Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (also known as Lewa Downs) 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 (250 km2). The Conservancy is home to a wide variety of wildlife including the rare and endangered black rhinos, zebras and sitatungas. It also includes the big five (Masai 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).

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

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. Lewa has its own education program that helps develop schools and students. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is located in Meru County, south of Isiolo town but north of Mount Kenya.

Recently crowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy prides in its key goal of ‘conservation, community and inspiration’. Lewa offers the full package for wildlife and conservation lovers ranging from children, researchers, leisure tourists, adventure lovers and even cultural enthusiasts.

How to get there

It takes about 4 hrs to drive from Nairobi to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The easiest way to get to Lewa is to take one of the daily scheduled flights from Nairobi. It is also possible to charter a flight from any other park, or Nairobi. Finding your way to Nairobi itself isn’t difficult due to it being one of Africa’s largest transport hubs. International flights arrive in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi.

Lewa’s Attractions.

Stretching on 61,000 acres, Lewa is a wildlife sanctuary in northern part of Kenya. It acts as a catalyst for conservation and is home to some of the world’s critically endangered species – the black rhino and Grevy’s zebra – that also serve as the flagship species. Lewa has one of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya that includes 11% and 14% of the country’s black and white rhino respectively and the world’s single largest population of Grevy’s zebras. It is also home to herds of elephants and buffalo, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, more than 400 species of birds and if lucky, a pack of the very rare wild dogs! Similar to Ol Pejeta, Lewa hosts an abundance of endangered flora and fauna. Aside from game drives, Lewa also offers a walk in the wild accompanied by local armed guides. This makes the wildlife experience a little more intimate and enjoyable. Many times you will enjoy this experience as you watch the Maasai morans also graze their cattle as the elephants, antelopes and zebras graze alongside a resting lion!

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

After a game drive, a relaxing visit to a nearby Maasai or Samburu cultural village will give you the perfect opportunity to interact with the locals.

Lewa Conservancy also takes social responsibility to neighboring communities very serious. If you like, you could get a chance to visit the different development projects Lewa runs. You are sure to get an appreciation of where your money goes.

Rules while at the National Park

Respect the privacy of the wildlife, this is their habitat.

Beware of the animals, they are wild and can be unpredictable always stay in the range of the guide while in the wild.

Don’t crowd the animals or make sudden noises or movements. When they detect the noise they could move away and you won’t have sight of them.

What to carry

  • Sunglasses, Comfortable shoes, Water proof shoes, Cotton clothing plus any other personal items you may require for your daily stay.

Accommodation

  • Sirikoi Lodge – Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
  • Borana Lodge
  • Lewa House
  • Lewa Safari Camp