Serengeti Spirits is a small, family-owned business founded by Alex and his wife, Halima. The couple was inspired to start their venture following the birth of their first child, Malaika-Salama, blending their British and East African heritage to create a unique range of spirits. The company is driven by a passion for producing distinctive products, and they are delighted to share their creations with their customers.
The signature range from Serengeti Spirits draws inspiration from the captivating wildlife of the Serengeti National Park, with products that are complemented by tropical fruits and flavourings from Tanzania and Zanzibar Island. The ingredients, bottles, and packaging for their products are sourced globally, culminating in a range of high-quality spirits. Their Gin, for instance, is infused with 14 botanicals, and all products are made in small batches and prepared by hand. The bespoke top figure stoppers of their bottles are individually hand-painted, showcasing the brand’s commitment to delivering a premium product.
The brand’s logo and its inaugural product focus on the giraffe, a choice made for several symbolic reasons. The giraffe was part of the flag of Tanganyika, the name of Tanzania, before it gained independence from the British Empire. Even after independence and the subsequent change of the country's flag, the Masai giraffe remained a national symbol. Additionally, the giraffe holds significance in Chinese culture, where it is seen as a Qilin, an auspicious creature symbolising luck, prosperity, and success, aligning with the company's aspirations to target the Asian market following their launch in the UK and Tanzania.
Serengeti Spirits operates from a converted barn at an old country house, serving as their micro-distillery. Though the site may not be grand in size, it is fully equipped with new stainless-steel equipment and features decor in the brand colours of sunset orange and midnight black. The facility has recently received a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 (Very Good) by West Northamptonshire, showcasing their commitment to quality.
The ultimate vision for Serengeti Spirits is to create an immersive experience for their customers, with an extensive range of animal-themed bottles and an array of tropical fruit flavours. They dream of becoming a globally recognised craft spirit brand, with their products available in bars and clubs worldwide. The couple envisions their customers enjoying their products in a Serengeti-themed cocktail bar, surrounded by friends and family, creating unforgettable memories.