Could be there a better safari than exploring the wonders of Lewa Conservancy witnessing its majestic wildlife? Naicef helps you out explore Lewa wildlife conservancy, the thrilling Lewa conservancy marathon and luxurious Lewa conservancy lodges. The favorable Lewa conservancy weather makes the place a great destination to visit all-year-round.
For a safari venture to this remarkable destination, reach out Naicef via email my@naicef.com or tap +254799922277.
Naicef also, curates for you top luxurious experiences to destinations in Nairobi and all national parks in Kenya.
Now let’s get into it, did you know that Lewa Down was the first established conservancy in Kenya in 1995.
Also, did you know that Prince William of Wales had proposed to Kate Middleton in the conservancy in 2010 during their visit. Below are some more juicy fun facts about this stunning conservation area.
Interesting Facts About Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
1. Wildlife
The conservancy is said to habour a variety of wild species such as the “Big Five” and “Special Five” members among others. Some of these species are such as;
i) Special Five species
Do you know any of the Special Five members or more so called the Big North? They do include; Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Grevy Zebra, Gerenuk, and Somali Ostrich.
Did you know that Lewa Downs holds the largest single population of Grevy Zebras in the world? The conservancy is home to over 90% of these species and also habours the Reticulated Giraffes.
The conservancy also entails Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich and Gerenuk, all being members of the Special Five.
Samburu National Reserve also renowned as a home to the “Big North”, is a must see destination you wouldn’t wanna miss. It is also haven of the tales about a Lioness that adopted a baby Oryx defying nature.
ii) Black Rhino
Of the surviving Black Rhino species, Lewa conservancy is home to the critically endangered, East African Black Rhinocerous. It habours about 10% of these species that are found in Kenya. It also hosts the white Rhino especially the Southern White Rhino as they also are endangered.
Get also to check out Ol ’Pejeta Conservancy, the home to the World’s two remaining Northern White Rhino.
iii) Big Five Members
The conservancy is one of the few and best places in Kenya, where one can spot all the members of the Big Five. They do include; Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, and Rhinocerous.
Another great destination you can get to spot the Big Five members is the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Here is where also, one of the 7 Wonders of the World happens, which is the annual migration of over 1.3 million Wildbeests in search for greener pastures.
iv) Bird Species
Lewa conservancy is one of the best birding destination places in Kenya, recording to inhibit over 350 bird species. Some of the birds found in the conservancy are such as; Plover, Bustards, Somali Ostrich and Secretary Bird.
Are you a bird lover? Check out also Lake Nakuru National Park, a premium park in Kenya, famous for its “Pink Lake” due to the different birds. it is mostly famous for the Greater and Lesser Flamingoes.
2. Community Empowerment
Over time, the conservancy has been supporting the surrounding communities to improve their livelihoods.
Some of the community development projects that Lewa Downs support include;
education programmes, employment, forest conservation, and water accessibility to over 20,000 local people for home use.
From Lewa Conservancy’s successful story, there arouse the community-based conservation protected areas.
The Il Ngwesi community members were the first to establish a community conservancy that resulted to the formation of the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT).
Even though the NRT’s headquarters are located in Lewa Downs, both entities are separate. However, they both work together towards engaging and benefiting the community.
3. Lewa Conservancy Marathon
Are you a marathon runner and in need of testing your endurance and will power? Lewa wildlife conservancy is home to the safari marathon that usually happens each year.
Isn’t it fascinating, running across the savanna plains’ dirty pathways enjoying the scenic views on foot? This opportunity facilitated by the TUSK in collaboration with the conservancy and Safaricom, gives rewarding experiences and life changes.
With Naicef get to experience this thrilling sport activity and get to traverse through the famous Lewa wildlife conservancy.
4. Successful Anti-poaching Initiatives
Having had led as the head of the Northern Rangeland Trust and the Anti poaching unit in Lewa downs, Edward Ndiritu, received an award of Tusk wildlife ranger.
This was back then in 2015 where he was awarded by Prince Williams of Wales. Prince Williams was impressed as before then, there had been recorded zero incidents of Rhino poaching.
History of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Before it was formed, the conservancy was originally a ranch. It came into possession by the Craig family in 1924 through a colonial settlement program.
In 1983, some part of the ranch was transformed into Ngare Sergio Rhino sanctuary to protect Kenya’s endangered black Rhinos. Showcasing positive progress, the sanctuary got expanded to cover the remaining part of the ranch in 1994.
In 1995, the sanctuary was officially formed as a conservancy. This, thus made it the first East African and Kenya’s privately owned conservation area.
In 2013 the conservancy was reckoned as a UNESCO world heritage site as an extension of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second tallest mountain.
Later in 2014, the fence separating both Borana and Lewa wildlife conservancies, was removed making it one conservation area.
Where is Lewa Conservancy located?
The conservancy is located north of Mount Kenya in Meru County, making it about 260 km from Nairobi.
Attractions in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
1. Wildlife
The conservancy is home to a wide array of wildlife species, over 70 mammals and over 350 bird species.
It is a Rhino Sanctuary and is famous for its successful rhino conservation efforts. It habours over 120 Black and White Rhinos, making it one of the most important Rhino protected areas in Africa.
Some other animals that can be spotted in the conservancy are such as;
the Big Cats (Lion, Leopard and Cheetah), Zebras, Monkeys, Wild Dogs, Elephants, Water Bucks Buffalos, and the rare Sitatunga.
Look out also, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Kenya’s smallest park but a home to the aquatic Sitatunga Antelope.
2. Flora
The vast plains of the conservancy contain pristine forests, acacia woodlands and fertile grasslands. These habitats offer aesthetic beauty of mother nature.
