Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

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Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Best Time: July - September, December - March Read More

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"A Safe Haven for Rhinos & Grey Zebra's "

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Tourism

Situated in Meru County, Kenya, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy covers 62,000 acres is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo). The conservancy is particularly noted for its significant populations of black and white rhinos, including 12% of Kenya’s rhinos and the world’s largest population of Grevy’s zebras, making it a crucial stronghold for these endangered species.

Established in 1995, Lewa has played a pivotal role in community-based conservation, working closely with local communities to promote sustainable development and wildlife protection.  Lewa is a safe home for many animals like elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs.

It also hosts over 400 kinds of birds and a rare pack of wild dogs. Besides safaris, you can ride horses and camels, take hot air balloon trips at dawn, go on walking safaris and night drives, enjoy bush breakfasts and sundowners, and visit Maasai villages for a cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy day trips to Ngare Ndare Forest for beautiful waterfalls and hiking adventures.

In addition to its wildlife, Lewa is a leader in education and community development, running numerous programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of surrounding communities. The Lewa Education Program supports local schools, while healthcare initiatives provide essential services to residents. Visitors can engage with these community projects, gaining insights into the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife.

Staying at one of Lewa's luxurious lodges or tented camps offers an unparalleled blend of comfort and wilderness. Accommodations are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, offering breathtaking views and exceptional service.

Entry Fees:
Non-Residents:
Overnight: Adults - $126, Child - $63
Day Fees: Adults - $198, Child - $99

Kenyan Residents:
Overnight: Adults – KSH 2800, Child – KSH 1400
Day Fees: Adults – KSH 8074, Child – KSH 4037

Things to do in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

1. Wildlife Safaris

Wildlife Safaris
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy offers thrilling wildlife safaris led by experienced guides. Safaris are best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon for optimal wildlife activity.

2. Horseback Safaris

Horseback Safaris
Horseriding safaris offer an exciting way to explore the stunning landscapes and encounter iconic African wildlife in Lewa. Led by experienced guides, these safaris promise thrilling experiences for r (Read More)iders of all levels.

3. Camel Safaris

Camel Safaris
Led by knowledgeable guides, visitors ride camels and may see iconic African wildlife like elephants and lions. These safaris suit both adventurous explorers and those looking for a relaxed experience (Read More).

4. Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris
Join guided walking safaris at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to explore the bush up close. Led by knowledgeable guides, learn about the ecosystem's details, from tracks to plant identification. It's an ad (Read More)venture that lets you appreciate nature's intricacies.

5. Ngare Ndare Forest

Ngare Ndare Forest
Ngare Ndare Forest, near Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, offers lush greenery, waterfalls, and birdlife. Accessible by road, visitors can hike, swim, and walk the canopy walkway. Best visited in the mornin (Read More)g to avoid the heat, allowing ample time to explore and relax.

6. Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Soar over Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on a hot air balloon safari for breathtaking views of its landscape and wildlife from a bird's-eye perspective, making for a memorable and romantic excursion.

7. Cultural Visits

Cultural Visits
Cultural visits offer guests the chance to explore the traditions of the local Maasai community. Experience traditional dances, storytelling, and craft demonstrations, gaining insight into Maasai cult (Read More)ure and fostering cultural exchange.

8. Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary

Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary
The Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary within Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is where visitors can observe black and white rhinos in their natural habitat. Guided safari drives allow guests to track these majest (Read More)ic animals and encounter other wildlife such as giraffes and zebras.

9. Lewa House Gardens

Lewa House Gardens
Lewa House Gardens, located in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, provide a peaceful escape surrounded by vibrant gardens and abundant birdlife. Guests can access it by road and enjoy activities like birdwatc (Read More)hing and guided nature walks at their own pace.

10. Lewa Conservancy Headquarters

Lewa Conservancy Headquarters
At Lewa Conservancy Headquarters, visitors can explore conservation efforts. Accessible by road, it offers educational exhibits, guided tours, and wildlife monitoring. Guests learn about endangered sp (Read More)ecies and community projects, perfect for conservation enthusiasts.

11. Birdwatching

Birdwatching
Birdwatching enthusiasts at the conservancy can spot over 400 bird species. Guided excursions provide insights into bird behavior and species identification, making it rewarding for nature lovers.

