Sieku Glamping in Laikipia

Glamping has become a global trend with gorgeous glamps popping up all around the world. It’s a superb way to experience the great outdoors without having to sacrifice the luxuries we’re all oh so attached to. There’s no tents to pitch, sleeping bags to roll out, holes to dig and there’s usually a working kitchen, showers, chill out areas and staff. A quirky new addition to the Kenyan glamping experience is Sieku Glamping in Laikipia.

Overview

Sieku glamping is part of a 33-acre piece of land that boasts panoramic scenery with views of magnificent Mt. Kenya to the South and endless views of Borana Conservancy to the North. For over 20 years, the land that is now Sieku had been badly neglected resulting in lots of the original red cedar trees being cut down and land used for wheat farming, animal overgrazing and charcoaling. However, since early 2013, the new owners have made a great deal of effort to protect the land, slowly and consistently regenerating with an aim of restoring plant and animal life. The large variety of cacti & succulents that have been planted, dusty brown earth and blazing sun is such a contrast to the Kenya we are used to, hence offering a very distinct experience.

The glamp can fit 14 people very comfortably in 3 bespoke Bell Tents, 1 Touareg Tent and a recently added Tipi Tent (the first of its kind in the country). The decor in the tents is fresh and tasteful with hand made furniture, kilim carpets, woven mats and sheep skin rugs. The beds are super comfortable with feather duvets & pillows. Each tent has a stone floored porch and bamboo roof to shade you from the afternoon sun. There’s a large mess tent where you will find a fully equipped kitchen (bring your own food and ice), cosy living room, dining table and a bedroom with double bed. Sieku Glamping has a total of three long drop loos and one outdoor shower where you can enjoy glorious views of Borana Conservancy as you clean off the dirt. There’s a few chill out areas at the glamp, some with a BBQ and another down at the bottom garden with comfy sofas and hammocks.

Sunrise and sunset are the best times at Sieku Glamping, the light glows up the surrounding landscapes and everything is picture perfect at these times. The nights are always starry but can get quite chilly so pack warm.

Where

Sieku is 235kms from Nairobi and should take approximately 4 hours to get to. It’s a 50-minute drive from Nanyuki through Timau town. You want to take the left turn to Ngare Ndare forest and the glamp is about 13.5km from the turn. The host provides full proof directions once you book.

Pros

• Views for days
• Unique glamping experience
• Great for a large group getaway (14pax)
• Very spacious tents & super comfortable beds
• Exclusive booking (whether you are 2 or 14, the glamp will be all yours)

Cons

• You’ll wish you were there one more night
• Bad case of Monday blues (if you’re there over the weekend)
• Nostalgia once you’re back into routine

What can you do?

Plenty! Sieku Glamping has a petanque court so get your game face on. Grab a pair of binoculars and look out for wildlife in the conservancy down below. Do nothing but relax and enjoy the surrounding. Take a jump into the waterfalls at Ngare Ndare forest which is right around the corner. Go on a hike and for sundowners to the Mukogodo forest.

How to book & costs

Find it on AirBnB as ‘Sieku Glamping’ and book through there or email them directly on siekureservations@gmail.com

Over weekdays it’s 5000/- per couple and 6000/- per couple over the weekends. A one-off cost of 1500/- will be incurred for cleaning (whether you’re there for one or five nights)

Overall: 9/10

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