Overview
Safari, adventure, conservation and culture
Lewa Wilderness can be found in the foothills of Mt Kenya in the Laikipia region. From being the first private ranch in Kenya to host private guests back in the 1970s, it has continued to be at the forefront of purpose lead safari.
Still owned and managed by the same family, the camp has become a luxury lodge, and its pioneering rhino sanctuary has expanded to become a stunning restored 25,000-hectare conservancy in the Lewa–Borana Landscape, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that is a vital sanctuary for hundreds of black and white rhinos.
There are just nine welcoming cottages with wonderful views dotted on a discreetly fenced area making this a great choice for families, as do the great variety of experiences on offer with exceptional wildlife viewing and adventure activities. Enjoy silent game drives in electric Land Cruisers, guided walks, breathtaking scenic flights in Lewa's yellow WACO bi-plane, horse riding, fly camping and more.
Your stay here supports the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy which is known for leading the way with its conservation initiatives and education programmes.
Facts
At a glance
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Six hillside cottages and three family garden rooms
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Swimming pool
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Bar and library
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Gym
Experiences
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![Bison in the Lewa Wilderness, in Laikipia Kenya]()
Game drives
Being in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy means that you’re surrounded by excellent game viewing opportunities away from the crowds. Only three vehicles are allowed at a wildlife sighting, ensuring your experience is exclusive. You also have a good chance of getting to see all of the most popular animals, as well as endangered black and white rhinos.
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![Lewa Wilderness Laikipia Kenya 33]()
Walking safaris
One of the most popular ways to explore the conservancy is in a more traditional fashion – on foot. Lewa Wilderness’ expert Masai walking guides, who have lived here all their lives, explore Lewa with guests to really get up close to many of our wild neighbours
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![Lewa Wilderness Laikipia Kenya 23]()
Riding
You can either opt for the usual safari transport options, or venture out on horseback or even on a camel. There are more than 30 horses and ponies here, some homebred and others retired polo ponies. Many of the horses are used to carrying first-time riders.
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![Lewa Wilderness Laikipia Kenya 39]()
Flying safari in the Waco
Take to the sky in an open-cockpit biplane with pilot Will Craig. He’ll take you over the treetops and weave through the gorges. The plane can carry two passengers.
Community & Culture
The Lewa Family know that wildlife conservation can’t succeed without support from neighbouring communities. With that in mind, they are involved in several initiatives, including micro-credit schemes, water projects, and education and healthcare projects. They are also aware that the future of Kenya’s wildlife lies with the next generation, and so they have set up the Lewa Education Programme (LEP) to help educate local children and teach them how important wildlife is. The LEP sponsors 18 schools and you can arrange a visit to one of them.
Lewa’s School Bag Project aims to supply disadvantaged children with school supplies. The bags are made from recycled fabric and contain books, stationary and encyclopedias.
Conservation
When it was established in 1972, Lewa transformed from a farm into a not-for-profit wildlife conservancy which now boasts 25,000 hectares of conserved land and more than 70 different animal species and 350 bird species. Lewa Conservancy continues to run one of the most successful rhino protection programs in Africa, hosting some 12% of Kenya's black rhino population with a breeding programme that has helped repopulate other protected areas in the region. The survival of this iconic species rests on long-term solutions that involve local people, securing its habitat and reducing demand for its horn.
Footprint
Lewa Wilderness was the first lodge in Kenya to introduce the electric game drive vehicles and they are in the process of converting all vehicles to pure electric. The lodge is solar powered and hot water is run through a centralised system. The lodge also runs a biodegradable food waste system using their black soldier fly breeding programmes to turn waste into fish food for the home-grown fish used on site.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