12. Night Drives

Night Drives
Join a guided night drive to explore the conservancy after dark. Led by experienced guides with spotlights, guests observe elusive nocturnal wildlife like leopards and hyenas in their habitat, gaining (Read More) insight into nighttime ecosystem dynamics.

13. Bush Breakfasts and Sundowners

Bush Breakfasts and Sundowners
Experience bush breakfasts and sundowners for a unique dining adventure in the wilderness. Start your day with a delicious breakfast in nature, and in the evening, enjoy drinks and snacks while watchi (Read More)ng the sunset.

14. Conservation Experiences

Conservation Experiences
Get involved in conservation activities within the conservancy, like tree planting, wildlife monitoring, and anti-poaching patrols. These experiences deepen your connection to conservation efforts and (Read More) help preserve biodiversity.

Must Know Before You Travel to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

  • Operating Hours: The gates of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are open from 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
  • Entrance Gate: There is only one main entrance gate located approximately 3 kilometres from Isiolo town.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility: Safarilink donates $5 to Lewa Conservancy for each passenger flying in or out, as part of their ongoing CSR program.
  • Vehicle Restrictions: Not all vehicles are allowed in the Conservancy, so visitors might need their accommodation to meet them at the Lewa gates, unless they're attending the Safaricom Marathon.
  • Activity Reservations: Activities are booked on a first-come, first-served basis and fill up quickly. It's advisable to book in advance by contacting your lodge after accommodation booking.
  • Lodge Closures: Some lodges close during November and April due to muddy and inaccessible roads. Excursions may also be cancelled last minute due to bad weather in May. Plan accordingly and note potential lodge renovations during these periods. Read More

More on Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Travel

Wildlife in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a key player in wildlife conservation, boasting a diverse range of species.
  • It's home to 12% of Kenya’s rhino population, which has grown from 15 to 244.
  • The conservancy also hosts the world’s largest population of Grevy’s zebras and sightings of the Big Five - elephants, rhinos, lions, buffaloes, and leopards.
  • Visitors can also spot other predators like cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas.
  • Additionally, Lewa is one of the few places in Kenya where you can see all five Northern specialty species: reticulated giraffes, Somali ostriches, Beisa oryxes, gerenuks, and Grevy’s zebras.
  • With 493 bird species, including the reticent ostrich and soaring falcon, Lewa offers unforgettable safari experiences for visitors.

Accommodation in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has 5 unique accommodation options inside the conservancy
  1. Elewana Kifaru House: With five cottages, it provides luxurious wildlife viewing in Kenya's wildlife conservancy. The price per night costs over $1266 for double occupancy.
  2. Elewana Lewa Safari Camp: Situated in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, it offers authentic luxury and access to vast wilderness with ensuite safari tents. The price per night costs over $492 for double occupancy.
  3. Lewa Wilderness: One of Kenya’s original safari ventures, providing safari adventures in style with 9 exclusive accommodations. Prices start from $2520 per night on double occupancy.
  4. Lewa House: Featuring a thatched main house and separate cottages, offering unique views of Kenya’s Northern Frontier.
  5. Sirikoi Lodge: An intimate lodge along the Sirikoi stream, offering exclusivity and charm in nature.

Best Time to Visit Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

How to Reach Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

How to Reach Overview

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the closest airport to reach Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. There are direct flights from Nairobi to Lewa Downs Airport daily that take around 45 minutes to reach. Alternatively, reaching Lewa from Nairobi by road is also very accessible and takes only around 4-5 hours.

How to reach Lewa Wildlife Conservancy by flight

The nearest major airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi). You can fly from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Lewa Downs Airport. Daily direct flights are offered by SafariLink or Air Kenya from Wilson Airport in Nairobi. The flight takes about 45 minutes each way and costs around $400 for a round trip.

Private or chartered planes can also land at the Lewa airstrip to bring guests to the conservancy. The conservancy provides transfer services from the airport to the lodges within the conservancy.

How to reach Lewa Wildlife Conservancy by road

From Nairobi, you can drive to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which is about 250 kilometres (155 miles) away. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours by road.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Photos

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

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