Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: Introduction
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy works as a model and catalyst for the conservation of wildlife and its habitat. It does this through the protection and management of species, the initiation and support of community conservation and development programmes, and the education of neighbouring areas in the value of wildlife. For local communities, Lewa represents much more than the wildlife it protects.
To the people who neighbour the Conservancy, Lewa provides the chance to maintain their traditional way of life in a modern and sustainable context through progressive grazing and forestry initiatives. To families living on its boundaries, Lewa offers improved livelihoods with its adult education and women’s micro-credit programmes, community-managed water projects, and access to health care at its four health clinics. To thousands of children in local schools, Lewa opens doors to a future with more choices than the generations before them.
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is situated within a 62,000 acre ranch and wildlife sanctuary. It is has been home to the Craig family since 1924 who by initially setting aside 5000 acres of their ranch in 1983, were instrumental in setting up a sanctuary to protect black rhinos. Fortunately this was so successful that in 1995 they dedicated their entire ranch to conservation and it now homes over 10% of Kenya’s entire black rhino population and 14% of their white rhino population, making it the perfect choice for your next safari if you want to catch the big 5, namely rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo all of which make their home at Lewa.
Locate the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
How to get there & Best time to visit
How to get there
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is around 260km/161mi northeast of Nairobi. It takes about 5 hours* to drive here from Nairobi. Lewa can also be combined with other Laikipia conservancies, or on a northern circuit that includes Meru National Park, Samburu National Reserve and/or Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
The easiest way to get to Lewa is to take one of the daily scheduled flights from Nairobi. It is also possible to charter a flight from most other parks or from Nairobi. Charter flights between parks are usually booked by tour operators as part of the tour package.
Best time to visit
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year, but the best wildlife viewing overall is from July to September. The months from December to February are also very good. Heavy rain (most likely in November or April) can interfere with your safari, reducing visibility and turning some trails to mud. The reserve’s lodges are closed in April and November.