Nestled within the heart of Kenya lies the unparalleled Lewa Safari Camp, a conservation gem offering its visitors an immersive experience like no other. Not only is it home to the world's largest concentration of Grevy’s zebra, but it also boasts a sanctuary for over 200 Black and White rhino, making it a focal point for rhino conservation enthusiasts. While its diverse habitats offer stunning sightings of lions, leopards, jackals, and a myriad of bird species, the camp itself provides the epitome of luxury with its spacious tented bedrooms, verandahs, and full en-suite bathrooms. And when the African sun sets, guests can retreat to the warmth of cozy log fires in the sitting room, reflecting on their day amidst the 65,000 acres of protected wilderness. But Lewa Safari Camp isn't just about luxury and wildlife; it stands as a beacon of pioneering conservation efforts dating back to the 1970s. Uniquely, it's the only tourist facility within the Conservancy owned by the Conservancy, ensuring that every stay contributes directly to the vital conservation and community initiatives of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

On the veranda at sunrise, Elewana Lewa Camp

Rooms

The Elewana Lewa Camp boasts 11 beautifully designed ensuite safari tents, each offering flexibility as either a double or twin layout. Additionally, for families who are bringing along their younger adventurers, three of these tents are available in a triple layout, accommodating children under 16.

Stepping into these tents, guests are greeted with a spacious main bedroom, complemented by a private en-suite bathroom. Each tent is crowned with an authentic thatch cover, reflecting the traditional safari ambiance while providing modern comforts.

To top it off, a generous verandah accompanies each tent, allowing guests to bask in the beauty of the surroundings.

For those traveling with family, Elewana Lewa Camp has curated two exclusive Family Tent suites. Ideal for families looking for a shared yet spacious experience, each suite presents two ensuite safari tents — one double and one twin — unified by a shared verandah.

These family tents seamlessly merge the rustic nature of a tented camp with luxurious furnishings. Both tents in the suite offer en-suite facilities, complete with flush toilets and warm showers. And for families of five, there's the option to include an extra bed in one of the Family Tents, ensuring that everyone enjoys a comfortable and memorable stay, all while overlooking the majestic Lewa plains.

Activities

Game Drives:

Each game drive at Lewa Safari Camp promises an unparalleled experience. The camp operates a fleet of specialized 4x4 Toyota Landcruisers, meticulously designed for both comfort and photography. Features include open sides, three rows of seating, dedicated stands for photographic equipment, and convenient charging sockets. Guests can revel in shared game drives, or opt for an exclusive vehicle experience for a more personalized touch. The camp’s unique positioning gives guests almost exclusive access to the eastern half of the Conservancy. Though vast, this fenced area (a rarity in Kenya) ensures protection for its treasured rhino population. This setting offers not just outstanding game drives with sightings of rhino, elephant, buffalo, the elusive Grevy Zebra, and resident predators, but also the majestic backdrop of the snow-capped Mt. Kenya.

Guided Walks

Dive deep into nature with Lewa Safari Camp's guided walks. Spearheaded by trained wildlife rangers from the Conservancy, these walks are rich in insights. From rhino conservation to the nuances of local tracks and botany, there's much to learn and observe. What's more, most of these walking adventures commence right from the camp. This is an invitation to savor the minutiae of the wild - be it tracks, the intriguing world of dung beetles, or micro-ecosystems.

Ngare Ndare Forest

Venture further with a trip to the Ngare Ndare forest conservancy, a community endeavour situated south of Lewa. Here, you can experience the thrill of a canopy walk or revel in the serene ambience of the river. But keep an eye out - elephants often grace the forest with their presence. This day-trip is accompanied by the knowledgeable Lewa walking guide and includes a delightful picnic. Kindly note, this excursion incurs an additional charge pertaining to the conservation fee.

Bush Breakfast and Sundowners

Amid the vast expanse of the plains, why not indulge in a hearty breakfast surrounded by wildlife? The al fresco bush breakfasts are an experience unto themselves. As the day unwinds, partake in the age-old safari tradition of "sundowners". Immerse yourself in the beauty of a breathtaking sunset, traditionally paired with a refreshing gin and tonic.

Horse & Camel Riding

For those with a knack for horse riding, Lewa Safari Camp offers an intimate evening ride. The proximity you can achieve with the plains game is unparalleled, as they perceive you as a fellow dweller. However, this is reserved for the experienced, ensuring safety in the wild. Availability is limited, and additional charges apply. For those less acquainted with horse riding, an evening camel ride is the perfect alternative. Led by Samburu handlers, this picturesque journey is both unique and engaging. Note that availability is limited with only three riding camels on offer.

Cultural Village Visits

The camp's proximity to the Samburu community conservancies of Tassia and Il Ngwesi provides a rare cultural immersion. Engage with the Samburu community, understanding their way of life and traditions. For a small fee, families from the community offer tours of their semi-permanent Manyattas (huts) and an opportunity to purchase traditional handicrafts.
Conservancy Visits:

Conservancy Visits

Through the "get involved" program, guests can contribute to the Lewa Education Program. During term time, donators are welcome to visit schools. Additionally, options to visit or participate in activities like tracker dog training or tours of Conservancy offices are available for those keen on diving deeper into conservation efforts.

Conservation

Spanning a vast 65,000 acres, Lewa Conservancy boasts a rich mosaic of ecosystems, from pristine forests and fertile grasslands to bubbling springs and acacia woodlands, all under the shadow of the majestic snow-capped Mt. Kenya to the south and overlooking the arid landscapes of Tassia and Il Ngwesi to the north. Established as a rhino conservancy in 1983, Lewa is renowned for its significant contributions to the breeding of endangered species, especially rhinos and Grevy zebras. Impressively, it shelters 10% of Kenya's rhinos and a fifth of the global Grevy zebra population. To protect its precious inhabitants, the entire conservancy is secured by fencing and is patrolled by a dedicated team of over 150 rangers. Beyond wildlife conservation, Lewa is deeply committed to community empowerment. Through its Community Development Program, it spearheads initiatives in healthcare, education, micro-finance, and water projects, ensuring that the neighboring communities reap the benefits of preserving wildlife. For visitors, the diversity of over 70 mammal species makes the wildlife viewing experience in Lewa truly unparalleled.

Getting There

The Lewa Main Airstrip is conveniently situated just an hour's flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, followed by a 40-minute drive to the camp. Travelers have daily flight options with both Air Kenya and Safarilink departing from Nairobi Wilson. For those seeking a more personalized experience, private charters from various locations are also available. It's important to note that the Lewa Conservancy enforces strict vehicle regulations, allowing only authorized vehicles within its boundaries. As a result, road visitors need to arrange for pick-up from the Conservancy headquarters. Additionally, Elewana provides road transfers to and from its other Northern properties and Nanyuki, with travel durations ranging between 2 to 5 hours.

Spotlight on Lewa Camp

Rooms