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Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, spanning 62,000 acres of pristine wilderness in northern Kenya, stands as one of the country’s most remarkable conservation success stories. Once a working cattle ranch, the land has been home to the Craig family since 1924. In 1983, they set aside 5,000 acres as a sanctuary to protect the endangered black rhino. The initiative proved so successful that by 1995, the entire ranch was dedicated to wildlife conservation. Today, Lewa is home to over 10% of Kenya’s black rhino population and 14% of its white rhinos, alongside thriving populations of elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo—making it a superb destination to see the Big Five.

Lewa lies just south of Isiolo and north of Mount Kenya, with sweeping views across the mountain’s snow-capped peaks to the south and the rugged Samburu and Mathews Range to the north. Its varied terrain—ranging from grasslands and acacia forest to wetlands—supports an impressive diversity of species. Endemic northern wildlife, such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx, roam freely, while rarer species like the greater kudu, gerenuk, and Sitatunga antelope add to its ecological richness.

The swamp and riverine areas provide sanctuary for leopards, sitatungas, and prolific birdlife, including numerous species of bustards, plovers, coursers, and birds of prey. Night drives reveal more elusive residents such as aardvarks, caracals, and bat-eared foxes.

Lewa is also known for its commitment to community empowerment, education, and anti-poaching initiatives—serving as a model for sustainable conservation across Africa. In 2010, it also gained global attention when Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton during a stay on the conservancy, highlighting its serenity, privacy, and timeless natural beauty.

A Taste of Lewa

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Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

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