'Wild is best'

For wildlife lovers, Africa is the ultimate adventure playground. So it’s always a pleasure to be hear how inspired how our guests have been by what they’ve encountered while out on safari with us. We’re delighted to be able to reproduce a letter from a recent guest, Andre, about how the wildlife-spotting anticipations were met while on safari with his wife and friends (interspersed with a couple of Andre’s great photographs from the trip):

Both David and I had been on safari with Africa House before, but that was a hardcore photographic event with 'Amateur Photographer Magazine' in 2010. We liked it so much that this year we wanted to bring our wives so that they could share in the fantastic wildlife of Kenya. This time we had two specific requests – the first was to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda and the second was to see both black and white rhino in the wild. Africa House organised everything: safari camps, hotels, internal flights, game drives – everything. All we had to do was turn up at Nairobi airport.

A gorilla at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The gorillas were wonderful. You would never think that you could be so close to these magnificent creatures. Our initial fears were totally unfounded as they seemed totally at ease with our presence with the silverback passing within 2 feet of us as he went off into the jungle. The people of Rwanda are wonderful, so open and friendly and always smiling. Our guide, Eric, was very knowledgeable and gave us a great insight into the culture of Rwanda.

We started our Kenyan safari at Lewa Safari camp and were treated to a mass of wildlife including many rhino, both black and white – such fantastic beasts. In fact, the only animals we didn't see at Lewa were the leopard and the wildebeest and these we saw later at Little Governor’s and in the Mara. Whilst in Kenya we were accompanied by John, our guide, and Jackson, our driver. Their love of the animals shone through and really made an exciting safari memorable. We had a really great time.

Rhinos at Lewa Conservancy, Kenya

Initially, my wife Jan was concerned about being so close to lions, cheetahs and leopards in an open vehicle, having only seen caged animals before. Now she is totally at ease with the experience and really believes that 'wild is best'.

We've got to thank Karen and David for organising our trip of a lifetime. Will we be back? You bet!! All the best and hope to see you again in the not too distant future.

Andre

Sensational Sirikoi

East African tourism is notable for its hidden gems, and Sirikoi lodge in Kenya provides the perfect example. Set in a secluded acacia grove at the foot of Mount Kenya, this luxury tented accommodation has some beautiful and captivating features.

Tent at Sirikoi

The use of natural, rustic materials in the camp’s construction sets the tone for a laid-back wilderness experience – with stone, canvas, thatch, rich woods and warm textiles contributing to the design aesthetic. But here, rustic certainly doesn’t mean roughing it. There’s luxury and comfort aplenty. The tented bedrooms are spacious yet cosy and each has an elegant bathroom with a claw-footed Victorian bath. The sense of restful comfort is enhanced further still by the impeccable welcome of camp’s hosts and owners, Sue and Willie Roberts.

The food is lovingly prepared, and more than this, much of it is produced around the camp. Sirikoi’s own organic garden provides fresh, healthy fruit and vegetables. Beef is reared in the local vicinity. And the camp’s drinking water comes from its own freshwater spring. This local sourcing of food and drink is an important element in Sirikoi’s holistic and sustainable approach generally.

A comfortable bedroom at Sirikoi

And Sirikoi’s location is sensational. Set in private land and surrounded by the Lewa Conservancy, the region offers a real taste of the wild, romantic Africa of the kind that occupies the imagination. Open savannah stretches out before you and the imposing form of Mount Kenya, visible from camp, makes a spectacular backdrop.

The number one thing on the minds of most visitors to Africa, however, is the wildlife. And this is yet another respect in which Sirikoi comes up trumps. Lewa is a remarkably rich ecosystem, harbouring a great number of the characters you might hope to see, including the lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and buffalo. It is also an important habitat for both the black and white rhino and contains the largest concentration of the endangered Grevy’s zebra in the world.

Wildlife around Sirikoi

There are plenty of activities available to guests at Sirikoi to help you appreciate the paradise surrounding the camp. Thanks to the private setting, it is possible to take in the wildlife sights on walking trips – a privilege that affords a uniquely close connection to the bush. There are also opportunities for helicopter or bi-plane flights and the breathtaking viewpoints they bring, horse-riding, camel-riding, fly-fishing trips, and cultural encounters with local tribespeople.

It’s easy to see why Sirikoi is loved by those who know about it, and why guests often return to its peace and seclusion. If you would like to spend time here during a safari of your own, we’d love to take you there.