Place
- Working in harmony with our communities and ecosystems.
Sirikoi has a strong commitment and passion for wildlife and nature conservation work.
Sirikoi is surrounded by 68,000 hectares of pure wilderness in the renowned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The conservation area is located in northern Kenya with semi-desert areas on one side, and the lush lower slopes of Mount Kenya on the other.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to many endangered species including black and white rhinos, reticulated giraffes, and the largest resident population of Grevy’s zebra in the world. Elephant families use Sirikoi as their migration corridor and can do so undisturbed.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a safe haven for the critically endangered black rhino and the endangered Grevy’s zebra, as well as the elephant, lion, giraffe, wild dog, and other iconic wildlife species in Kenya. The area is also home to more than 450 bird species.
Lewa has combined world-class anti-poaching techniques with cutting-edge surveillance technology where strong engagement from the surrounding local community is vital to conservation efforts.
Sirikoi has been a member of The Long Run since 2023, embarking on a declared sustainability journey committed to a holistic balance between nature & wildlife conservation, local communities, culture, and commerce. This is done to contribute in a meaningful and long-lasting way to the local region’s biodiversity and improve living conditions for people. The Long Run is a non-profit organization that started in 2009 as an initiative of the Zeitz Foundation’s international program. Hotels, camps, lodges, and privately protected areas can join The Long Run as Fellow members and work toward the prestigious Global Ecosphere Retreat Standard®. In 2015, the Global Ecosphere Retreats (GER)® Standard was recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Sirikoi’s airstrip is located on land that used to be cornfields. Now, indigenous acacia species have grown back to form a dense forest. The airfield must be kept clear, so branches are trimmed, and these are brought to the waterhole where elephants can eat bark and leaves. The leftover bare branches are collected and used to make charcoal or enjoyed around the campfire at the camp.
Sirikoi erected fences and supplies power to the electric fence generated by solar panels, which not only created a safe zone for elephants to protect the woodland, but also a vital habitat for the endangered black rhino for whom acacia leaves make up a significant part of their diet.
Planet:
- Replenishing resources and restoring biodiversity for a thriving natural world.
Sirikoi works in various ways to protect fauna and flora. At the camp, indigenous trees and shrubs are planted, along with many different aloes (drought-resistant) that the native sunbird population loves.
Sirikoi has waste management systems in place for reduction, reuse, and recycling.
a. Spring water from Mount Kenya supplies Sirikoi with water. All drinking water is filtered and purified on-site, so no plastic bottles are used.
b. Sirikoi sends most of its recycling, i.e., glass, metal, and plastic, to a recycling center in the nearest town, where further processing takes place (i.e., glass bottles are crushed and used as aggregate in construction).
c. Sirikoi keeps all jars to be used in our production of homemade jam, jelly, and marmalade. This has resulted in minimal use of plastic wrap.
d. We purchase sustainably with smart packaging, such as locally woven cloth bags and paper bags. Single-use plastic bags are illegal in Kenya.
Sirikoi has systems in place for the responsible use of resources such as WATER AND ENERGY
a. The camp runs on 100% solar energy with a backup generator for cloudy days.
b. Water is also heated by solar energy, and firewood is used only as a backup when needed.
c. Sirikoi trains staff and guests to conserve energy and water.
d. Our wastewater system is managed by an Eco Friendly Biobox system.
PEOPLE & PROSPERITY
– Respecting and enriching the lives of all our people.
– Ensuring economic successes and opportunities benefit all
Sirikoi’s staff consists of a colorful mix of 15 different tribes from Kenya. Many are employed from the local surrounding area.
Sirikoi has enabled all staff to become members of SACCO. SACCO is a financial cooperative that offers both savings and credit services to its members. Members of these financial institutions can be both net savers and net borrowers. Thanks to this, Sirikoi’s staff have been able to purchase land, houses, vehicles, and pay school fees. This has provided financial independence.
Sirikoi offers skills development for its staff in financial management, leadership, organic gardening, computer skills, invasive plant species, and more.
Sirikoi places high importance on fair business practices. The company is an ethical organization that operates with fair and sound business methods.
Fair workplace policy
Sirikoi collaborates with and includes its employees to develop new policies.
Annual monetary contributions
a. Sirikoi contributes through conservation fees and donations to support Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (for wildlife protection, and for education and healthcare for employees).
b. Sirikoi’s truck is used for road maintenance and our water truck acts as a fire truck when needed; an investment in a 315-acre fence was made to create a crucial safe zone for rhinos.
c. Sirikoi contributes to the Ngare Ndare Forest and Il Ngwesi Community through guest visits.
d. All proceeds from beauty treatments at Sirikoi’s spa are donated to local schools/orphanages. We also support local school visits to Lewa so children can learn about wildlife through donations.
e. We contribute to educational scholarship programs from primary school to university and school supplies through Pack For A Purpose.
. We work according to a fair and transparent work ethic.
c. For example, we encourage additional training – for various staff members we have funded guide training with KSPGA/further guide training at Lewa/masseuse training/organic farming courses/cooking courses/first aid.
Support for local economic trade
a. Sirikoi strives to purchase as much as possible from local sources (farmers, shops, curio vendors, maintenance supplies, etc.).
b. Sirikoi works ethically and always offers above-average fair prices knowing that they generate income locally
c. The camp buys large packages rather than small ones (less waste).
Community engagement and work
Sirikoi provides water to Lewa School
Sirikoi invites the local community to share their culture in various ways
Sirikoi supports disadvantaged children from a local school/orphanage
Responsible tourism education
a. The camp provides its guests with advice and information about our environmental policy.
b. The camp has 18 beds and adheres to the Lewa Code of Conduct Policy to protect fauna and flora.
c. The camp adheres to the Lewa Safari Code of Conduct policy, which permits only two vehicles per animal sighting and ensures that this is done so the animals always have a clear and open path if they wish to move. No off-road driving is permitted.
