The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is located in northern Kenya. It was formed in 1995. It is a wildlife sanctuary incorporating the Ngare Ndare Forest and covering over 62,000 acres.
The Conservancy is home to a wide variety of wildlife including the rare and endangered black rhinos, Grevy’s zebras and sitatungas.
The Conservancy is also home to the Northern Rangelands Trust, an innovative partnership with a number of communities to the north who have given land for the preservation of wildlife.
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Why visit Lewa Wildlife Conservancy?
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy safari
There are plenty of great things to do in Kenya and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy covers huge swathes of pristine African wilderness offering dramatic views of snow-capped Mt Kenya to the south, and the arid lands of Tassia and Il Ngwesi to the north.
The conservancy showcases a range of wild habitats including highland forests, wide open grasslands, melt-water mountain springs and acacia woodland and supports hundreds of bird species.
More than 70 different animal species roam the vast grasslands at the foot of Mt Kenya and for visitors, the wildlife experience is unrivalled.
Animals
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).
Lewa holds over 12% of Kenya’s eastern black rhinoceros population and the largest single population of Grevy’s zebras in the world (approximately 350 individuals).
Lions – The “King of the Jungle” is one of its resident predators. There are currently 44 lions across the Lewa-Borana Landscape.
Lewa occasionally hosts a pack of the critically endangered wild dog (also known as the African painted dog).
Birds
The Conservancy is also home to more than 400 species of birds including the Somali ostrich, vulturine guineafowl and the beautiful golden-breasted starling making it a great birding destination.
Trees
The local Ngare Ndare Forest makes for a great day trip outside the conservancy. The forest’s dense shrubbery and tightly packed trees are juxtaposed with the vast, smooth plains of the conservancy.
Other activities at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Here are some other activities which visitors can consider during their African safari experience in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy:
- Lewa Safari Walk: Explore the nature wildlife on foot, an authentic and economical means of exploring wildlife in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- Photography safari tours: Visitors on a photo safari can share a photography tour with like-minded individuals and capture their favourite moments.
- Sightseeing tours: Visitors can discover the nearby Ngare Ndare forest and waterfall on horseback safaris as well as tracker dog demonstrations and learn from a research team member about Lewa’s efforts to enable elephants and other wildlife to coexist with humans.
Visitors often enjoy combining their safari adventure with some quiet downtime on Kenya’s best beaches, a perfect end to their African adventure.
How to get to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy?
By Plane
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. There are daily scheduled flights.
International flights arrive via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for visitors wondering how to get to Kenya. NBO airport is located 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi and a Kenya visa will most likely be required to enter the country.
By Road
If you are travelling by road the conservancy is a 4 hour drive from Nairobi on the Thika Road.
Tariffs & Regulations
Entrance fee
Many factors impact Kenya safari prices including the cost of the park entrance fee. Prices per person per day: USD $126 – $198 per adult non resident
Regulations
If you keep to park rules, you can stay with the animals as long as they are not disturbed by your presence.
Accommodation at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa offers a range of accommodation options including cottages and lodges. Rates mainly depend on the season and type of accommodation. Carrying a small amount of Kenyan currency, the Kenya Shilling (KES) is recommended to pay for groceries and smaller items where credit cards aren’t accepted.
Cottages
Lewa Wilderness offers six cottages tucked into the hillside overlooking the sprawling Eastern Marania Valley, plus a further three garden cottages that are cozy yet expansive are set amongst the beautiful lawn.
Lodges
Elewana Kifaru House camp is very family oriented and guests can feel the fresh breeze right at the top of the hill with excellent dining and a swimming pool overlooking the Lewa conservancy.
Campsites
There are 5 affordable camping sites offering cheaper camping options for travellers on a budget including Lewa Safari Camp.
Campervan
Guests on a safari game drive by themselves in a campervan can make significant savings by sleeping in their vehicle.
Bars/restaurants/amenities
Lodges will typically have all meals and drinks included in the lodge package.
Useful information
Geography
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is situated 260 north of Nairobi with a drive time of 5.5 hours. A Kenya safari in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is often combined with a trip to Lake Nakuru National Park.
Weather
During the Dry season, sunny days are usually experienced, although it can also rain. Temperatures during the day are about 25°C/77°F. However, it is considerably colder at nighttime and in the early mornings (temperatures around 10°C/50°F).
Best time to go
Understanding the best time to visit Kenya is important as this will impact accommodation, flight prices, availability and the weather that visitors can expect on their safari vacation.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year, but heavy rain can interfere with your safari. The reserve’s lodges are closed in April and November because the condition of the roads is a problem in those Wet season months.
Health
Malaria is present in Lewa Conservancy and antimalarials are recommended. The use of mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective) as well as covering up in the evening helps to avoid being bitten.
Visitors can find further information on Kenya vaccine details here.
FAQs
Where is Lewa Wildlife Conservancy located?
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. There are daily scheduled flights.
How much is the entrance fee to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy?
USD $126 – $198 per adult non resident
What animals will visitors see at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy?
Visitors to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy will find black rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, sitatungas, the big five (lion, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffaloes) and the wild dog.