The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya | Safari Guide

The Lewa Conservancy is Kenya’s model destination for conserving wild animals in its habitat. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is famous for housing 12%+ Kenyan black rhinos and the highest population of Grevy’s Zebras worldwide. Also, the conservancy is home to 493+ bird species, including seasonal migratory birds. The scenery is stunning, mainly the Ngare Ndare forest within the conservancy. Some of the animals you can find in the private-owned conservation include the following:

  • Grevy’s Zebra
  • Elephant
  • Lion
  • Cheetah
  • Giraffe
  • Black rhinos

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Facts 

  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, or the Lewa Conservancy, is a wildlife conservation area in Northern Kenya.
  • Lewa Conservancy is in Isiolo and Meru Counties.
  • It houses the Ngare Ndare Forest, covering a total area of over 62,000 acres.
  • This wildlife conservancy has been around since 1995.
  • Before that, the area was under the Craig-Douglas family, allocated by the British Colonial government.
  • In 2024, it was the only wildlife conservancy that didn’t lose a rhino to poaching.
  • The place is a private conservation area owned and operated by the people.
lewa wildlife conservancy

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Safaris and Tours

Activities at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy 

Here are some of the activities you can do at the Conservancy: 

Game Viewing & Wildlife Photography

Many wild animals are in the park, including the endangered black rhinos and Grevy’s zebras. Other animals in the park include buffaloes, elephants, lions, and leopards. During the peak seasons, you can easily spot and take photographs of the animals around water sources. 

Bird Watching and Bird Photography

Bird watchers can visit the Conservancy for an exciting bird-watching and photography experience. The Conservancy has over 493 bird species, and visitors can spot many migratory birds from other areas between October and May. Note that you can visit the Lewa Conservancy all year round to see the native birds.

Camping

Camping in the Lewa Conservancy is allowed in a specific protected area. Some campsites and operators run these places. After settling in the campsite, all visitors are protected by a ranger. Firewood will be provided on request.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Lewa Conservancy?

The best time to visit the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya is from June to September. It is during the dry season when the weather is mostly sunny. The best conditions during this period are for seeing the wildlife, including small animals. Vegetation is thinner, making it easy to spot most animals.

October to May is the best time to go bird-watching in the Conservancy. The period is wet, but most migratory birds are around, and you can see many newborn animals. During this time, the park is less packed, making booking your visit easy. Also, you can see the stunning view of Mt Kenya from the Conservancy.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Popular Routes to Lewa Conservancy

  • By Air: The easiest way to Lewa Conservancy from Nairobi is to fly there. It has an airstrip where planes land and deliver visitors.
  • By Road: Secondly, you can drive from Nairobi to Lewa for approximately 4 hours. Take Thika Road and Turn Right before arriving at Nyeri Town (16 km away from the town). Pass through Nanyuki and Timau to the Meru/ Isiolo Junction. Take Isiolo Road, about 3 Km in, and you will find the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy gate.
Hell's gate national park

Safety Guides & Tips 

  • Keep your distance from the wild animals when game viewing
  • Safari walks are illegal unless you have an armed guide with you
  • Give way to animals at all times during a game drive
  • Be considerate of the animals at all times
  • Get a professional tour guide
  • Always listen to your tour guide at all times

Accommodations in the Lewa Conservancy

There are many places to settle in the Conservancy, from luxury to exclusive lodges. Here are the top accommodations for an unforgettable safari experience:

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

Lewa Conservancy FAQs 

The best time to visit the Lewa Conservancy is from June to September. During the dry season, spotting wild animals near water sources is easy. However, the Conservancy is usually at its peak season during this period.

The Lewa Conservancy is home to 250+ rhinos (black and white). Also, there are many wild animals and over 493 bird species to see.

  • Endangered black rhinos
  • Endangered Grevy’s zebra
  • Elephants
  • Lions
  • Giraffes
  • Wild dogs

The Lewa Conservancy currently has 252 rhinos (118 white and 134 black rhinos). It is famous for rhino conservation.

Request a Quote

What are you hoping to experience on your trip?
What countries are you interested in visiting? *
What's the best way to get in touch? *