Nestled at 5,500 feet elevation between Kenya's arid north and the lush foothills of Mount Kenya, we enjoy a spring-like climate year-round. Our exclusive property has been showcased in numerous international publications for our exceptional safari experiences and accommodations. This guide provides essential information to help you prepare for your stay with us, from practical travel advice to what to expect during your Sirikoi adventure.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS -

The guest should consult a doctor 6-8 weeks in advance of travel to assess particular health risks and ask about recommend vaccines and/or antimalarial tablets. Sirikoi cannot offer general medical advice in place of a medical professional.

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. Therefore, anti-malaria medication is not necessary, although may be recommended depending on other destinations visited on safari.

There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entry to Kenya unless you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, in which case a certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required for all travellers older than one year. Visitors coming from other countries in Africa where yellow fever may occur, including Tanzania and Zanzibar, require a yellow fever certificate.

When travelling, hepatitis can be a concern and we advise to ask a doctor about an A-type vaccination: it lasts for ten years and will give peace of mind.

TRAVEL INSURANCE +

Insurance is always the guest’s responsibility. Make sure you have valid travel insurance that covers your safari trip to Kenya. Sirikoi cannot be held responsible for any illness occurring while they are in Kenya.

ENTRY VISA +

Passport valid for six months before expiry date are requested. Visas have been replaced by Electronic Travel Authorisation or ETA. The official website of ETA is www.etakenya.go.ke. ETA is mandatory for all foreign visitors, except citizens of EAC member states. Each individual is required to apply for an ETA before commencing travel.

CURRENCY AND FORMS OF PAYMENT +

Mastercard and Visa 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.

PACKING GUIDELINES +

At Sirikoi, there is no ‘dress code’, but comfort is paramount. Keep in mind that evenings and early mornings can be cool and fresh. “Less is more” is the secret to successful safari packing – pack light and you’ll save yourself headaches. Here are some more specific suggestions:

  • Space is limited in safari vehicles and your journey may include travel on light aircraft, which restricts luggage weight max 15 kgs (30 lbs) – including hand luggage.
  • Small to medium-sized duffel bags or solid, soft-sided luggage work best. There is no room for large, hard cases – easier to stack in safari vehicles and small planes.
  • Clothing. Comfortable safari clothes in neutral colours such as brown, tan, beige, khaki, green. Recommended items include trousers, shorts, comfortable skirts; fleece and/or puffa/gilet; light scarf and gloves (early mornings, late nights); wind-breaker or light rain jacket; good walking shoes, gym shoes, hiking boots; sun hat with a brim (African sun can be strong); sunglasses; flip flops for pool or shower;
  • Equipment: pair of binoculars. Night-vision goggles are a nice extra for nocturnal game drives; camera & video equipment and lenses to suit your level of expertise; birds field guide/app if a keen birder. Hairdryers are provided in the rooms.
VALUABLES +

Each room has a digital safe where you can place your valuables. Please follow the instructions on how to set the safe’s code on the laminated card. Please reset the safe at the end of your stay. Please speak with your housekeeper or host if any issues arise with the safe. Leave expensive jewellery and watches at home – better safe than sorry.

LAUNDRY +

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.

DIETARY REQUESTS +

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.

WATER +

Our water is tapped from a mountain spring a short distance away, and is gravity fed to the Lodge. It is used exclusively by Sirikoi and is naturally pure and beautifully clean. Filtered drinking water is provided in glass bottles beside the bed and in the bathroom.

CLIMATE & SEASONS +

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.

ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS +

We run on solar power 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. Between the beds is the switch that operates the lights on the back wall of your tent and the outside light. Each room has flashlights in case there is a power failure, and to use walking to and from dinner at night. We do however recommend guests bring their own converters and universal plug adapters.

FAMILY AND CHILDREN +

Sirikoi welcomes children aged 6 years and older. Child rates for accommodation and conservation fees are applicable to those between the ages of 6 and 15 years. Children 12 years and younger cannot stay in a tent on their own. Parents are fully responsible for the well-being of their children.

We offer flexibility around meal times and menus for children, as well as educational and fun activities and child-care. Children thrive in discovering a new place and exploring freely around the Sirikoi grounds – and also love to visit the vegetable garden to see the chickens and rabbits!

INTERNET +

There is high-speed WiFi in all the rooms, as well as the main lounge areas. Connectivity is stronger in the rooms, and no password is required to access the WiFi. Please be considerate of other guests and do not watch videos, play music or engage in Skype or Whatsapp calls in the main areas.

TELEPHONE NETWORK +

Safaricom phone network covers the lodge & and guests are generally able to make and receive phone calls without issue. However, this may vary from time to time for reasons outside of our control.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS, WEDDINGS AND EVENTS +

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.

Sirikoi is 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 oce to start planning your perfect day.

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.

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, 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.

SECURITY +

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 (night watchmen) escort guests to and from their rooms at night with a torch, and in the day it is safe to walk around the lodge. There are askaris on duty 24 hours a day who are in radio contact with the manager should a guest needs assistance at night.

Sign up for Sirikoi's Newsletter

Stay informed about the latest news and updates from Sirikoi

* indicates required