If ever you dreamed of living ‘on a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills’, Sirai is that – just better. Picture being instead at the foot of towering, snow-capped Mount Kenya, on a secluded estate and surrounded by 100 hectares of idyllic hills and plains and indigenous forest. The owners searched for years to find the ideal location to settle and this was it, in the Borana Conservancy of game-rich Laikipia.
Spacious and deeply gracious, Sirai House is all you could ever imagine a Kenyan wild country experience to be. Set on a ridge, the six exquisite suites all stand apart for optimal personal space and privacy. Sirai House comfortably sleeps 12 guests, who are secluded while in their suites but always connected by phone to the main house. There’s a pool house, along with a 20-metre infinity pool and a gym – plus a spa retreat to enjoy all-inclusive therapies along with the infrared sauna and Jacuzzi. A watering hole for wildlife is right there so animals regularly pass by, and there’s a game hide to see wildlife up close.
What a treat to have this all to yourself and your party of family or friends, with exclusive use of the property and all its elegant facilities. Everything you do will be just as you wish it to be – even when, what and where you eat. And there’s a long menu of activities to enjoy too. Some may thrill you for an hour, others for a full day, everything is completely your choice. Sure, game drives and walking safaris are offered to enjoy the surroundings, but have you ever game-watched from horseback? The property has an immaculate stable yard and stud operation, all highly rated in East Africa. Then imagine enjoying a decadent lunch in the treetops, sitting around an evening fire surrounded by wilderness, camping out in complete comfort, watching one of a thousand movies available in the in-house luxury cinema, taking a day trip to moody Mount Kenya or a helicopter flip to Turkana. Sirai is so much more than a house, it’s a uniquely beautiful collection of memorable experiences and a taste of nature’s bounty. At the end of the day, the magnificent house welcomes you back for a restful night cocooned by wood and stone, linen and leather, furs and firelight. For tomorrow it will be another beautiful day in Kenya. That is for sure.
What we love!
- The magnificent art collection – which includes 10 Andy Warhol originals – along with Nic Fiddian-Green sculptures and the Modigliani sketches was an unexpected pleasure.
- Twenty patterned glass lanterns above the dining room table were custom made and are beautiful.
- In the library is a rare antique Africana book collection.
- The collection of fine wines is impressive.
- Seeing Mount Kenya in the distance gives a distinct sense of place.
- The weather is near perfect year-round.
- There’s an atmosphere of gracious living and yesteryear blended together.
- Learning to play pickleball – and basketball – is fun for the whole family.
What you need to know…
- Sirai House is for exclusive use rental all year.
- There is a helipad for easy access and for activities.
- Children are welcome, though their participation in in-game activities is at the discretion of the guide.
- There is an additional room for the pilot.
- Malaria is not a concern here.
- The minimum stay is 3 nights.
- Getting there: Take a private charter to Borana Airstrip and then a 20-minute drive to the house. Or charter Sirai Air for direct and easy access.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey