Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Safari Experience – A Wilderness Like No Other

Hidden in the highlands of central Kenya lies one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is not just a safari destination; it is a living example of how wildlife conservation, community development, and luxury tourism can thrive together.

Renowned for its rare wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and deeply personal safari experiences, Lewa offers one of the most exclusive and meaningful safaris in East Africa.

Where Is Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Located?

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy covers approximately 250 km² (25,000 hectares) in Meru County, bordering Laikipia County to the west and Isiolo County to the north. Although administratively separate, Lewa forms part of the greater Laikipia ecosystem, one of Kenya’s most important wildlife landscapes.

The conservancy sits on the Laikipia Plateau, at elevations exceeding 1,500 metres above sea level. Just 40 kilometres south, the striking peaks of Mount Kenya dominate the skyline, creating a dramatic contrast between lush montane forests and Lewa’s open grasslands and acacia woodlands.

This unique geography plays a vital role in the area’s biodiversity and visual appeal, making Lewa one of the most scenic safari destinations in Kenya.

A Unique, Open Ecosystem Approach

While Lewa is fenced to protect endangered species, it is not isolated. Strategically placed wildlife corridors allow animals to move freely between Lewa, Borana Conservancy, the wider Laikipia conservancy network, and the Samburu ecosystem to the north.

This balance between protection and connectivity has been central to Lewa’s conservation success and ensures healthy wildlife movement across northern Kenya.

The Story Behind Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Lewa’s journey is deeply rooted in Kenya’s conservation history. Originally a working cattle ranch owned by the Craig family, the land was transformed during the height of the poaching crisis in the early 1980s.

In partnership with conservationist Anna Merz, the ranch became the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary, offering refuge to some of Kenya’s last remaining rhinos. As rhino numbers slowly recovered, the sanctuary expanded to cover the entire property, officially becoming Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Today, Lewa stands as one of Kenya’s leading conservation pioneers and a benchmark for sustainable safari tourism.

Community Conservation & the Northern Rangelands Trust

Lewa’s philosophy has always recognized that conservation cannot succeed without thriving local communities. This inclusive approach led to the creation and support of community-owned conservancies across Laikipia and Isiolo.

These efforts eventually gave rise to the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), which now oversees more than 30 community conservancies across northern Kenya. NRT supports conservation through funding, training, governance, and security, helping transform lives while protecting wildlife and natural resources.

UNESCO World Heritage Recognition

In 2013, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, together with the Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve, was officially recognized as an extension of the Mount Kenya UNESCO World Heritage Site a global acknowledgment of the area’s ecological importance and conservation success.

Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve – A Hidden Gem

Located just south of Lewa, Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve forms part of the greater Mount Kenya forest ecosystem. This lush indigenous forest feels almost otherworldly, with thick ferns, towering trees, hanging vines, and crystal-clear streams.

Top Attractions in Ngare Ndare

• Natural Waterfall & Blue Pool – Set within a rocky grotto and open for swimming

• Canopy Walkway – A suspended walkway 10 metres above the forest floor, offering breathtaking views, especially at sunset

Wildlife sightings include forest elephants, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and a wide variety of birdlife.

The Mount Kenya Elephant Migration Corridor

One of Lewa’s most remarkable conservation achievements is the 14-kilometre elephant migration corridor linking Mount Kenya National Park to Ngare Ndare Forest.

Created in 2010, this corridor allows elephants to safely migrate between forested and arid ecosystems while reducing human-wildlife conflict. A specially designed highway underpass the first of its kind in East Africa, enables elephants and other animals to cross safely beneath a major road.

Astonishingly, the first elephant used the underpass just 12 hours after completion.

Wildlife at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Lewa is home to an exceptional diversity of wildlife, including:

• Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard sightings are rare but possible.
• Black and white rhinos (one of the best places in Africa to see both species)
• Grevy’s zebra (endangered and a major Lewa stronghold)
• Reticulated giraffe
• Gerenuk
• Beisa oryx
• Somali ostrich

• Cheetahs and African wild dogs

Few safari experiences compare to seeing a black rhino roaming freely across Lewa’s grasslands with Mount Kenya rising in the distance.

Conservation in Action – A Transparent Safari Experience

Lewa offers guests a rare behind-the-scenes look at conservation in practice. Visitors can engage with:

• Anti-poaching units
• Tracker dog teams
• Community schools and health clinics
• Wildlife monitoring initiatives

Rather than presenting a sanitized safari, Lewa offers an authentic, educational, and deeply meaningful experience that connects guests to the real challenges and successes of conservation.

Safari Activities & Where to Stay in Lewa

A safari in Lewa goes far beyond traditional game drives.

Activities Include:

• Guided game drives
• Walking safaris with expert guides
• Camel safaris
• Horseback safaris (beginner to advanced riders)
• Fly camping under the stars
• Bush breakfasts & sundowners

Wildlife reacts differently to horses and camels, allowing for uniquely close and natural encounters.

Accommodation

Lewa offers exclusive luxury lodges and tented camps, known for exceptional service, privacy, and immersive wilderness settings. Every stay blends world-class comfort with warm, personal hospitality.

Why Choose Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for Your Kenya Safari?

• Exceptional wildlife density
• Rare species encounters
• World-leading conservation model
• Community-driven tourism
• Luxury with authenticity
• Freedom of exploration, unlike traditional national parks

Plan Your Lewa Safari Experience

A safari to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is more than a holiday it’s a journey into Kenya’s conservation heartland.

For travelers seeking luxury, purpose, wildlife, and exclusivity, Lewa delivers an experience few destinations in Africa can match.