3. Culture
The Lewa conservancy is surround by different ethnic communities such as the Ameru, Borana, Maasai, Samburu. Get to enjoy the cultural immersions and the different norms that each culture follows and their differences.
Activities To Do While in Lewa Conservancy
1. Game Drives
With the help of your guide, get to spot the different game views. Some of the animals you are likely to spot are such as Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Buffalo, the endangered Black Rhino.
2. Helicopter Safari
At Lewa House for instance, one of the luxurious Lewa conservancy lodges, they do offer an aerial view safari over the conservancy. This unique excursion, enables one to cover most of the Lewa Downs’ landscape and get to enjoy the game views.
3. Bird Watching
The conservancy offers one the chance to explore, spot and watch the different kinds of bird species. Some of them do include Vultures, Guinea Fowls, Secretary Bird, Somali Ostrich among others.
4. Camel Riding
Camel riding is among one of the unique activities that one can enjoy while in the conservancy. Get to enjoy a thrilling exposure to the wild while riding on the back of a Camel.
5. Horse Riding
Some Lewa Wildlife Conservancy accommodations, do offer horse rides that leaves one with unforgettable memories. Capture epic moments as you ride along side some of the wild animals.
6. Guided Nature walks
Lewa Downs also allows explorations on foot as one appreciate the beauty of the wild life and its ecosystems. The trails allow one to explore the stunning landscapes and have up-close views of the game.
7. Annual Marathon
The Lewa Safari Marathon, held annually, attracts runners from all over the world. Runners tend to experience the privilege of exploring the conservancy, a home to the Big Five and Big North members.
The fundings generated from the event, is usually used for conservation and community programmes such as education support.
8. Visit Ngare Ndare Forest
Get also to visit the majestic indigenous Ngare Ndare forest that acts as a migratory corridor for the Mighty Elephants. It is located between Lewa wildlife conservancy and Mount Kenya forest and it is also a hidden gem full of life.
Here you will be able to exploit the stunning waterfalls, tree canopy trail walks and outstanding bird views.
Check out also Aberdares national park, home to the tallest waterfall in Kenya, where you can exploit and enjoy the stunning views.
Lewa Downs Conservancy Park Entry Fee
The entrance fee for Lewa Conservancy, are as follows;
Lewa Conservancy Fee for Citizen/Residents
- Day Trips- Ksh 8074
- Overnight- Ksh 2800
Lewa Conservancy Fee for Non-Residents
- Day trips – USD 198
- Overnights – USD 126
Children between the ages of 6 – 12 pay 50% of the above fee where applicable.
Lewa Conservancy Weather
The temperatures normally range between 20 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius with minimum humidity.
The rainy seasons are mostly in the months of April to May and late October to November.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Accommodations
Some of the luxurious Lewa conservancy lodges within the conservancy with nice wild exposure and stunning views of the Snow-capped Mount Kenya include;
1.Lewa Wilderness. Endowed to be a legacy owned Lewa conservancy lodge by the Craig family, the lodge offers a unique safari stay.
The lodge offers nine exclusive spacious rooms whereby six of the cottages overlook the eastern Marania Valley. The other three cottages also offer luxurious cozy stays.
2. Elewana Kifaru House. The camp does entail of five thatched cottages, surrounded by an oasis filled with amaizing views of the conservancy.
3. Elewana Lewa Safari Camp. It offers luxurious tented rooms with fascinating views and a pool, surrounded by the bush homes to a variety of birds.
4. Lewa House. It is situated at the foothills of the Snow-capped Mount Kenya and seven cottages, three being for family. Their services also do include stunning activities to partake in such as walking safaris, horseback safaris or even helicopter safari.
For a more customized stay, reach out Naicef, Kenya’s best tour company.
Conclusion
Lewa Conservancy is one the most famous conservancies in Africa habouring a variety of wild species. It is home to the endangered East African Black Rhinocerous, Big Five members, Special Five members among others.
Lewa Downs, was the first established conservancy in Kenya whereby initially it was a ranch owned by the Craig family. It was established in 1995 as a sanctuary for the Black Rhino.
Lewa wildlife conservancy also hosts the annual Lewa safari marathon that are managed by Tusk in partnership with Safaricom and the conservancy. The funds raised from the marathon are then used to support conservation and the local community projects.
Some of the fun activities to experience in the conservancy are such as;
game viewing, bird watching, camel and horse riding, helicopter safari, the annual Lewa marathon and visit to Ngare Ndare forest.
Some of the luxurious Lewa wildlife conservancy accommodations to stay, are such;
The famous Lewa Wilderness owned by the Craig family, Lewa House, Elewana Kifaru House and the Elewana Lewa Safari Camp.
For more details and a curated safari package, kindly reach Naicef via email my@naicef.com or tap +2547999922277.
Also Naicef is said to be Africa’s top leading blog giving unique features about attractions and destinations you may seek to venture and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How big is Lewa Wildlife Conservancy?
The conservancy being together combine with Ngare Ndare forest, covers an area of about 250 km2.
2. Where is Lewa Downs located?
It is located in Meru County in the Laikipia plateau region, making it about 260 km from Nairobi.
3. When is the best time to visit?
It is usually best to visit during the dry seasons which are from December to March and June to September.
4. What fun activities can i do in Lewa wildlife conservancy?
Get to enjoy the exquisite game drives, bush dinners, camel and horse rides, walking guided tours, the annual Lewa safari marathons.
5. How can i access the conservancy?
One may opt to visit the conservancy via road from Nairobi through Thika Superhighway as the gateway to the central region. Also, one may opt to get to the conservancy via air through the Lewa airstrip.
