The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya stands as an award-winning model for community conservation. It is a great stronghold for endangered Black Rhino, offering a variety of alternative safari activities. Lewa Conservancy is a beacon of wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.
Nestled in Kenya’s northern region, this expansive conservancy is renowned for its successful conservation efforts and diverse wildlife. It is considered to be one of the greatest conservation success stories in the world and is a model for sustainable tourism. Because of its natural beauty and success as a wildlife habitat, the conservancy was awarded the honor of being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (also known as Lewa Downs) is located in northern Kenya. It was formed in 1995 and is a wildlife sanctuary which together with the adjacent Ngare Ndare Forest covers over 250 square kilometres (97 sq mi).
Lewa Conservancy serves as a critical wildlife corridor between Mount Kenya and the arid lowlands of northern Kenya. Nestled within the expansive Laikipia ecosystem, the conservancy is bordered by community-owned lands and private ranches, creating a vast, interconnected wildlife haven.
Lewa’s diverse eco-systems present visitors with a rewarding variety of landscapes and vistas.
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History and Development
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was once a cattle ranch. One of Kenya's early ranches, Lewa Downs, has been home to the Craig family since 1924. The Craig/Douglas family first came to Lewa in 1922 and managed it as a cattle ranch for over 50 years.
In 1983 the Craigs and Anna Merz created a fenced rhino sanctuary on the ranch which was stocked with the remnants of northern Kenya’s Black Rhinos together with White Rhino from South Africa. By 1995, the sanctuary had expanded to cover 62,000 acres and was officially named Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
In 2014 the fence dividing the Lewa Wildlife and Borana Conservancies was removed, creating one of Kenya’s most important rhino sanctuaries of 92,000 acres.
Conservation Efforts and Community Engagement
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy works as a catalyst for the conservation of wildlife and its habitat. Unlike other ranchers in the area, they always valued the wildlife that shared the land and developed wildlife tourism as an additional activity.
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The Conservancy is home to a wide variety of wildlife including the rare and endangered black rhinos, Grevy's zebras and sitatungas. It also includes the big five (lion, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffaloes). It is also home to roughly 15% of the world’s population of the endangered Grevy’s zebra. It is also home to over 70 different species of mammals and over 350 different species of birds.
With Lewa’s success the communities surrounding Lewa directly benefit. LWC gives back to the communities through their community development programs. Lewa has its own education program that helps develop schools and students. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy engages in a very broad-based community development programs. They believe that the key to successful wildlife conservation lies in gaining the support of the local people that live around the Conservancy.
Lewa was instrumental in securing and protecting the Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve on the southern boundary. Deservedly, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013.
With over 100 Black Rhino in the ‘Lewa-Borana landscape’ - this population is now the third ‘Key 1 population’ in East Africa. A Key 1 population is a rating from the IUCN’s African Rhino specialist group which identifies a stable and increasing Rhino population which has achieved continental importance.
Wildlife at Lewa
There is an abundance of wildlife on LWC. The conservancy’s 250 square kilometers are home to over 70 different mammal species, including large populations of elephants, lions, and cheetahs. All of Africa’s ‘Big Five’ roam Lewa’s broad fields and predators include lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs.
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Lewa is home to both black and white rhinos and is first and foremost a rhino sanctuary. The conservancy houses over 15% of Kenya’s rhino population, offering visitors an exceptional chance to see these majestic creatures up close. The Grevy’s zebras, with their distinctive narrow stripes and large ears, are also a highlight, as Lewa provides a sanctuary for about 20% of the world’s population of this endangered species.
These predators roam the conservancy’s savannahs, providing thrilling wildlife viewing opportunities. Beyond these iconic species, visitors might also encounter buffalo, giraffes, and numerous antelope species, all thriving in this protected environment. For bird enthusiasts, Lewa offers a rich avian life, with over 400 species recorded within the conservancy.
Visiting Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
The Lewa Conservancy is located south of the town of Isiolo near the Laikipia Plateau. Travelers can reach Lewa Conservancy by road or air, with the most popular route being a scenic 5 to 6-hour drive from Nairobi, passing through the central highlands of Kenya. For a quicker journey, scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport land directly on Lewa’s airstrip, offering a swift and comfortable option.
The easiest way to get to Lewa Downs is by air on a direct flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport into the conservancy's private airstrip.
Entry Fees
Lewa Conservancy entry fees vary depending on the type of visitor, with adult non-residents paying $198USD per day and residents paying about Ksh 8,704. Fees for children and students are lower, and the conservancy may also offer discounted rates for extended stays.
