As a small and intimate family-owned safari lodge, Sirikoi offers unrivalled exclusivity and charm. The four luxury tents, Sirikoi Cottage and private Sirikoi House are perfectly positioned along the spring-fed Sirikoi stream, immersed in nature with wildlife all around.
Sirikoi resembles an eco-chic African home and while it offers a sure sense of luxury and high level of service, it manages to be welcoming, comfortable and unpretentious. Allthe rooms are spacious and tastefully designed, with unique décor touches, a sitting area, big Victorian bathtubs, rain-showers, fireplaces and a private deck.
Surrounded by 68,000 acres of pure wilderness of the renowned World Heritage Site, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the location of the lodge is truly exceptional. With Kenya’s arid North to one side, and the lush foothills of Mount Kenya on the other, Sirikoi enjoys a beautiful spring-like climate year round.
The wildlife on Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is abundant and includes many endangered species such as black and white rhino, and the largest resident population of Grevy’s zebra in the world. Families of elephant have carved Sirikoi into their migratory routes and almost daily they can be seen just in front of the Sirikoi dining deck for hours at a time.
‘Arm chair’ game viewing
Set among vast green lawns and acacia trees, Sirikoi overlooks a natural waterhole and wetland, which has become a favourite passage and sanctuary for wildlife. Some of the best game viewing is done right from the lodge itself, in a leather chair on the Sirikoi deck overlooking the busy waterhole and wildlife on the lawns.
Spring all year round
Due to the lovely spring-like weather, all meals are served on the main Sirikoi deck year round. During the day the deck is the best lookout point over the waterhole, and at night after drinks around the fire guests enjoy dinner beneath the stars.
Farm-to-table
The organic vegetable garden is a hidden gem found just behind the lodge, with an avocado tree grove heavy with fruit all year round, an impressive variety of banana trees and berries, beautiful flowers for the lodge and plenty more.
Visiting the Sirikoi vegetable garden and taking a tour with George Kabere, the head groundsman, is an unexpected highlight for most guests. Learning from George and seeing first-hand what is involved in the organic farming process is fascinating and hugely rewarding. With spring water feeding the garden, naturally rich soil, organic elephant-dung fertilizer made on site, and equatorial sunshine, the garden produces an impressive amount of fruits, vegetables and herbs – over 80 in fact – which supply the lodge with the majority of its fresh produce.
Conservation in Action
From its conception, Sirikoi has nurtured a strong commitment and passion for conservation and the neighbouring communities. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has become Kenya's leading model for wildlife conservation and low-impact community tourism. Together with the generous help of their guests, Sirikoi continues to contribute hugely towards Lewa's conservation, community, education and health projects.
Guests are encouraged to explore Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s “behind the scenes” operations to get an understanding for how conservation and anti-poaching really works, and to see all that Lewa is doing for wildlife and the surrounding communities. This includes visiting the Operations Room, Tracker Dog Unit, meeting the security or anti-poaching team, and visiting the Lewa school and clinic.
Family fun holidays
Sirikoi is an ideal family holiday destination. The big open lawns, swimming pool and spacious rooms make it perfect for families. More than toddler-to-teen activities, we offer flexibility around meals and menus, educational and fun activities and child-care. Children thrive in discovering a new place and exploring freely around the Sirikoi grounds – and also love a visit to the vegetable garden to see the chickens and rabbits! A Sirikoi safari is an unforgettable and life-changing experience for parents and children alike.
Malaria prevention
The lodge is located in a minimal risk area, and thanks to the frogs in the Sirikoi stream, there are few mosquitos and other insects. Anti-malaria medication is not necessary, although may be recommended depending on other destinations visited on safari. Insect-repellant sprays and creams can be brought along if desired.
Climate and seasons
Sirikoi enjoys a lovely spring-like climate almost all year round. Mornings are brisk, midday is rather warm, and evenings are always cool enough to appreciate a fire.
Altitude: The lodge is located at 5,500ft.
Rainfall: Mid-April to mid-May and November are usually the rainy seasons. Temperature: January to March are the warmest months, and June to September is a bit colder.
Exclusive Vehicles
All guests have an exclusive vehicle and their own assigned guide and tracker for the duration of their stay, whether a group of six friends or a solo traveller.
