ACTIVITIES
SWIMMING
The sapphire-cool pool at Sirocco House, set under giant fig trees in the garden of this impressive Art Deco home, is open to all Sanctuary guests.
The best time for swimming is mid to late morning when the colobus monkeys come to lie down on the wide branches for their afternoon nap.
Zebra will often be drinking at a spill near by and giraffe browsing the thickets, while the monkeys keep a sleepy eye on the antics of the humans below. At 14 metres long, the pool is perfect for energetic swimmers needing a workout or sunbathers to cool of in the sun-dappled water.​​
THE FARM GARDEN
Our shamba (farm garden) and orchard near Olerai House are definitely worth a visit, especially when the citrus trees enchant the air with the sweet of blossoms. We grow all sorts of tasty fruits and vegetables, from artichokes, fennel, courgettes, tomatoes, salads, onions, beetroot and cabbages to strawberries, wildberries, mulberries, tamarillas and passion. ​
Our secret to success is lots of good old-fashioned compost, harnessing the organic power of hippo dung, fallen leaves and green manure, to celebrate the fertile volcanic soil, and using our chickens to keep bugs at bay.
We're proud that our food is 100% chemical free and you're welcome to come pick oranges for marmalade, crunch on a carrot fresh from the ground or collect eggs from our free-roaming ducks and friendly red hens.​
NATURE WALKS
Our greatest pleasure at Sirocco Sanctuary are the wild-walks, soaking up nature's symphonies, strolling through woodland or admiring birds in flight, all within a few metres of feeding zebra, giraffe, impala or waterbuck that are completely relaxed in our company.
The slower pace is a deliberate change from the norm as too often Africa’s wild places are seen from the confines of a vehicle. The joy here is that you can experience the landscape the way our ancestors did, on foot and at ground level, in complete safety in the company of a charming local guide. ​
Our walks in the Sanctuary are designed to accommodate all fitness levels.
For those keen on something more strenuous, a run along the airstrip helps blow out the cobwebs. There are also several delightful hikes up the hill behind the Sanctuary that offer superb views across the lake or towards Eburru forest (that is also worth exploring).
WATER BIRDS & BOAT RIDES
About thirty minutes drive from Sirocco is Lake Oloidien, a small body of water favoured by migrating flamingoes, that buds off Lake Naivasha.
One can boat out to the middle of this brackish lagoon to see families of hippos harrumphing over territory and an impressive variety of wading, swimming, diving or lily-trotting water birds, with a local fishermen-guide.
Expeditions on the main lake can also be arranged, but the water get rough when the wind picks up, so these tend to be more adventurous. Lifejackets are required at all times. For a perfect day out on the water, take a sumptuous picnic, binoculars and a bird book. Plus water, hats & sunblock!
HORSE RIDING
A short walk across the Sanctuary brings you to The Rocco Stables where you can meet the horses. These are Mukutan, a large and friendly black Friesian gelding; Merida, an introverted chestnut thoroughbred mare; Lilla, an elderly (and bit grumpy) black rescue pony; Whisky, an irrepressibly positive Palomino gelding; Tequila, an adorable bay thoroughbred mare; and Alpine a snow-grey Boerpad gelding ringmaster.
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The horses are fed and groomed twice daily at 7am and 5pm. Children are welcome to pet them and budding equestrians can help with their care, brushing or mixing the feed, under parental supervision. ​​
​Gentle hacks around the Sanctuary are available for guests with riding experience but the number of horses at any one time might vary.
Great care must always be taken near wild life. Buffalo should not be approached at any time. Hacks are walking speed only, so riders must refrain from trotting, cantering, jumping or galloping.
Appropriate body armour, boots and helmets must be worn at all times, and riders accompanied by the Syce. An indemnity form will need to be signed before riders mount the horses. Payment can be made by Mpesa.​
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Please note that the horses move back and forth to Nairobi, depending on commitments elsewhere, so horses available for riding at any one time may vary considerably and are not a given.
MOUNT LONGONOT
A series of dramatic dormant volcanoes grace the floor of the Great Rift Valley, offering strenuous but exhilarating day-long expeditions.
Our favourite to explore is Mt Longonot that got its name from the Maasai word oloonong’ot that means “mountain with many ridges”. It's a steep hike up to the crater lip, but then a long but rewarding scramble around the circumference with breathtaking views across the unfolding landscape.
We recommend a pre-dawn start from Sirocco to complete the hike before the noon-day heat. It's a full day's mission so you'll need plenty of water, snacks, sunblock, comfortable sneakers or boots and a decent sunhat.​
HELL'S GATE
Hell’s Gate National Park, on the south side of Lake Naivasha, is famous for its dramatic ravine, natural hot springs and geysers, most of which have now been transformed into a geothermal energy plant that provides much of Kenya's green electricity.
However, the park itself is still impressive to visit, with eagles and vultures breeding on the steep cliffs, and towers of volcanic basalt that challenge rock-climbers of all levels. Hell’s Gate is also one of very few parks where bicycling and walking are allowed, and guided expeditions into the narrow gorge at the Park’s centre can be arranged in advance. However, this must never be done during the rains as flash floods do occur.
Wildlife roaming the area includes the endangered Coke’s hartebeest, eland and leopard. Combining cycling in Hell's Gate with an early morning boat ride at lake Oloiden promises an action filled day. Be sure to take a decent picnic, sunblock, hats, binoculars, lots of water for the adventure. ​
EBURRU FOREST
Eburru Forest is a prime indigenous forest that overlooks Lake Naivasha to the south, and Lake Elementaita and Lake Nakuru to the North West.
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Just a forty minute drive from Sirocco Sanctuary, the forest is nestled within the folds of a geologically active volcanic mountain, whose highest peak, Ol Doinyo Eburu, stands 2,820 meters above sea level. Thanks to the sterling efforts of Naivasha conservationists, this beautiful forest is now open for exploration.
Experiencing the vivid fields of fungi, drinking from hanging vines imbued with potable water, and smelling the soft scent of organic matter underfoot fills one with a sense of peace. The resident guides are excellent naturalists, deeply passionate about the forest.
