Kenya Trilogy Fam Trip: Journey Across Lewa, Laikipia and the Mara

Earlier this year, Leanne and Laura hosted a seven‑day journey across three of Kenya’s most distinctive conservancies — Lewa, Laikipia and Isaaten — a route that blends conservation, community, wildlife and deeply personal hosting. The areas all offering contrasts from the green springs and acacia trees in Lewa, the rocky valleys of Laikipia, and the sweeping plains of the Isaaten near the Mara.

Laura captured some of their moments on camera and Leanne chatted to us about their trip and each destination.

Sirikoi Lodge — Lewa Conservancy

Arriving into Lewa from Wilson Airport, the journey immediately begun with a forest lunch in Ngare Ndare under the trees, before continuing to Sirikoi Lodge, their home for the next two nights.

Sirikoi set the tone for the trip: tranquil, green, and incredibly personal. The lodge’s spring attracted constant plains game, and the group was welcomed by Nditu, the resident giraffe rescued as a three‑day‑old calf. Days were filled with rhino sightings, acacia forests, community visits, and time with Sue, whose warmth and authenticity shaped the atmosphere of the lodge.

To read more about their stay at Sirikoi, click here →Sirikoi Fam Trip blog

Ol Lentille — Laikipia

A short Tropic Air hop carried the group north into Laikipia’s wild beauty. The change from Lewa to Laikipia was so quick and different — mountains, rocks, valleys and wildflowers after recent rains. Ol Lentille quickly became the emotional centre of the trip. The hosting was deeply personal, the community interactions meaningful, and the activities — camel safaris, dry riverbed walks, village visits, and a sunrise summit of Laikipia’s tallest hill — all so unforgettable.

To read more about their stay at Ol Lentille, click here → Ol Lentille Fam Trip blog

Mara Bushtops — Isaaten Conservancy

The final stop brought the group into the Mara area, arriving at Siana Airstrip before driving through the Isaaten Conservancy to Mara Bushtops. Despite heavy rains, the wildlife delivered prime sightings in the Mara Reserve, sundowners with Maasai dancers, and evenings spent stargazing or relaxing at the spa.

To read more about their stay at Mara Bushtops, click here → Mara Bushtops Fam Trip

Thank you to all who joined and hosted

Kenya’s strength lies not only in its wildlife, but in its people and diverse landscapes. Thank you to everyone who joined Travel Promoters on this wonderful adventure, we hope you are now better able to understand and feel the value of each of these unique and incredibly special destinations. To our wonderful hosts and teams at Sirikoi, Ol Lentille and Mara Bushtops - thank you for sharing your piece of heaven with this group.

Sirikoi Lodge: An Oasis of Green in Lewa Conservancy

Leanne talks us through her recent visit to Sirikoi and the moments that stood out for her as a guest experience.

Sirikoi has a way of settling over you the moment you arrive. Even though access was easy — a quick flight into Lewa Downs and a scenic detour through Ngare Ndare Forest for lunch — the real welcome happened at the lodge itself. The spring was alive with plains game, the lawns impossibly green, and Nditu, the resident giraffe, wandered over as if she’d been waiting for us. Sixteen years on from being rescued as a three‑day‑old calf, she is still a firm part of the Sirikoi family.

The lodge atmosphere is exactly what guests hope for but rarely find. Open decks that invite guests to stay, quiet corners, acacia trees full of birdlife — everything spaced out just enough to give privacy without losing the sense of being part of a shared space. Sue joining us for drinks on the first night, and then dinner the next, reinforced that feeling. She’s warm, humble, and wonderfully real. Knowing she spent most of her life living in a tent explains a lot about Sirikoi’s grounded, unpretentious character.

Game drives in Lewa were a highlight, especially the rhino sightings — more than we saw anywhere else on the trip. The terrain is beautiful: rolling hills, pockets of acacia forest, valleys that open into wide plains. Onesmus (Ness), Sonita and Ngila guided us, dressed in Maasai attire that added a refreshing touch of culture to the experience. With only around 30 vehicles across the conservancy, sightings are never crowded.

