Condé Nast Traveler did its 32nd annual Readers’ Choice Awards in 2019, unveiling 50 of the best resorts in the world. The results revealed that Africa has the best resorts in the world, with Kenya’s Sirikoi Lodge topping the list. 10 out of the top 17 resorts, according to Condé Nast Traveler, are in Africa. Six hundred thousand voters took part in the survey by providing their thoughts on about 10,000 resorts globally.
Condé Nast Traveler has featured Sirikoi Lodge on its list for four consecutive years. The resort is a family-run eco-lodge in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on the Northern slopes of Mt. Kenya. In the resort, guests get to experience nature at its best in an environment that is not only beautiful but also has plenty of wildlife. It also includes the Grevy’s zebra, black rhino and white rhino.
They offer cozy accommodation options, great wildlife viewing, and exquisite culinary experience in a malaria-free area. The area has a fantastic spring-like climate almost all year round.
The lodge has three types of accommodation with different rates, which vary at different times of the year. They are Sirikoi Luxury Tented Rooms, Sirikoi Cottages, and Sirikoi House.
Sirikoi House is the grandest of all the options. It is a housing complex with a master bedroom cottage, a separate bedroom cottage with two en-suite bedrooms and a central living and dining cottage. The living and dining cottage is famed for its unique positioning and décor.
Generally, Sirikoi House features gorgeous decor with pieces from different parts of the world. The resort sells the house only on an exclusive use basis. Guests staying in Sirikoi House can access a private wooden deck overlooking the stunning wetlands. They also get a team of private staff, chefs, safari vehicles, and guides.
Next are the Sirikoi Cottages, which are perfect for families and friends traveling together. They can either be wholly private or an extension of the main lodge. Each of the cottages has two bedrooms, each of which has a large bed, a sitting area, and a fireplace. The cottage also has a shared central area linking the bedrooms. The shared space leads to a spacious deck with splendid views of the waterhole.
Finally, are the Sirikoi Luxury Tented Rooms, which are the resort’s cheapest option. Sirikoi has four luxury tented rooms, each offering perfect game viewing. Each of the tented rooms has a large double bed or two single beds and a wardrobe area. The rooms each have an outside deck and a fireplace to keep them warm in the evening.
At Sirikoi, guests can go on game drives, quad bike day safaris, horse and camel riding, Mt. Kenya scenic flight, mobile camping, explore the cultural practices of the local communities, among many other fun activities.
Sirikoi Lodge has received several other awards from Eco Tourism Kenya, World Travel Awards, and The Safari Awards.
Other Kenyan resorts that made it to Condé Nast Traveler’s list include Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp (30th place), Ol Jogi Home (17th place), Elewana Elsa’s Kopje (11th place) and Richard’s River Camp (6th place).
Related: 23 Great Tourist Destinations in Africa You Should Visit
