Elewana Kifaru House is within the world-famous Lewa Conservancy in Kenya. Lewa is home to East Africa’s healthiest black and white rhino populations. Kifaru is the Swahili word for rhino so very appropriate. A haven of luxury in the bush, guests will immediately feel at home on arrival. Warmly welcomed by the friendly and attentive staff. It is in the Meru County.
The comfortable sitting room with well-stocked bar and elegant dining area extend out to a large, comfortably furnished terrace. Here, guests can enjoy a sunny breakfast al fresco and watch the busy goings-on at the waterhole below. Or they can choose to relax by the picturesque heated infinity pool and enjoy the magnificent views over the distant plains. With an excellent library and log fires in the lounge and dining rooms, guests can truly sink into delicious, cozy comfort during the cool evenings, and luxuriate in the peace and serenity of the African night.
There is Wi-Fi Internet in the main house and cottages.
Solar panels are used to generate electricity and heat water. Waste water is recycled to irrigate the landscape including a lovingly tended organic kitchen garden.
The property luxuriates in total exclusivity. With 5 x charming thatched cottages tucked away in an oasis of vibrant lawns, filled with birdsong. All have well-appointed bedrooms, with sumptuous four-poster beds and generous en-suite bathrooms.
The first cottage has two bedrooms – one double and one twin. Both are en suite, making it ideal for a family booking. The rooms have their own entrance and are not interconnecting. The family cottage sleeps up to 5 Guests (3 x Adults + 2 x Children).
The remaining four cottages all have individual bedrooms with a king bed. And en suite bathroom with shower, toilet and twin wash basins. One cottage has a beautiful Victorian-style bath and outside shower. These cottages can sleep up to 3 x adults.
CottageCottage with a view
Lewa Family Safari ↓
Families are welcome at Elewana Kifaru House. Some of the activities for children are: Heated swimming pool Guided camp “bush” walk. This short walk looks at the trees, flowers, grasses, insects, birds and bird calls, mammals, tracks and droppings Visit to Lewa HQ to see the sniffer dogs* School visit – normal term times* Horse riding for older experienced riders* Camel riding for older children* Children’s menu
*at an additional cost.
Child Policy
Elewana Kifaru House Child Policy
Children under the age of 12 year sharing with an adult
Child(ren) free of charge plus adult single rate
Children aged 12-17 years in their own room (2 minimum)
75% of the adult sharing rate
Child(ren) aged 12-17 years sharing with 1 adult
50% of the adult sharing rate for the child , adult per person sharing rate
Child aged 12-17 sharing with 2 adults
Triple rate applies
*Child aged 12-17 sharing with 2 adults Family room rate to apply at Star beds *Child policy applies in all the Elewana properties except Kilindi where there are no children allowed. For the activities the child rates start from 3 to 17 year old.
About Lewa Conservancy
Spanning 251 km2 (65 000 acres), Lewa Wildlife Conservancy supports over 440 bird species and more than 70 different mammals which roam the open grasslands at the foot of Mt Kenya. Its incredibly successful rhino conservation program has not only restored local numbers, but also has enabled black rhino relocation. And reintroduction in regions where they had long been absent. The conservancy currently holds over 10% of Kenya’s black and 15% of Kenya’s white rhino population. As well as the largest single population of the critically endangered Grevy’s zebra in the world. With corridors open to the north, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and giraffe, to name but a few species, move freely in and out of this protected area and on wards to the greater Laikipia ecosystem.
Elewana Kifaru House Activities
All Kifaru House guides have been certified Bronze or Silver level by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association. They are all passionate about their land and the wildlife that they share it with. As well as the botany, paleontology and history of Lewa. They also have an intimate knowledge of the individual rhino, cheetah and lion families that have made the Conservancy their home.
Activities ↓
Game Drives
Elewana Kifaru House uses 4×4 open-sided Land Rovers. They are custom-designed for comfort, optimum game viewing and photography. With open sides, the three rows of seats have camera stands and charging sockets.
There are strict limits on the number of tourists allowed in the Conservancy at one time. Which allows guests to enjoy an almost private game viewing experience. Within the protected area the wildlife is abundant and game viewing is outstanding. A game drive from Kifaru House is one of the most spectacular in Kenya. Having one of the biggest rhino populations in Kenya, and the Big 5. Plus the rare Grevy’s zebra. Plentiful sightings of lion, cheetah and all the plains game set against the magnificent backdrop of snow-capped Mt. Kenya.
Lewa safariRhinos
Exclusive use of a game drive vehicle can be arranged at an extra charge.
Guided Bush Walks
For the more adventurous, exploring the Conservancy’s diversity on foot is also an option.
A bush walk from Kifaru House is an informative as well as an exhilarating experience. You are accompanied by trained Samburu rangers with a sweeping knowledge of the local flora and fauna, tracks, micro-ecosystems, history and culture of the area. As well as hands-on knowledge of rhino conservation.
Walking safari
Ngare Ndare Forest Walk
Another chance to leave the car behind is to visit Ngare Ndare Forest Conservancy for the day.
