WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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.
Sirikoi enjoys a lovely spring-like climate almost all year round, with Kenya’s arid North to one side, and the lush foothills of Mount Kenya on the other. Mornings are brisk, midday is rather warm, and evenings are always cool enough to appreciate a fire. The lodge is located at 5,500ft.
Mid-April to mid-May and November are usually the rainy seasons. January to March are the warmest months, and June to September is a bit colder.
Each day’s activities and itinerary are tailored to a guest’s interests and desires. Below is an outline of a typical day on safari at Sirikoi: The times may vary according to guests’ preferences.
6:00am – Wake up with tea or coffee brought to your room
6:30am – Depart on a morning game drive or morning activity
8:30am – Return to Sirikoi for breakfast on the dining deck
9:30am – 12:30am – Relax at the lodge
1:00pm – Lunch is served on the dining deck
2:00pm – 4:00pm – Relax at the lodge
4:00pm – Tea time in the main lodge area
4:30pm – Depart on your afternoon game drive or afternoon / evening activities
7:00 – Return to Sirikoi to shower and get ready for dinner
7:45 – Meet around the fire for an evening drink
8:00 – Dinner is served on the main Sirikoi deck under the stars
9:30 – Retire for the evening with a nightcap
Sirikoi caters for special occasions and celebrations, including honeymoons, birthdays and anniversaries. Something special is able to be arranged if notified about the occasion prior to arrival.
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.
As a small and exclusive lodge, Sirikoi can cater for all dietary requirements. Food allergies and dietary requests should be brought to our attention and arranged prior to arrival.
A laundry service is offered to all guests. This is not an additional cost. 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. Laundry baskets are provided in each room, and laundry received in the morning will be returned in the evening.
Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted at Sirikoi, for additional activities, specialty champagnes, wines and shopping in the gift shop. Please note: There is a 3% surcharge for using a credit card to cover bank service fees. American Express can be used via a pay link sent to you by email.
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen (for all seasons)
- Scarves and a warm jacket for morning and evening game drives (for all seasons – heavier jackets for colder months)
- Walking shoes, closed shoes for evenings and light sandals for the day
- Relaxed, comfortable, generally light coloured clothing
- Sweaters for the evening
- Swimwear
- Binoculars if desired
- Camera, video camera, chargers/spare batteries
- Book or e-reader if desired
- Insect repellant cream if desired
The lodge grounds are fenced with a raised electric wire to keep elephant out of the garden to protect our trees. All other wildlife can move around freely. Askaris 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. There are askaris on duty 24 hours a day who are in radio contact with the manager should a guest needs assistance at night.
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, excluding guides and spotters. For your guide we recommend $50 per day per group, and $20 per day per group for your spotter and $20 for the walking ranger. Tipping is done at the end of one’s stay.