Last Word Kitara is in the Klaserie Private Game Reserve. This was the first time for any of us in the Klaserie and we were excited to see if the terrain was very different to what we had experienced previously. It most certainly is. Rocky outcrops are everywhere, which whilst beautiful, did make for some really bouncy game drives. A word of advice – don’t sit at the back of the vehicle; you will feel the terrain way more and it’s not always pleasant. The Klaserie is very remote and the Kitara Camp itself seems far removed from literally everything – this is a place to completely remove oneself from the world and really be alone.
The actual Kitara Camp welcome was gracious and warm and right from the get-go nothing seemed to be too much trouble. It was very clear that the staff all really get on with one another and this familial relationship was very embracing. Kitara manages that special experience where, as a guest, you really do feel like every moment has been tailored specifically for you.
The lodge is gorgeous, and mostly constructed from natural stone. It is set quite high up alongside a small river, which whilst we were there was flowing beautifully. The hight from the river makes for great game viewing from the camp itself, and we had wonderful buffalo and hippo and giraffe sightings.
There is a communal infinity swimming pool which quickly became our favourite place at the lodge. Kitara in summer is very warm and the pool provided the perfect place to cool down. Unlike many of the camps we have stayed at, Kitara does not have private pools at the rooms. As woman traveling alone, this is normally a downside; however Kitara never felt very busy and privacy was not a problem.
The lodge, and most especially the rooms are very boutique. Fabrics and materials were obviously chosen with tremendous care and consideration. Every single piece was stunning and made complete sense in the environment. Our room had the most special outdoor shower. It led off from our patio and was constructed from the same natural stone as the lodge. We loved it. We also enjoyed our patio both in the morning for a quiet coffee, as a peaceful place to stretch and meditate, and of course for our own afternoon wine and cheese board party.
Sundowners are an integral part of safari excursions, and both of our days were uniquely exciting. On the first day we were driven high onto a hill with a beautiful vista of the river where we were able to take in a truly painted African sunset and take some photos with the beauty of the landscape. On our second day we were taken to a wilder boma setting, completely in the wild, where tables and chairs were setup.
The food at Kitara is a highlight. Our dinners were especially wonderful with food that was magnificent but still approachable. Depending on the evening, the food is either a plated set-menu, or a buffet style traditional boma dinner. On one of the evenings, we returned to our bed, to find two little crème brule’s laid out for us with a little note – which we loved. We felt that could have happily stayed an extra day at this luxurious African outpost.
