The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, located in the Northen Kenya, works as a model and catalyst for the conservation of wildlife. Lewa serves as a safe refuge for the critically endangered black rhino and the endangered Grevy’s zebra, as well as the elephant, lion, giraffe, wild dog and other iconic wildlife species in Kenya. The Conservancy is also home to more than 400 species of birds. Lewa Conservancy is home to 20% of the world’s Grevy’s zebra population and 10% of Kenya’s rhino population, both of which are endangered animals.
Lewa Conservancy
Once a cattle ranch, Lewa was transformed into a conservation area by landowners working closely with the region’s communities. Staying in Lewa Conservancy gives the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the conservancy’s conservation and community initiatives as well as to visit the area’s pre-historic archaeological sites.
There are many exciting and interactive activities to do at the conservancy, including game drives that showcase the variety and densities of wildlife. Keen bird watchers can look forward to the sight and sound of close to 400 bird species. Viewing wildlife on foot, accompanied by local armed guides, provides an up close and personal interaction with the wildlife and the flora and fauna. The ability to do a walking safari experience is one of the factors that make Lewa a truly unique safari destination.
Lewa envisions a future where people across Kenya value, protect and benefit from wildlife. This future depends on communities being able to derive their day-to-day livelihoods in ways that are compatible with thriving wildlife habitat. As a result, Lewa invests heavily in the livelihoods of its neighbours through programmes in education, healthcare, water, micro-enterprise, youth empowerment and more.
The reserve was officially recognized as a rhino sanctuary in 1983. Over 150 rangers are employed by the reserve, which is completely walled in. To educate the public about the advantages of wildlife, the conservancy engages in substantial outreach work in the nearby towns through its Community Development Program, which includes water, healthcare, and educational and microfinance programs.
Lewa Conservancy nearly 70 documented mammal species provide visitors with an unmatched wildlife experience.
Lewa and Borana also house nine tourism properties that offer an unparalleled, intimate, conservation-focused safari experience. Among them being top in our list are Lewa Wilderness, Borana Lodge, Elewana Safari Camp, Elewana Kifaru House, Sirikoi Lodge, Sirai house and Arijiju retreat.