Lewa Conservancy’s entry fees are crucial in supporting the conservancy’s conservation efforts, community projects, and the maintenance of the pristine wilderness that guests enjoy. The fees cover access to the conservancy’s extensive wildlife viewing areas, including opportunities to spot the Big Five and the endangered Grevy’s zebra and black rhino. Visitors are encouraged to check the latest rates as they can vary depending on the season and special offers.
Activities and Experiences
The game viewing is fantastic and you will head out in one of the conservancies specially adapted safari vehicles in the company of an experienced ranger and tracker in search of wildlife including the Big Five. One of the greatest attractions of the Lewa Conservancy is that it allows you the freedom to do different safari activities such as going on bush walks accompanied by local guides who will help you interpret the secrets of the bush.
What to do on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy:
- Game drives
- Walking safaris
- Night game drives
- Bush dinners
- Camel rides
- Horse rides
- Educational tours on day to day operations of the conservancy
If you are looking for a more relaxing time, then spend some times in one of the hides overlooking the waterhole. You can also visit the Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve and seek Black and White Colobus Monkeys as well as many species of birds.
The Conservancy is actively involved in the community and guests are actively encouraged to participate in conservation and community projects. These are often a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and learn about life in Africa.
Other activities include:
- Safari on Foot - See the conservancy closeup and personal. A guided walking safari is the best way to get intimate with the land, the plants, and the birdlife all around you.
- Safari on Horseback - For a slightly elevated vantage point of the conservancy, try a game drive from the saddle. A horseback safari will afford a closer look at the grazing herds as you sidle alongside giraffe, zebra, and impala.
- Safari on Camelback - A decidedly different approach to the safari experience.
- Local Villages - Enjoy a cultural excursion to the local villages and meet the people, learn about their lifestyle, and how the conservancy helps their community.
- Go Behind The Scenes - You can observe and help with the area’s many conservation and community programs like their health outreach initiative.
- Lewa Safari Marathon - An annual internationally acclaimed fundraising event, participants run for their best times through the inspiring African landscape of Lewa.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lewa Conservancy is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February when wildlife viewing is at its peak. These months offer the best conditions for game drives, as animals are more concentrated around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife.
During the dry seasons, Lewa Conservancy’s landscape transforms into a prime setting for wildlife viewing. With scarce water sources, animals like elephants, rhinos, and big cats gather near the remaining waterholes, offering visitors spectacular game sightings. The clear skies and mild temperatures also enhance the safari experience, making it a comfortable and rewarding time to explore the conservancy.
The rainy seasons, typically from March to May and October to November, bring lush greenery to Lewa but also make wildlife viewing more challenging. The tall grasses and dense foliage can obscure animals, and the wet conditions may lead to some areas becoming inaccessible.
Accommodation
Lewa hosts five exclusive lodges located throughout the grounds of the conservancy. These lodges offer spacious rooms or tents with modern amenities, often with stunning views of the surrounding savannahs and wildlife. The accommodations offer their guests authentic and very unique safari experiences.
Lewa Conservancy is home to several high-end lodges and tented camps that cater to visitors seeking an exclusive safari experience. Some of the popular options include Lewa Safari Camp, Sirikoi Lodge, and Kifaru House. Each lodge provides a unique experience, combining luxury with a deep connection to nature.
Staying at a lodge in Lewa Conservancy allows you to enjoy the wildlife up close, with many lodges offering early morning and evening game drives, guided nature walks, and opportunities to engage with conservation efforts. After a day of exploration, you can unwind with gourmet dining and relax in the serene atmosphere of the African wilderness.
Climate
The days are warm, rising to maximum of 30 deg C, but comfortable with minimum humidity, and the evenings are cool with cosy blankets on the beds. Rainfall is mostly in May and November with an average of 360mm per year.
Visiting Lewa with Africa Kenya Safaris
You can Book a tour with Africa Kenya Safaris. Africa Kenya Safaris offers expertly guided tours that include visits to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, ensuring a rich and immersive safari experience.
When you book a safari with Africa Kenya Safaris, the entry fees to Lewa Conservancy are conveniently included in the package, eliminating any concerns about additional costs during your trip.
Booking a tour with Africa Kenya Safaris guarantees an exceptional experience at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Our packages include transportation, park entry fees, and guided tours by seasoned experts who are passionate about wildlife conservation.
Integral to the conservancy model, all the profits generated from tourism are directed back to Lewa’s conservation and community programs.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Kenya, Laikipia Plateau |
| Size | Approximately 250 square kilometers (62,000 acres) |
| Wildlife | Black and white rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and over 400 bird species |
| Activities | Game drives, walking safaris, night game drives, bush dinners, camel rides, horse rides, cultural excursions |
| Best Time to Visit | June to September and December to February (dry seasons) |
| Accommodation | Exclusive lodges and tented camps |
| Conservation Model | Integrates wildlife protection with community development |
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