Roorkhee Safari Chair
Origin of the Roorkhee Chair
The Roorkhee chair (sometimes called the Roorkee chair) was originally designed as a British Army campaign chair. It was first built in the town of Roorkhee in the foothills of the Himalayas by an unknown artisan working for the Indian Army Corps of Engineers, then part of the British Army. In 1899, the British Army faced an entirely new type of enemy. The Boer War in South Africa changed warfare forever. The enemy was tough, mounted guerillas with exceptional shooting skills who outmatched the British at every turn. The over-designed campaign furniture of the Victorian Era was unpractical for the new hit-and-run tactics which demanded something lighter and more versatile. The Roorkhee Campaign Chair fitted the bill perfectly. Light, practical, and easy to disassemble for travel yet still robust enough to stand rough treatment. The design also had the advantage of allowing the chair to adjust to uneven ground.
In 1933 Kaare Klint, considered by many to be the father of modern Danish design, came across the Roorkhee chair while on safari in Africa. He re-invented the Roorkhee campaign chair and called it the Safari Chair. Ironically, it then became an iconic example of Danish Modern design.
The Rookhee Safari Chair Design
We have adapted the original design of the Roorkhee Chair to beef up the timber sections and give a wider, more comfortable seat and backrest. The backrest swivels flawlessly on purpose-designed and commissioned solid brass bolts that add real class to the chairs. Solid brass buttons hold the harness leather armrests in place. Brass nameplates hold the rear of the armrest to the rear leg.
Crafted from durable materials like wood and leather, the Roorkhee Chair is designed to last for years to come. Its simple yet elegant design is perfect for any setting, from your living room to your patio. And with its compact size and lightweight construction, it’s easy to move and store when not in use.
The Roorkhee Safari Chair is made to order by The African Touch for clients in Southern Africa and internationally. It is well suited to hospitality projects, safari lodge refurbishments, private homes, trophy rooms, 4×4 expeditions and outdoor seating areas where authenticity, portability and comfort matter. A canvas carry bag is available as an optional extra for clients who want to use the chair as true expedition furniture. Recommended weight limit: 120 kg. As with all fine wooden chairs, it should not be rocked backwards on the rear legs.
Cover Choices
- Full-thickness pure veg-tanned bovine harness leather hand-stitched and riveted for exceptional comfort and durability.
- Double padded Canvas in Karoo khaki, sand or grey.
- Karoo Khaki canvas with built in cushion
Best Suited For
- Safari lodges, luxury tented camps and bush camps needing authentic campaign-style seating.
- Boma areas, campfire settings, decks, patios, stoep seating and covered verandas.
- Boutique hotels, guest suites and lodge lounges with African safari style or Safari Chic interiors.
- Interior designers, architects, decorators and project specifiers sourcing handcrafted lodge furniture.
- Private safari homes, trophy rooms, reading corners, outdoor-living areas and expedition-inspired interiors.
- 4×4 owners, travellers and safari enthusiasts who want a portable chair with genuine campaign furniture heritage.
- Procurement teams and logistics partners sourcing made-to-order safari furniture for hospitality projects.
What is the Roorkhee Safari Chair best used for?
The Roorkhee Safari Chair is best used as portable, comfortable campaign-style seating for safari lodges, luxury tented camps, boma areas, verandas, expedition travel and private safari homes. Its disassemblable design, African mahogany frame, solid brass fittings and leather or canvas covers make it practical outdoors and refined enough for lodge interiors.
One thing we have noticed is that the Roorkhee chair is very comfortable to read a book in – the leather armrests adjust to the perfect angle to hold your elbows as you hold the book!
The Roorkhee Chair is often accompanied by the Expedition Folding Table.
How to Choose the Right Safari Chair
A well-made safari chair should suit the setting, carry the correct visual language, offer comfort in real use and withstand the practical demands of hospitality or outdoor living.
For buyers comparing options, the Roorkhee Safari Chair is the more portable, heritage-led and expedition-inspired choice. For dining areas or classic lodge seating where a folding director’s chair is preferred, explore The African Touch Safari Chairs collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roorkhee Safari Chair suitable for safari lodges and camps?
Yes. The Roorkhee Safari Chair is well suited to safari lodges, luxury tented camps, boma areas, verandas and guest suites. Its portable campaign-style design, comfortable seat and ability to settle on uneven ground make it useful in safari environments.
What materials are used in the Roorkhee Safari Chair?
The chair is made from hand-turned African mahogany with solid brass fittings. Cover options include full veg-tanned bovine harness leather, double-padded canvas, Karoo Khaki canvas with a built-in cushion, and selected canvas-and-leather combinations.
Can the Roorkhee Safari Chair be used outdoors?
Yes, it can be used outdoors or in covered outdoor areas. For long-term use, avoid leaving the chair exposed to harsh direct sunlight, standing water or prolonged wet weather.
Does the Roorkhee Safari Chair fold or pack down for travel?
The Roorkhee Safari Chair is designed to disassemble without tools using leather belts and straps. It can be packed down for transport or storage, and a canvas carry bag is available as an optional extra on request.
Which cover option is best for a lodge project?
Harness leather creates a classic, refined campaign furniture look. Canvas is practical and comfortable for relaxed lodge settings.
Can interior designers and procurement teams order Roorkhee chairs in project quantities?
Yes. The African Touch works with interior designers, architects, decorators, lodge owners, group procurement teams and trade partners. Professional designers, decorators and qualifying project buyers can enquire through the Trade Partners page.
Does The African Touch ship the Roorkhee Safari Chair internationally?
Yes. The African Touch supplies clients across Southern Africa and internationally. Delivery options can be discussed at via email before quoting. We can sea or air freight depending on the order size and destination.
Please contact us for a custom African Touch for your home.
| Weight | 8 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 68 × 21 × 21 cm |
| Seat сovers | Canvas double padded grey, Canvas double padded Karoo Khaki, Canvas Double Padded sand, Canvas Karoo Khaki Cushion Seat, Green Capri Canvas & Tan Leather Combo, Ripstop Double Padded Safari Green, Ripstop Double Padded Sand, Safari Harness Leather – Dark Brown |
AH –
Dear Gift,
Just wanted to let you know that our chairs arrived in good order. The assembly instructions were clear enough that even I could follow them so the chairs are now positioned properly before the fireplace. Thought you might like to see the use so am attaching a photo.
Thanks again for your patience and prompt communications as well as the trouble-free shipment process.
Al, Florida, USA
Jonathan Davies –
Hello Gift. Just a note to say thank you, all received in excellent condition, and I’m very happy with the items. I am very impressed by the quality, thickness of the canvas and leather, the quality of the wood and joinery – thank you. The chairs are extremely comfortable, and look and feel superb.
Edwinsford, UK.