October 3, 2025
Lewa Conservancy
An award-winning conservation success story where rare wildlife and cultural heritage thrive.
Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kenya, Lewa Conservancy is a sanctuary where endangered species roam freely, and conservation and community go hand in hand. This is no ordinary safari destination—Lewa is a living blueprint for responsible tourism, where each visit directly contributes to preserving Africa’s wildlife and empowering local people.
Our Tours In Lewa Conservancy
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Why Visit Lewa Conservancy?
A place where rare wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and community-driven conservation come together.
Framed by the striking silhouette of Mount Kenya, Lewa Conservancy is one of East Africa’s most inspiring safari destinations — a place where rare wildlife flourishes and community-led conservation is woven into every experience. Spanning the Laikipia Plateau, Lewa is not just rich in biodiversity — it’s home to Kenya’s largest population of both black and white rhinos, along with the endangered Grevy’s zebra and the unusual gerenuk, often described as a cross between an impala and a giraffe. Other northern Kenya endemics such as the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx also find sanctuary here.
Across its sweeping plains and acacia-dotted hills, you’ll find a staggering variety of wildlife. Critically endangered black rhinos and white rhinos thrive here, along with the rare Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, and other northern Kenya species you won’t see in the southern parks. Predators are plentiful too, with sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog adding excitement to every game drive.
Lewa’s story is about more than wildlife—it’s about partnerships, progress, and purpose. Guests are welcomed into a conservation model that is as inspiring as the landscapes themselves, offering an unforgettable safari experience rooted in both nature and culture.
- 🐾 Exceptional predator sightings
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Including lion, leopard, cheetah, and the increasingly rare African wild dog.
- 🐾 Healthy herds of elephant and buffalo
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Along with a diverse range of antelope species such as eland, impala, Defassa waterbuck, and Grant’s gazelle.
- 🐾 A pioneering conservation model
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With almost non-existent poaching, thanks to extensive anti-poaching measures and strong community involvement.
- 🐾 A benchmark for wildlife protection in Africa
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Where conservation success is driven by collaboration between Lewa Conservancy and its neighbouring communities.
Best Times to Visit Lewa Conservency
Here’s what you need to know:
Lewa Conservancy is a year-round safari destination, but certain seasons offer particularly rewarding wildlife encounters. The region’s climate follows typical East African patterns, with distinct dry and rainy periods shaping both the landscape and the game viewing experience.
- 🐾 July to September
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This is the prime game-viewing season, with dry conditions drawing wildlife to the remaining water sources. Vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot animals such as rhino, elephant, and big cats.
- 🐾 December to February
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Another excellent time to visit. The short dry season offers clear skies and superb wildlife sightings. Birding is also at its best, as migratory species join the resident populations.
- 🐾 April and November
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These are rainy months, when most of Lewa’s lodges close. The region’s black cotton soil becomes particularly tricky to navigate after heavy rains, making travel within the conservancy difficult.
- 🐾 Scenery and Photographic Opportunities
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The wet season transforms Lewa into a lush, green landscape, perfect for photographers seeking dramatic skies and vibrant backdrops. While wildlife may be harder to spot during these months, the scenery is spectacular.
- 🐾 Special Events
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In June, Lewa hosts its renowned Lewa Marathon, where runners from around the world race through wildlife-rich terrain to raise funds for conservation. It’s a unique way to experience the conservancy while giving back.
What Makes Lewa Unique?
Here’s what sets Lewa apart
Lewa Conservancy offers far more than classic game drives.
- 🐾 Beyond the vehicle
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Explore Lewa on guided bush walks, horseback safaris, or camel rides, providing new perspectives of the landscape. These can be done as day excursions or overnight adventures, sleeping out under a canopy of stars.
- 🐾 Conservation in action
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Get involved behind the scenes by meeting the anti-poaching K9 unit, spending time with the ranger patrols, and learning about the ground-breaking conservation initiatives that protect endangered species and habitats.
- 🐾 Community empowerment
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Every safari to Lewa supports education, healthcare, and local employment projects, creating a partnership where neighbouring communities are directly invested in the protection of wildlife.
- 🐾 The Lewa Marathon
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Held annually in June, this world-renowned marathon lets participants run alongside wildlife through the conservancy’s wild landscapes, raising essential funds for conservation and community projects.
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This is a place where wildlife conservation, community development, and immersive experiences come together, allowing guests to actively participate in the preservation of Africa’s natural heritage.
Planning your trip to Lewa Conservancy? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your journey into one of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries.
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Lewa features a selection of exclusive lodges and tented camps, including Lewa Wilderness, Lewa Safari Camp, and Sirikoi, each offering luxurious suites or safari tents with sweeping views, exceptional service, and an eco-conscious ethos.
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Visit from July to September or December to February for the best game viewing. Lodges are typically closed in April and November due to heavy rains.
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Guests can enjoy day and night game drives, guided bush walks, horse-riding and camel safaris, and behind-the-scenes conservation experiences, including time with the anti-poaching team and K9 unit. Overnight sleep-outs are also available for a deeper connection to nature.
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Most activities can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, but walking, horse, or camel safaris require moderate fitness and confidence in the bush.
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Many lodges provide Wi-Fi in communal areas, though signal strength may be limited due to the remote setting — an ideal excuse to switch off and immerse yourself in the wild.
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Lodges provide filtered or bottled water, which is recommended for drinking.
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Lewa lies in a low-risk malaria area. Preventative medication is recommended; please consult your healthcare provider.
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Lodges are typically powered by solar energy or generators, and UK-style 3-pin plugs are the standard. Charging facilities are available either in rooms or central areas.
Giving Back
Protecting wildlife, empowering communities
A safari to Lewa isn’t just about spectacular wildlife—it’s about being part of a conservation model that’s changing the face of tourism in Africa. When you visit Lewa, you directly support one of the continent’s most successful examples of community-led conservation.
- 🌀 Wildlife & Communities
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The conservancy is home to more than 150 rhinos, But Lewa’s impact stretches far beyond wildlife. The conservancy actively supports education for over 12,000 children through local schools and scholarships. It provides healthcare programmes and creates livelihoods for neighbouring communities through employment, training, and business development. The partnership with local villages is so successful that community support for wildlife protection is woven into daily life—making poaching almost non-existent.
- 🌀 Your Booking Contributes
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When you choose Lewa with Indigo Safaris, you’re not just booking a safari—you’re helping to safeguard ecosystems, uplift communities, and pioneer a better way to travel.
Take a peak
Your journey begins here.
Start planning your Lewa adventure today. Speak to a safari expert and let Indigo Safaris create your perfect journey into this pioneering conservancy.
Conservation, Culture, and the Call of the Wild.
Step into the stories of Lewa Conservancy, where pioneering conservation meets extraordinary safari experiences. In this blog section, travellers share encounters with rhinos on open plains, moments with Maasai communities, and the serene beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each tale reflects Lewa’s unique balance of wildlife protection, cultural harmony, and pure wilderness.