A visit to the Lewa Ops Centre added depth to the stay. Monica’s overview of how they monitor elephant and rhino movements across Lewa and Borana was impressive and a reminder of how much quiet work goes into keeping these landscapes safe. Sirikoi’s involvement with The Long Run and community initiatives is extensive.

Food at Sirikoi deserves its own mention. Fresh, wholesome, creative and largely sourced from the garden, it was consistently excellent. The team handled gluten‑free requirements effortlessly, producing muffins, breads and biscuits that tasted no different from the originals. Chef Machario’s 15 years at Sirikoi show in every dish.

Activities flowed naturally: a walk in Ngare Ndare Forest, lunch set up beautifully under the trees, a visit to Leparua village with singing, dancing and traditional games, and a gentle walk with ranger Ibrahim to the waterfalls. Each moment felt unforced and authentic.

Accommodation in the family tent was comfortable and spacious, with bathrooms that felt far more substantial than a typical tented option. Hot water bottles at night were a welcome touch in Lewa’s cooler evenings.

Sirikoi is peaceful, genuine and deeply connected to its surroundings. It’s the kind of lodge where guests feel part of daily life rather than observers — a rare quality that sets it apart.

Celebrating Sirikoi’s ATTA® Zero Waste Trailblazer Award

Celebrating Sirikoi’s ATTA® Zero Waste Trailblazer Award

Team TP proudly accepting the Award on behalf of Sirikoi

We are proud to congratulate Sirikoi Lodge on winning the ATTA® Zero Waste Trailblazer Award, announced this week at Experience Africa in London.

The ATTA® Action Awards recognise organisations across Africa’s tourism sector that are leading with integrity, transparency, and measurable impact.

The ATTA® Zero Waste Trailblazer Award celebrates organisations that prioritise seasonal, local and indigenous produce, working with ethical suppliers, minimising food waste, and educating guests and other stakeholders.

Why Sirikoi stood out:

Set within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya, Sirikoi has long operated with a low‑impact, regenerative ethos. As a member of The Long Run, the lodge aligns its work with the 4Cs — Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce — and contributes significantly to wildlife protection, community development, education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods through the Sirikoi Trust.

ATTA’s judges described Sirikoi’s submission as “one of the strongest and most comprehensive zero‑waste submissions reviewed”, noting its exceptional circular‑economy approach, innovative waste‑to‑resource systems, and the depth of sustainability embedded across operations.

Sirikoi’s work aligns closely with the award’s core criteria:

Eco‑friendly food and beverage practices

• Strong commitment to local, seasonal, and indigenous sourcing, reducing food miles and supporting regional producers.

• Robust systems for food‑waste reduction, including composting, accurate menu planning, portion control, and responsible donation of surplus food.

• A diverse offering of vegetarian and vegan dishes, lowering the lodge’s environmental footprint.

• Creative upcycling of food scraps and reuse of by‑products, reflecting true circular‑economy thinking.

Water conservation and management

• Installation of water‑saving fixtures and efficient kitchen systems.

• Greywater treatment and rainwater harvesting used for irrigation and cleaning.

• Ongoing guest and staff education to reinforce responsible water use.

Glass Recycling

Waste minimisation and recycling

• A comprehensive programme focused on reduction, reuse, and recycling, with clear intent to minimise landfill waste.

• Elimination of single‑use plastics and unnecessary packaging.

• Strong partnerships with local recycling and waste‑management initiatives, including composting support for farmers.

Guest engagement and education

• Clear communication around recycling, water and energy reduction, and the lodge’s sustainability systems.

• Opportunities for guests to learn through farm visits, meeting local producers, and understanding the lodge’s waste‑reduction processes.

Local produce from the Organic Garden

Leadership and transparency

• Public communication of sustainability goals and progress.

• Continuous innovation, led by chefs, kitchen teams, and operational staff who champion sustainable practices across the lodge.

