Lewa Wildlife Conservancy – An Exclusive Safari Experience
Welcome to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, one of Africa’s most celebrated private wildlife sanctuaries and a shining model for community-led conservation. Nestled in northern Kenya’s Laikipia landscape, this 62,000-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an exclusive, uncrowded safari experience unlike any other
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Whether you are a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor to Africa, Lewa delivers an unforgettable blend of luxury, wilderness, and purpose. With Beyond Kenya Safaris, your journey to Lewa becomes more than just a holiday — it becomes a meaningful connection to one of the world’s most inspiring conservation stories
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Why Lewa is a Premier Safari Destination
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is not merely a place to see wildlife; it is a place where conservation, community, and sustainable tourism converge . In 2025, Lewa was officially recognised as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), a prestigious global status that places it alongside the world’s most critical ecosystems for conservation
- The conservancy works hand-in-hand with local communities, ensuring that wildlife protection directly benefits the people living in and around its borders. From healthcare clinics and clean water projects to supporting 27 schools across Laikipia, Meru, and Isiolo, Lewa demonstrates that conservation succeeds when communities thrive
- This commitment to conservation has yielded remarkable results. Since 2019, Lewa has recorded zero rhinos poached, and its annual wildlife census — conducted since 1977 — provides crucial data that guides evidence-based management across the Lewa-Borana landscape and beyond
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Unforgettable Safari Activities at Lewa
Lewa offers an extraordinary range of safari experiences, many of which are unique to this corner of Kenya
- Game Drives & Night Safaris:-Morning and afternoon game drives take youcross open savannah, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests in search of the Big Five and northern Kenya’s rare species. Night drives offer a thrilling chance to spot nocturnal wildlife like aardvarks, bush babies, and elusive leopards
- Walking Safaris:-Step out of the vehicle and explore the bush on foot with expert guides. Learn to read animal tracks, identify medicinal plants, and experience the wilderness in its most intimate form. Lewa House’s co-owner Calum is a fully qualified trails guide who leads these immersive walks
- Horseback & Camel Safaris:-For a truly unique perspective, saddle up for a horseback safari across Lewa’s plains or sway gently across the savannah on a camel trek. These slow-paced journeys offer an unparalleled connection to the landscape and often bring you closer to wildlife than a vehicle can
- Scenic Flights:-Marvel at Lewa’s dramatic landscapes from above with a bi-plane or helicopter flight. Soar over the conservancy, spot wildlife from the air, and take in breathtaking views of Mount Kenya on the horizon
- Cultural Visits:-Meet the Maasai and Samburu communities whose traditions and livelihoods are intertwined with the conservancy. Visit local villages, learn about their customs, and see how tourism revenue directly supports community projects in education and healthcare
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Luxury Accommodation at Lewa
Lewa boasts a selection of award-winning lodges and camps, each offering its own unique character and style
- Lewa House:A luxury 7-acre farm run by a warm Kenyan-Scottish couple, Lewa House offers a “home away from home” atmosphere. Accommodation includes family-friendly cottages and innovative “earth pods” with outdoor bathtubs overlooking the bush. The food is renowned as some of the best in Kenya, with ingredients sourced from the property’s own garden
- Lewa Safari Camp: This superb tented camp overlooks a busy waterhole, offering front-row seats to a living wildlife tableau. Spacious thatch-roofed tents feature plush beds and private verandas, while the camp’s heart includes a dining room, bar, library, and shimmering swimming pool — perfect for relaxing between adventures
- Sirikoi Camp:An award-winning eco-lodge set in a tranquil acacia grove beside a spring-fed waterhole. Sirikoi offers four luxury tents, a two-bedroom cottage, and the exclusive three-bedroom Sirikoi House — ideal for families or groups seeking complete privacy. Elegant design, farm-to-table cuisine, and personalised service make this one of northern Kenya’s finest luxury retreats
- Lewa Wilderness Lodge:The original home of the Craig family, who founded Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. This family-friendly lodge offers nine guest cottages with spectacular views across the Eastern Marania Valley. Activities include guided game drives, walking safaris, camel and horseback rides, scenic flights, and children’s programmes — making it a fantastic choice for families
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Iconic Wildlife: Rhinos, Grevy’s Zebras & The Big Five
Lewa is home to over 10% of Kenya’s rhino population, with both black and white rhinos thriving under 24-hour protection . The conservancy also holds the world’s largest single population of the endangered Grevy’s zebra, alongside northern Kenya’s “special five” — reticulated giraffe, oryx, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Grevy’s zebra
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Beyond these rare species, Lewa supports all of Africa’s Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Spotted hyenas are also flourishing, with a 2025 survey estimating 82 hyenas within the conservancy alone . With over 500 bird species recorded, birdwatchers will find Lewa a paradise of feathered diversity
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Best Time to Visit Lewa Conservancy
Lewa is a year-round safari destination, but the best game viewing occurs during the dry season from June to September, when wildlife concentrates around water sources
- The green season (October to May) offers dramatic landscapes, excellent birdwatching, and the chance to witness newborn wildlife.
- The Lewa Safari Marathon, held annually in June, is a global event that has raised over KSh 1.3 billion for conservation since its launch in 2000 . Participating in this race — ranked among the world’s top ten amateur races — is a truly unique way to support Lewa’s work while experiencing its beauty
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How to Get to Lewa from Nairobi
- The easiest way to reach Lewa is by scheduled flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Lewa Downs Airstrip, with a flight time of approximately one hour
- Private charters are also available. From the airstrip, a short road transfer takes you to your chosen lodge or camp.
Lewa can also be combined with other iconic Kenyan destinations. Many travellers pair a Lewa safari with the Masai Mara, Samburu National Reserve, or a beach extension to the Kenyan coast at Diani Beach
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Plan Your Lewa Safari with Beyond Kenya Safaris
Every safari we design is tailor-made to your needs. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a private group retreat, our team will craft the perfect itinerary
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Sample Itinerary: 4-Day Fly-In Safari to Lewa House
- Day 1: Fly from Wilson Airport to Lewa Downs Airstrip. Afternoon game drive with sundowners in the bush.
- Day 2: Full day of safari activities — game drives, walking safari, and optional night drive.
- Day 3: Camel or horseback safari, cultural visit to a local community, and relaxation at the lodge.
- Day 4: Final morning game drive or leisure time before your flight back to Nairobi.
Enquire Now to begin planning your exclusive Lewa safari. Let Beyond Kenya Safaris open the door to one of Africa’s most inspiring wildlife destinations.