Located in northern Kenya, on the Lewa Conservancy in Laikipia, Sirikoi House (part of Sirikoi Lodge) is one of area’s most pioneering eco-lodges.
Overview
A thatch, wood and stone build, situated away from the main lodge and sold on an exclusive basis, Sirikoi is self-sufficient, comes with its own dedicated staff cohort and consists of a lounge (with Wi-Fi access), veranda and three en-suite bedrooms.
Characterised by high ceilings and plenty of outdoor access, the shared areas are spacious, airy and extremely comfortable, the style worldly, the seating sumptuous, cream and arranged about an open fire, the neo-upcountry look – like the rest of the lodge – informed by a tasteful and well-travelled eye, the rugs, chests, tables and wall chairs sourced from more the one place, the overall look both restrained and luxurious, the off-white canvas complimented by dark woods and cut flower dashes of colour. It really is very beautiful.
Food & service
Both the food (often sourced from the house’s vegetable garden) and service are first-rate. Little touches, such as daily help with laundry, really distinguish the quality and warmth of care at Sirikoi. Service also includes a private vehicle, driver and guide.
Rooms
The rooms at Sirikoi House are just as good. Lit by huge, found-wood framed windows, each room comes with a double bed, en-suite bathroom, seating area, writing table and storage. With a run of creams, the occasional dark wood splash, open vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and making the most of their views, the bedrooms fall in line with the shared area, their central motifs part – once again – of a design that is all about restraint, subtly and deep comfort.
Activities
Activities at Sirikoi House depend very much on guests’ needs and wants. Activities include wildlife drives, guided walks, horse riding fly camping, lion tracking, fishing, helicopter trips, homestead visits, camel treks and a biplane flight.
Impact
Conservation
Sirikoi’s energy is generated by solar power, it taps all water from a nearby spring and follows a meticulous recycling policy. The one-acre organic garden supplies fresh daily produce for the kitchen, and guests are quick to compliment the range of fruits and vegetables it produces. Unsurprisingly, Sirikoi has been handed a Gold-level Eco-rating for the last three years running. Guests are welcomed into the operations room and tracker dog unit, to get a first-hand experience of the camp’s conservation activities.
Commerce
The Women’s Micro Credit Programme allows local women to access funds as small as US $65 which help them start their own businesses (including tailoring and retail shops) and lift their families out of poverty. Furthermore, Lewa’s Community Development Team encourages crop diversification to increase the competitiveness of the community’s output.
Community
Lewa’s three clinics are the closest medical centres within 25 kilometres, bearing up to 90% of the needs of staff and communities. The adult literacy programme provides a crucial source of education for the community’s older generation, who are often overlooked during grassroots reforms. Over 270 people are learning how to read, write and manage finances because of the programme.