Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Location: Meru County, Kenya

Area: 62,000 acres

Overview

In the 1960s, Kenya was home to an estimated 20,000 black rhinos, but just two decades later, poaching had reduced the population to less than 300, resulting in conservation efforts to steadily recover the black rhino, now over 600 in Kenya.

The black rhino remains endangered, and the survival of one of Africa’s iconic species rests on long-term solutions that involve local people, securing its habitat, and reducing demand for its horn. The collaboration between Lewa and neighboring Borana Conservancy merged two separate land areas creating 93,000 acres of contiguous rhino rangeland.

The Craig & Douglas family was allocated the land by the British colonial government in 1922 and managed it as a cattle ranch for over 50 years. Unlike many other ranchers in the area, they had always valued the wildlife that shared the land with the cattle and developed wildlife tourism as an additional activity. Since 1983, Lewa has provided a safe and suitable home for rhinos.

As the first and leading pioneer in private rhino sanctuary in East Africa, the rhino population has grown from an initial 15 rhinos to 169 rhinos today. The anti-poaching work is centered on people, working with communities, rangers passionate about conservation and wildlife protection, and teamwork between radio operators, gatekeepers, and the anti-poaching rangers as well as the use of technology to gather the best intelligence.

Accessible by air to Lewa Downs from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, and only private flights or chartered allowed to land and deliver guests at the Lewa Airstrip.

The Uniqueness of this Park

• As the first and leading pioneer in private rhino sanctuary in East Africa.
• Lewa has combined the techniques of world-class anti-poaching operations.
• Lewa and Borana also house nine tourism properties that offer an unparalleled, intimate, conservation-focused safari experience.
• Education and livelihood – through programs in education, healthcare, water, micro-enterprise, and youth empowerment.

Accommodation Options

10 different accommodation options across the Lewa /Borana landscape:

• Borana Lodge
• Kifaru House
• Lewa Safari Camp
• Lewa Wilderness
• Laragai House
• Lewa House
• Sirikoi Lodge
• Sirai House
• Arijiju House
• Lengishu House

Activities at the Destination

Game Viewing Drives, Guided Walks, Visit of Ngare Ndare Forest, Swimming Pool, Bush Breakfast, Sundowners, Massages, Horse or Camel Riding, Cultural, and Conservancy Visits.