ATTA highlighted several standout initiatives, including:

• Black Soldier Fly and Tiger Worm projects for organic‑waste conversion

• Glass‑recycling innovations

• Greywater treatment systems

• Integration of sustainability into the guest experience

• Strong leadership and community involvement that make Sirikoi a credible example of regenerative tourism

From all of us at Travel Promoters, congratulations to the entire Sirikoi team. This award recognises not only your systems and innovations, but the consistency, leadership, and long‑term commitment that define your approach. It is a well‑deserved achievement and a benchmark for responsible tourism across Africa.

Celebrating Sue Roberts: Our Safari Matriarch Honoured as a Living Legend

Photo credit from Unchartered.com

Every so often, an accolade comes along that feels perfectly aligned with the person it celebrates. This is one of those moments.

We are incredibly proud to share that Sue Roberts has been awarded UNCHARTED’s Living Legend: Safari Matriarch Award for 2026, part of the UNCHARTED Global Safari Awards — a platform that recognises the very best of the safari world: the people, places, experiences, and conservation efforts that shape it.

For many of you, Sue needs no introduction. You’ve sat with her on the Sirikoi lawns, wandered through her gardens, or simply felt her presence in the warmth and detail woven into every part of the Sirikoi experience. For others, her influence is something you’ve sensed instinctively — that unmistakable feeling of being welcomed into a home rather than a lodge.

UNCHARTED described her as “a great elephant mama, with earned wisdom, fierce devotion to place and people, and an unwavering commitment to what matters most, no matter what.” It’s a description that couldn’t be more fitting. To all of us at Sirikoi, this award honours the remarkable Mama we admire, respect, and hold so close to the heart of our story.

A Life Rooted in Purpose

Photo credit from Unchartered.com

Sue and her late husband, Willie Roberts, shaped Sirikoi from the ground up in 2003, drawing on decades of guiding, lodge-building, and living deeply connected to Kenya’s wild places. Their shared vision — one anchored in respect for land, wildlife, and community — is still the foundation of Sirikoi today.

Sue’s lifelong love of botany is everywhere you look: in the rare climbing plants softening stone chimneys, in the iconic gardens that have become a Sirikoi signature, and in the flourishing shamba that feeds guests and staff alike. Her touch is gentle but unmistakable — thoughtful, meticulous, and always rooted in care.

A Matriarch in the Truest Sense

In the wild, elephant matriarchs carry the memory of water, seasons, and safe passage. In Kenya’s safari world, Sue holds a similar role. She is one of the last of her generation — a quiet force whose wisdom, charm, and lived experience have shaped not only Sirikoi, but the independent safari ethos itself.

Even through profound personal loss — first Willie, a key figure in the creation of the Mara Conservancy, and later their son Richard — Sue chose continuity over retreat. She continued to lead Sirikoi with grace, strength, and a deep sense of purpose, preserving not just a family legacy but a way of being in the world: generous, grounded, and wholeheartedly connected to place.

This award is more than a recognition of a lifetime of work. It is a celebration of a woman who has quietly, steadfastly shaped the safari experience for so many — guests, guides, conservationists, and communities alike.

We couldn’t be prouder to see Sue recognised as the Living Legend she truly is.

Sirikoi Lodge: A Living Example of the 4Cs

What is the Long Run?

The Long Run is a membership organisation that helps lodges, resorts, and travel businesses embed sustainability into everything they do. Its framework is built around the 4Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce.

• Conservation: Protecting ecosystems and wildlife.

• Community: Supporting local people through education, health, and employment.

• Culture: Honouring traditions and heritage.

• Commerce: Ensuring tourism is financially sustainable and benefits everyone involved.

Members receive expert guidance, share knowledge, and work towards the Global Ecosphere Retreat® certification, one of the world’s leading sustainability standards.

Find out more about The Long Run here: The Long Run

Glass Recycling Plant

Sirikoi Lodge - the perfect partnership

Nestled in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi Lodge blends luxury safari experiences with deep sustainability commitments.

