Lewa Wilderness

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a former farm that now protects 62,000 acres of land in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau. The grassy plains and rolling hills below Mount Kenya are home to over 70 animal species, including around 270 of Kenya’s last remaining rhinos. The trained Maasai guides of Lewa Wilderness lead game drives and walks into the conservancy, and camel-supported hikes and horseback safaris are also available to guests. All experience levels are welcome to ride, and it’s an exciting place for a beginner to give it a first try.

Lewa Wilderness has been running safaris on the conservancy for over 40 years, making it one of the oldest family-run operations in Kenya. The main lodge at Lewa is housed on a hill inside one of the original family homes. It includes a spacious open-air dining room that serves produce from the on-site 5-acre farm. Elephants and giraffes can be seen grazing along the river below. The nine thatched guest cottages have large decks with valley or garden views and fireplaces for the colder nights on the plateau. Adventurous travelers will enjoy warmer nights camping under the stars among the wildlife.