Lewa Safari Camp

Lewa Safari Camp has undergone major refurbishments. Many of the improvements have been “behind the scenes”. To make the camp environmentally friendly and a safe and comfortable place to work. Improvements include solar water heating, new small efficient power generators, environmental waste disposal and recycling. As well as staff housing, kitchen and recreation rooms.

Lewa Safari Camp has been awarded its first “Gold Level” by Ecotourism Kenya. A great acknowledgement of the progress of upgrading all the back of house systems. To make the camp as environmentally responsible as possible. As befits the Conservancy ethos.

Conservation

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was previously a cattle ranch owned by David and Delia Craig. Together with Ana Mertz and Peter Jenkins, they initially set aside 5,000 acres to protect and breed rhinos. The rhino population had dropped precipitously from 20,000 to less than 300 in the 1970′s. Within a decade, the success of the project drove demand for more space. Therefore, in 1995, the Craigs decided to dedicate their entire ranch to the conservation of wildlife.

Lewa has served as a catalyst for conservation across the region. Stimulating the creation of numerous conservancies, both private and community-owned. And increasing the amount of land under conservation management in northern Kenya to over almost 2 million acres.

Anti-Poaching Team

Lewa Conservancy and The Northern Rangelands Trust have a dedicated Anti-Poaching team using tracker dogs. These continue to prove invaluable to anti-poaching and community security work. They have an extraordinary ability to read terrain and track scents. Enabling the rangers and local law enforcement agencies to do what was previously incredibly difficult.

Community

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has become Africa’s leading model for conservation and low impact tourism. Through the facilitation of community conservation and development, protection of endangered species and education of neighboring areas about the value of wildlife.

Managed by Elewana, Lewa Safari Camp is owned by the Conservancy itself. With the aim of boosting the conservancy’s revenue through camp occupancy. Therefore, when you visit, you inherently contribute to development support for thousands of people in the surrounding communities. At the same time as securing a stable habitat for Kenya’s wildlife.

The essence of the community programs is to reduce human-wildlife conflict. And increase the socioeconomic benefits local communities derive from wildlife and tourism. Lewa assists these communities with education and health-care support, water and agricultural projects. As well as a women’s micro-credit program, reaching over 800 members.

Get Involved

Over and above the funding generated for the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy projects, Elewana are specifically encouraging additional donor support for the Lewa Education Program. This supports 12 schools in the surrounding communities:
Providing classrooms, kitchens, teachers’ housing,
A feeding program reaching over 4,000 children,
Bursaries for over 500 students,
Assistance to 60 orphans,
Adult literacy catering for 300 people
Conservation education running three times a week, open to students all over Kenya.

If you would like to visit one of the schools, a donation for the Lewa Education Program will be applicable. Please note that the Lewa Education Program allocates all donations received according to current priorities as identified by them. Contact us for more information.

If you would like to learn more about the Conservation work, a donation will be applicable to visit ongoing work. Participation depends on availability of conservancy personnel etc. But could include visiting the tracker dogs in their training. Or a general discussion about the conservation work from those involved. Contact us for more information.

If you are considering bringing donations from abroad, visit the Pack for a Purpose website. Where you will find very specific advice on what is needed. Please do note that when flying within Kenya, the internal flight weight restriction is 15kg. Therefore it may limit what you can carry with you to the camps and donate to the rural communities in person. We can always, however, donate anything over and above your weight limit on your behalf at a later date.

Game Drives

A safari from Lewa Safari Camp is one of the most spectacular in Kenya. There are strict limits on the number of tourists allowed in the Conservancy at one time. Therefore, with the whole of the eastern half of the Conservancy to itself, guests can enjoy an almost private game viewing experience. Although a vast area, the Conservancy is fenced, specifically to protect the rhino.

With plentiful rhino, elephant, the Big 5, the rare Grevy’s zebra and resident predators. To a backdrop of beautiful views of snow-capped Mt. Kenya.

Within the protected area the wildlife is abundant and includes the Big 5. This is elephant, black rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo. It is also home to the rare Grevy’s zebra and cheetah. And all the plains game set against the magnificent backdrop of the snow-capped Mt. Kenya. Safaris are outstanding.

Lewa Safari Camp uses 4×4 open sided game viewing vehicles. 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.

Game drives are shared by guests of Lewa Safari Camp. 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 Lewa Safari Camp is an informative as well as an exhilarating experience. You will be accompanied by trained Samburu rangers. They have 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.

Ngare Ndare Forest Walk

Another walking option is to visit Ngare Ndare forest conservancy. This is a community conservancy to the south of Lewa. There is a canopy walk, and a river to play in. There are usually elephants in the forest, so you will be escorted by the Lewa walking guide. This is a full day out from camp with a picnic.

There is an extra cost to visit Ngare Ndare Forest only to cover the separate Conservation Fee.

Horse Riding

Lewa Safari Camp offers evening horse rides. You can get very close to plains game as they see you as one of their own! Horse riding is for experienced riders only. Although it is a gentle walk on very well behaved horses, you are in the wild. And therefore, need to be able to bring a situation under control when horses are spooked. Horse riding is subject to availability and there is an additional charge.

Electric bikes

With the ease of an e-bike, visitors can venture out into the rugged terrain of Lewa. Feel the exhilaration of conquering the hilly landscape. E-bikes are as easy as riding a bicycle. Guests will be escorted by an Elewana guide and a ranger. Who will assist to navigate the terrain to some of Lewa’s most scenic vantage points. Making stops amongst points of interest and ensuring everyone stays on track and enjoys the surrounding wildlife. The routing and duration are tailored to guests’ schedules. A scrumptious bush breakfast or evening sundowner is often included. The activity can be booked directly at the camp.

Camel Riding

Lewa Safari Camp also offers evening camel rides. Although less elegant than horse riding, it is suitable for those without riding skills. The camels are led by Samburu handlers and it is picturesque experience. Camel riding is subject to availability and there is an additional charge.

Cultural Village Visits

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy borders the Samburu communities of Tassia and Il Ngwesi in the arid lowlands of the north. Many of the Conservancy and Lodge staff are recruited from this area. 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.

Lewa Safari Camp 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. They will 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. You can also have a tour of the Conservancy offices. And participate in Conservation work such as the training of the anti-poaching tracker dogs.