Located south of Lewa guests can experience the rich diversity of this beautiful montane forest at eye-level with the monkeys and dozens of bird species high up on the Canopy Walk. Guests will have a sumptuous picnic by the river where they can relax and play. As there are usually elephants in the forest guests are accompanied by a Lewa Guide.
There is an extra cost to visit Ngare Ndare Forest only to cover the separate Conservation Fee.
Horse & Camel Riding
And for those who like to expend less energy and enjoy a loftier view getting closer to the game, horseback or camel walks are also available.
Elewana Kifaru House offers evening horse rides where guests can get up close to the plains game. As they graze, indifferent and untroubled by the presence of other four-legged creatures. Although Kifaru horses are well-schooled and completely at home in the bush, riding is for experienced riders only. There is an additional charge.
Elewana Kifaru House also offers evening camel rides for those without riding skills. Led by experienced Samburu handlers, camel riders can enjoy a scenic walk through the wilderness. Experience the gentle, rolling pace of this traditional Samburu transport.
Cultural Village Visits
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy borders the Samburu communities of Tassia and Il Ngwesi in the arid lowlands of the north. The conservancy does extensive outreach work into the surrounding communities with its Community Development Program. This includes healthcare, education, micro-finance, and water projects. This is in order to share with the community the benefits of wildlife.
Elewana Kifaru House offers visits to neighboring local Samburu homesteads (manyattas). For an additional fee the Samburu families will be delighted to show you round their traditional homes. Built by the women from cattle dung and grass. And share their way of life with you and sell their traditional handicrafts.
Conservancy Visits
For a small donation to the Lewa Education Program guests can visit the local schools during term time. They can also have a tour of the Conservancy offices and participate in Conservation work. Such as the training of the anti-poaching tracker dogs.
Getting to Kifaru House
Lewa Main Airstrip is a 45 minute flight from Wilson Airport, and a 15 minute drive from camp. There are daily flights departing Nairobi Wilson Airport We can arrange road transfers or private air charters to/from any areas in Kenya.
Best time to visit
The Lewa region offers great safaris all year. The best time to travel is between July to September. December to February are also a good time to visit. This is when there isn’t that much rain. The wet months are April, May & November. This can cause problems as some roads are inaccessible.
Days are usually warm with no to little humidity. The evenings and early mornings can get chilly. Low populated environments at altitudes higher than 4,000ft, including Elewana Kifaru House, can be considered malaria free. All beds have mosquito nets.
Elewana Kifaru House Accommodation Rates
2024 Elewana Kifaru House Game Package Rates
High Season: 1st July to 31st October and 20th December 2024 to 3rd January 2025
Mid Season: 4th January to 31st March, 1st to 30th June and 1st November to 19th December
Green Season: 1st April to 31st May
Per person sharing
$1,090
$899
$685
Single room
$1,634
$1,349
$1,027
Triple room
$2,451
$2,023
$1,540
Family Cottage
$2,997
$2,471
$1,883
The game package rates include: Accommodation, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), soft drinks, beer, house wines and selected spirits, teas, coffees and refreshments (on the property), and laundry services. Scheduled and shared game drives, guided walking safari, Ngare Ndare Forest Visit, sundowners, bush breakfast, and transfers to and from designated airstrips.
The game package excludes champagne, private cellar wines and premium spirits. It also excludes activities not included above.
Elewana Kifaru House Accommodation Special Offers
Offers cannot be combined unless specified.
Elewana Circuit Discount
Kifaru House Lewa is part of the Elewana Collection. A collection of luxury boutique lodges, camps and hotels in iconic locations across Kenya and Tanzania. Stay longer at any combination of these properties and get great discounts in 2024: 6+ nights: 10% 9+ nights: 15% 12+ nights: 20%
Valid in mid and low season at Arusha Coffee Lodge until 31st May 2024*. But all year at all other Elewana properties.
*1st November 2023 until 19th December 2023 and 4th January to 31st May 2024.
Get an extra 5% discount when you return to any Elewana property. Plus a 20% discount on Spa treatments*. *Spa services not available in Masai Mara and Serengeti
Honeymoons
The wilderness, the luxury and the closeness with nature make a safari with Elewana the most romantic of holidays. Watching the crimson sun rise over a landscape unchanged since the beginning of time. Watching the sun sink on the equator at sundown. Driving amongst wild game. Indulging in romantic al fresco dining under the immense African skies drowning in stars. Who better to share it with than the love of your life?
The beautiful setting at Elewana Kifaru House is ideal for that very special romantic holiday. There are often have special offers and upgrades for honeymooners.
Lion love
Weddings
In the magical, private grounds of Elewana Kifaru House we have hosted many beautiful weddings, blessings and renewals of vows for our guests. From small simple ceremonies involving merely a glass of Champagne at the end of a game drive, to elaborate three-day events. Options include legal marriages conducted by the local commissioner or religious minister, or a blessing by the chief of the local tribal community.
Whatever your preference, Kifaru House will create an unforgettable occasion and memories that you can cherish forever.
Lewa, Meru and Mount Kenya Accommodation ↓
Watch this space – More accommodation to follow soon!