Food and Dietary requirements
As a small and exclusive lodge, Sirikoi can cater for all dietary requirements. Food allergies and dietary requests are to be arranged prior to arrival. The cuisine at Sirikoi is fresh and locally sourced, and the style is homely and nutritious.
Laundry
A complimentary laundry service is offered to all guests. All clothes are washed in washing machines and dried by the sun – it is not recommended to send in delicate items or clothing that requires specialized care.
Credit cards
Mastercard, Visa and American Express credit cards are accepted at Sirikoi for additional activities, specialty champagnes and wines and shopping in the gift shop. Please note: There is a 3% surcharge for using a credit card to cover bank service fees.
Security
The lodge grounds are fenced with a raised electric wire to keep elephant and giraffes out of the garden. All other wildlife can come under the fence onto the lawns. Askari’s or night watchmen escort guests to and from their rooms at night with a torch, and in the day it is safe to walk around camp.
Gratuities guideline
Tipping is entirely at the guests’ discretion. As a guideline we recommend a general staff tip of $20 per guest per day, which is shared amongst all staff. Guides and spotters are tipped separately, and for your guide we recommend $30 per day per group group, and $10 per day per group for your spotter. Tipping is done in cash at the end of one’s stay.
Children’s policy
Sirikoi welcomes children aged 6 years and older.
Weddings and Events
Sirikoi is widely known as a beautiful and exclusive venue for weddings and events, and the Sirikoi team is well practiced in arranging and catering for celebrations – from menus, to décor, to entertainment. Contact the booking office to start planning your perfect day.
How to get there
Sirikoi is easily accessible by air and by road.
Flying:
The Lodge is just a 20 minute drive from the Lewa airstrip, which is served by both private charters and scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and JOMO Kenyatta International Airport – a 50 minute flight away.
Helicopters can land close by and can be arranged to fly from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or from Wilson Airport.
Driving:
Driving to Sirikoi from Nairobi takes about 5 hours. It is a scenic drive through the highlands of Kenya and past Mount Kenya, but due to the length of the drive we recommend flying.
Electricity at the Lodge
Sirikoi runs on solar power and an inverter system, which provides power 24 hours a day. There is a back-up generator on stand-by. Guests’ electronics can be charged in their rooms and in the main areas. We have 3-point British plugs and one inbuilt international power socket in each room. We do however recommend guests bring their own converters and universal plug adapters.
Eco-tourism
Sirikoi has always strived to operate in harmony with their beautiful environment. The lodge runs off solar power, taps all water from a natural spring, uses natural cleaning products and toiletries wherever possible, follows a strict recycling policy and grows their own fruits and vegetables. The one-acre organic garden supplies fresh daily produce and is the most prodigious of its type at any lodge or camp in Kenya. As a result of these efforts, Sirikoi has been honoured with a Gold level Eco-rating for the last three years running.
Surrounded by 68,000 acres of pure wilderness of the renowned World Heritage Site, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the location of the lodge is truly exceptional. With Kenya’s arid North to one side, and the lush foothills of Mount Kenya on the other, Sirikoi enjoys a beautiful spring-like climate year round.
Days are as action-packed or as rejuvenating as desired, and Sirikoi offers a range of unique and adventurous activities for all ages to experience and explore the wilderness and wildlife. Guests enjoy prime game viewing on morning, evening and night game drives on Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in their own exclusive and open vehicle, or in a leather chair on the Sirikoi deck overlooking the busy waterhole and wildlife on the lawns.
The wildlife on Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is abundant and includes many endangered species such as black and white rhino, and the largest resident population of Grevy’s zebra in the world. Families of elephant have carved Sirikoi into their migratory routes and almost daily they can be seen just in front of the Sirikoi dining deck for hours at a time.
Breathtaking views of distant mountain ranges in the North, and Mount Kenya’s snow-capped peaks, form the backdrops to game drives on Lewa. Drive though scenery that ranges from rolling open plains, through valleys and wetlands, along escarpments and rivers. Lewa is home to 114 species of mammal - including black and white rhino (over 130 in total), Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, elephant, buffalo, hyena and other northern species. 429 different species of bird have been recorded. It is common to see lion, cheetah and leopard too, and occasionally wild dog sightings are recorded.