• Conservation: Sirikoi manages 3,000 acres of pristine wilderness, supports endangered species like rhinos, and channels guest fees into Lewa’s conservation projects.

• Community: 75% of staff come from local communities. The lodge invests in schools, health initiatives, and skills training, ensuring tourism uplifts the region.

• Culture: Guests are invited to connect with Samburu and Maasai traditions through storytelling, crafts, and cultural exchanges.

• Commerce: Sirikoi runs on 100% solar energy and grows over 80 varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs in its organic garden — a true “farm-to-table” experience.

Cultural Education and appreciation

Why This Connection Matters

The Long Run’s philosophy is about thinking long-term — ensuring that tourism doesn’t just minimise harm but actively creates positive impact. Sirikoi embodies this by showing that luxury and responsibility can go hand in hand.

Guests enjoy world-class safaris, yet every stay contributes to conservation, community empowerment, and cultural preservation.

Sirikoi team in their Organic Garden

Ailsa’s Visit to Sirikoi, Kenya

Sirikoi, Lewa Conservancy, Kenya 

What happened to the gin bottle? My morning intruder & the Northern Five …

For the next session in our Q&A series with Ailsa, we chat about the 2nd stop on her journey - to Sirikoi Lodge in the Lewa Conservancy. Known for their eco-conscious ethos, exceptional blend of luxury, conservation, and immersive wildlife experiences.

Set in an exceptional location, surrounded by 68,000 acres of the pure wilderness of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, an award-winning model for community conservation. With just 4 luxury tented suites, the two bedroomed Sirikoi Cottage and the larger 3 bedroomed Sirikoi House, it is easy to see why Sirikoi has scooped award upon award over the years. In fact, just this April Ailsa collected 2 awards on behalf of Sirikoi at The Safari Awards at Indaba. Best Safari Experience & Best Family Safari Experience, Kenya.  

Ailsa, what were your first impressions of the Lewa region? 

I arrived into Lewa by road and left by air… the journey by car from Ol Lentille and Laikipia to the conservancy is not one that many will make, but it is certainly possible, gives you an insight into distances and local life and took around 4 hours including a coffee break. Did you know Kenya and Tanzania produce many of the cut flowers used around the world? I didn’t until I saw the swathes of greenhouses and flower farms as we ‘hit the road’ North from Nanyuki to Lewa.  Lewa the region was looking green & fresh as they had some early rain a day or two earlier and the conservancy was already showing it’s appreciation with long lush grass sprouting. It was a minute or maybe two, from the main gate when the reserve road gave way to open plains full of healthy herds of game and my first sighting of two of the Northern Five (unique to Northern Kenya)  – Grevy’s Zebra & reticulated giraffe… it was clear from the outset that game viewing was going to be easy pickings in Lewa and my 2 nights produced all of the Northern Five, plus  Cape Eland, Buffalo, Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Black and White Rhino, Burchell and Grevy’s Zebra, Grants Gazelle, Leopard Tortoise, Striped Hyena, Ostrich and more!

What did you think of Sirikoi?

Ngilla, my guide gave me some insight into Sirikoi and its backstory during our game drive from the main gate to the lodge. Just 5 lodges share access to the 62,000 acre reserve, so already I felt privileged. Sirikoi feels opulent, luxurious, but homely. Remaining true to its history and founders, Willie and Sue Roberts, pioneers with a passion for conservation and community. At Sirikoi 4 things truly matter, the guests, conservation, community and sustainability (including their environmental impact).

But it has to be the location of Sirikoi, along the banks of Sirikoi stream feeding the watering hole that grabs your attention as soon as you enter the main sitting room, looking out over the deck to the plains beyond. The Lewa Conservancy is a vital wildlife corridor so daily game sightings from the lodge or lawn are almost guaranteed.

