Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Discover Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, with eight exclusive lodges, purposely limited visitor numbers, and exceptional game drives with knowledgeable guides in a landscape reborn. 

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, located on the grassy plains at the base of Mount Kenya, is known not only for its protection of wildlife but also for its exclusive and unique safari experiences.

The abundance of wildlife, passion for sustainability, and exquisite accommodations make Lewa a special place to visit on a safari.

However, dig a little deeper, and you will discover a pioneering project revolutionising conservation, tourism and the relationship with local people. 

From cattle ranch to wildlife conservancy: The history of Lewa

In the face of the poaching crisis that threatened Kenya’s rhino population in the 1980s, the Craig family, the owners of the Lewa Downs cattle ranch, refused to stand by and watch.

In 1983, they established the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary on a 5,000-acre section of the 62,000-acre Lewa Downs ranch.

Its primary purpose was to protect Kenya’s rhinos, and it was the first time the ranch diversified from cattle farming since its establishment in 1922. The project quickly proved to be a great success.

By 1995, the entire ranch converted to conservation, leading to the birth of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.  

From the outset, the project was visionary, recognising that without the support of the local people, it would fail. Motivated by a vision to create a future where people across Kenya value, protect and benefit from wildlife,

Lewa quickly began working closely with the local people by investing revenue from tourism into community programs, including education, healthcare, agriculture, water management, and women’s microfinance.

This approach proved highly successful, improving people’s lives and leading to peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife. 

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has made great strides since its establishment. The rhino population has increased from 15 to more than 250, with dozens more rhinos relocated to other conservancies.

The merger with Borana Conservancy has created a 93,000-acre rangeland that now hosts 14% of Kenya’s rhino population and 12% of the global population of Grevy’s Zebra.

They have built elephant underpasses to maintain elephant migration routes, protected hundreds of trees, set up anti-poaching strategies, and hosted the Lewa Safari Half-marathon, which attracts 1400 participants annually and raises millions of dollars for conservation projects in Kenya. 

Which animals can you see in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy?

Long-term wildlife protection has had a fantastic effect. Animal populations have increased steadily; some have even moved to other protected areas.

In addition to the Black and White rhinos and the other members of the Big Five, you may also see the rare wild hunting dogs, 450 bird species and the Samburu or Laikipia Five – the endangered Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, and Somali Ostrich.  

In 2013, UNESCO recognised the conservancy’s immense importance and declared Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and neighbouring Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve an extension of the Mount Kenya World Heritage Site – a huge accolade for years of hard work. 

Today, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s savannahs have abundant wildlife residing within the impressive silhouette of Mount Kenya.

During a safari here, you can expect to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, hyenas, zebras and other antelope species.

The world-class accommodation offers exclusivity and the chance to enjoy the tranquil, beautiful landscapes in seclusion.