews)
Lemala Kuria Hills is a luxury permanent camp that is ideally located for wildlife all year around, but especially during the wildebeest migration.
100%(8 reviews)
Lemala Mara-Ndutu is a semi-permanent camp that moves between the north and south of the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.
100%(7 reviews)
Lemala Nanyukie is a stylish camp located in the quieter part of the central Serengeti.
100%(6 reviews)
Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.
97%(6 reviews)
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
100%(5 reviews)
The large Lobo Wildlife Lodge has simple, functional rooms in a stunning location. It's a good base for exploring the north-eastern Serengeti.
72%(5 reviews)
Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west Serengeti.
65%(4 reviews)
Mbalageti is a well-run lodge in a quiet part of the Serengeti's western corridor – an ideal location during the Apr-Jun migration.
93%(3 reviews)
The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large, hotel-style lodge and a good family-friendly base from which to explore the central Serengeti.
90%(4 reviews)
This fairly simple camp offers only walking activities, but it's very well done and combines well with more conventional camps or lodges.
85%(4 reviews)
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel offering good-value accommodation in the central Serengeti, with lovely views of the plains.
100%(3 reviews)
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.
87%(3 reviews)
Serengeti Green Camp is a comfortable camping experience, in your own private safari camp and at the heart of a great wildlife area.
93%(3 reviews)
Serengeti Migration Camp is a smart tented camp, good for the wildebeest migration from Jul–Aug, or to explore the Lobo Kopjes any time.
93%(3 reviews)
Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.
100%(3 reviews)
On the north bank of the Grumeti River, Faru Faru is a small, chic hideaway in this exclusive corner of the Serengeti.
100%(3 reviews)
On a hill looking over the Serengeti plains, Sasakwa Lodge is grand, luxurious safari camp, one of the most opulent properties in Tanzania.
100%(3 reviews)
Kirurumu is a rustic tented camp which moves around the Serengeti twice a year to follow the wildebeest migration.
100%(2 reviews)
Sabora Tented Camp is a smart tented camp – one of the most luxurious, professional and stylish properties to be found in Tanzania.
100%(2 reviews)
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.
100%(2 reviews)
Ndutu Kati Kati is a seasonal tented camp, based in the southern Serenget from Dec-Mar, ideal for the migration as it passes through.
80%(1 review)
Olduvai Camp lies between Ngorongoro and the southern Serengeti plains. It's a good base for the southern plains during the rainy season.
60%(1 review)
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
100%(1 review)
Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.
100%(1 review)
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.
80%(1 review)
Mwiba Lodge is a luxurious property located on a private concession on the edge of the southern Serengeti.
100%(1 review)
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
100%(1 review)
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only hotel in the Serengeti offering international facilities such as a gym, spa and children’s club.
100%(1 review)
Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.
100%(1 review)
Seronera Wildlife Lodge is large hotel-style safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, offering good value and a great location.
80%(1 review)
Mara Kati Kati is a simple bush camp in the northern Serengeti, based from Jul-Oct near the Mara River for the wildebeest migration.
No reviews yet
Naona Camp is a small tented camp, located in the Moru Kopjes, west of the Serengeti central area
No reviews yet
Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.
No reviews yet
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a luxurious tented camp in the central Serengeti, styled on African explorers' camps of the early 20th century.
No reviews yet
Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.
No reviews yet
Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
No reviews yet
Nomad Expeditionary Walking Camp is a simple camp of up to three tents, plus infrastructure, that changes location to allow guests to do substantial walks between campsites.
No reviews yet
