Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Kenya
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World Heritage Sanctuary for the Giants
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is more than just a safari destination; it is a global blueprint for community-led conservation. Spanning 62,000 acres of pristine foothills north of Mount Kenya, Lewa is famous for having one of the highest densities of rhinos in the world. Once a private cattle ranch, it has been transformed into a sanctuary where endangered species thrive alongside vibrant local communities.
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What to expect
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The Rhino Stronghold: Lewa is home to over 10% of Kenya’s black rhino population and a significant population of white rhinos.
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The “Northern Five”: This is one of the few places to see species unique to this region: the Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, and Gerenuk.
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A Celebrity Favorite: Known for its exclusivity and privacy, Lewa has hosted world leaders and royalty, offering a high-end, intimate experience away from the crowds.
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Seasonal Overview
Lewa’s unique location on the Laikipia plateau ensures that every visit offers a distinct and rewarding experience, regardless of the month:
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The Season of Clarity: Following the refreshing rains, the conservancy is bathed in vibrant greens. The air is dust-free, providing the sharpest views of Mount Kenya’s peaks and incredible lighting for photography.
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The High-Drama Season: As the landscape transitions to golden savannah, wildlife viewing becomes effortless. Predators and prey alike congregate around the permanent springs and the marshlands, leading to intense wildlife encounters.
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The Life-Cycle Season: During the periods of transition, the plains are often filled with new life. It is a spectacular time to witness Grevy’s zebra foals and rhino calves, set against the backdrop of the shifting African sky.
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Lewa Safari camp
Lewa House
Elewana Kifaru House
Lewa Safari Camp
Featuring large, luxurious tented rooms with spectacular views, this camp is a favorite of the British Royal Family and offers a classic safari atmosphere.
Lewa House
Perched on a hill with views of the Mathews Range, this lodge features unique “earth pods” and family cottages, offering a cozy, home-away-from-home feel.
Elewana Kifaru House
Located on a high ridge, this lodge offers a quiet, colonial-style charm with an infinity pool that seems to drop off into the plains below.
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Lewa offers some of the most diverse activities in Kenya, allowing you to engage with the wilderness in innovative ways.
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Expert-Led Game Drives: Explore the conservancy in open 4×4 vehicles with some of the best-trained guides in Africa, specializing in rhino tracking and predator behavior.
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Guided Bush Walks: Experience the thrill of being on foot in a rhino sanctuary. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you’ll learn the intricacies of animal tracking and local flora.
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Horseback & Camel Safaris: Get astonishingly close to the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Animals view horses and camels as “one of their own,” allowing for a silent, up-close encounter.
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Conservation Education Tours: Visit the Lewa Operations Room—the high-tech “brain” of the conservancy—to see how GPS collars and thermal drones are used to protect elephants and rhinos.
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Visit the Ngare Ndare Forest: Just on the edge of Lewa, walk across a 200-meter-long canopy bridge suspended 30 feet above the forest floor and swim in crystal-clear blue glacial waterfalls.
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Night Game Drives: Discover the nocturnal side of Laikipia. Seek out the elusive leopard, aardvark, and zorilla using specialized spotlights.
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Community Visits: Engage with the local communities supported by Lewa. Visit schools and water projects to see how your tourism dollars are changing lives.
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