Sirikoi
Sirikoi Lodge is set in a forest of large fever trees overlooking a waterhole in the Lewa Conservancy in northern Kenya. The waterhole is part of a swamp that receives water from Mt Kenya which surfaces in nearby springs. The lodge has a spacious, shady location with great views of the wildlife that regularly visits the waterhole and that feeds on the lush vegetation of the swamp. Thanks to the area’s extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the Ngare Ndare forest were recognized as part of the Mount Kenya World Heritage Site in 2013 as designated by UNESCO. Children from five years are welcome at Sirikoi.
Accommodation & Facilities
Sirikoi Cottage, sold on an exclusive use basis, is perfect for families with children and can accommodate up to five. All on one level, the cottage has two en-suite bedrooms (one double and a second double or twin room that can be made a triple with the addition of a third bed) with large bathrooms with bathtubs and showers, a central living and dining room, and small kitchen. The shared living space opens out onto a spacious deck from which to enjoy beautiful views of the waterhole. Private dining in the cottage, to accommodate children, is very easy to arrange. Cottage guests have sole use of a game drive vehicle, enhancing the family experience and making it easy for families to tailor their game drive times. As well as the cottage, Sirikoi also has four beautifully designed tents, each with a large en-suite bathroom with a free standing bath, a shower and a flush loo. An unusual feature of the tents is the fireplace inside each one offering guests some warmth and atmosphere on chilly nights. The tents are not suitable for children younger than five years old and children under 16 are required to have a parent sleeping in the room with them. There is a heated swimming pool and a separate children’s pool next to it.
Eating & Sleeping
Children’s eating times and arrangements are very flexible and menus are discussed with parents on arrival to ensure the children like the food provided. Lady members of staff who are mothers themselves help with baby-sitting / listening, mostly in the evenings. This is by prior arrangement and the cost is $10 per hour, for a maximum of two children per caregiver. At night, a night watchman or askari can also be a listening ear outside the room. This does not incur a cost.
Wildlife & Activities
Sirikoi is a wonderful base for superb wildlife viewing in the Lewa Conservancy with day and night game drives, guided bush walks and bush meals part of the activities available. The conservancy has a large population of many species including black and white rhino, lion, buffalo, and elephant. Horse riding, bi-plane flights, fishing expeditions to Mount Kenya and fly camping are also available at Sirikoi.
Specifically for children …
• Activities that children love include seeing the Sirikoi vegetable garden and picking berries and vegetables. Also seeing the rabbits and chickens that live in the garden.
• Making bows and arrows with the guides – who are all great with children.
• Playing on the lawns and various games.
• Going to see the tracker dogs on Lewa who help with anti-poaching.
• Visiting to Lewa school.
• Game drive and bush walks.
• Bush meals.
• Visiting the forest walkway and ‘blue pools’ in the Ngare Ndare Forest.