The service and offering at Sirikoi is a finely oiled wheel, traditional and natural.  It was clear from the outset that this team have been operating together, successfully for many, many years. I had a reassuring sense that each team member not only loves their job but shares a passion to deliver a faultless experience during my stay in a relaxing and easy manner.

I stayed in one of the luxury tents with a brick-built shower and freestanding Victorian bathroom adding an extra luxurious touch. For me, nothing beats returning to the glow of a fire to keep you toasty under canvas, as the temperature dips along with the sun.

One night an Owl waited for me in the tree by my tent and kept watch, but it was the next morning I was aware, in half broken slumber, that the team had already dropped off my morning hot drinks tray and muffin  (along with my own Sirikoi thermal cup – nice touch) when I heard the zipper rise to my tent again… Turns out the monkeys like a morning muffin too, but luckily when there is a muffin at stake, I am faster than even I knew possible as I hit the floor running in the ‘great muffin race across the room’

Any Top Tips?

1)    Sirikoi has the most impressive organic kitchen garden, tended by 9 staff… over an acre and growing (pardon the pun), there is little to nothing they don’t grow bringing fresh vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers to the lodge daily as well as medicinal plants to make their own organic pesticides. Wormery to create compost, bee hives, chickens and even a BSF (black soldier fly) enclosure (those suckers love the leftover meat and other non-compostable edibles), meaning zero kitchen waste!

2)    Include the entire back of house tour – as members of ‘The Long Run’ Sirikoi recycle, re-use and repurpose almost everything and handle 100% of their own waste. One team member proudly showed me how his work is to turn old alcohol and glass bottles (Bombay Sapphire was a personal favourite, not to drink but to see what they made from the bottle) into beautiful drinking tumblers and vases that adorn the lodge (even glass that can’t be reused, is ground down for use in building sand) The lodge runs100% on solar power with an impressive battery invertor room. All water is gravity fed from a natural spring to the lodge. Sustainable practices include an impressive purpose-built game vehicle washing station that reuses the water 3 times from kitchen to vehicle cleaning and finally on to irrigation.  It is beyond impressive…  

3)    Visit the Lewa Conservancy Head Office and learn about the 24/7 work that goes into monitoring and conserving. Interesting fact: Paul Allen, one of the co-founders of Microsoft, visited Lewa in 2013 and gifted the Earth Ranger software used to this day.

4)    Leave room in your luggage – the lodge shop is too much to resist.

5)    Make time to enjoy the spa and newly completed sauna. The massages are amazing!

Who do you think this sort of holiday is best suited to?

Anyone from 1 to 100 yrs old. Families, honeymooners, singles and celebrations big or small. Guests that want to experience an uncrowded big 5 safari, but also with the added draw of the ‘Northern 5’ – Lewa has the largest resident population of Grevy’s zebra in the world. Black and white rhino and many other unique species, including our own ‘tame’ Giraffe ‘Ndito’ who often wanders the lawns by day.

 What was your biggest highlight?

The organic garden – I can only dream of having the green fingers of George Kaberia, the head groundsman. Step aside Monty Don & Alan Titchmarsh, there’s a new hero in town.

Was there anything that surprised you?

The open-door policy of the lodge back of house operation – guests can visit at any time, proving the authenticity and consistency with all that Maria, the GM and the team at Sirikoi achieve both front and back of house.

Why do you think Sirikoi offers the best possible experience in the region?

Sirikoi’s foundations are as strong as they get, thanks to their owners, Willie and Sue Roberts. Willie was a true pioneer in the conservation and sustainable wildlife/hospitality industry, opening his first lodge at the age of just 19. Instrumental in establishing the Mara Conservancy and one of the greatest ambassadors for wildlife conservation Kenya has ever seen. You simply cannot manufacture a legacy, but you can experience an insight into how far we have come and continue to support it by staying at Sirikoi, it’s as close as you can get.

I waved goodbye to Sirikoi and found a small part of my heart drifting back to the lodge as we drove the short 15 minutes to the Lewa airstrip for my departure to Nairobi Wilson.