Lewa wildlife conservancy

Lewa wildlife conservancy

Lewa wildlife conservancy is a thriving conservation center and tourist destination in Kenya found south of Isiolo town lieing north of Mount Kenya, the conservancy covers an area of 62,000acres in cooperating Ngare Ndare forest.  Lewa wildlife conservancy consists of scenic views which are created by the snow-capped peaks of mountain Kenya which clearly visible while in the conservancy in the north southern region, in the north region their breathtaking views of Samburu, Ololokwe and Mathew’s ranges, the dramatic beautiful scenery of the area is also mixed with whaleback semi-arid plains dotted with acacia trees, rolling hills, Ngare Ndare forest reserve which is found in the conservancy and a large swamp which is dotted with tallow fever trees. The scenic scenery of the conservancy offers an excellent opportunity for photography.

In the beginning, Lewa wildlife conservancy was started as a cattle ranch for rearing cattle and other minor livestock owned by the Craig/Douglas family, this family had love for wildlife thus turning their land from a ranch to became a rhino sanctuary purposely protecting black rhino from the then escalating killing of rhinos for their horns and bush meat by the local more so in the mid-1970s. in 1983 Craig and Mrs. Anna Merz who were the funding members of the project established Ngare Sergio rhino sanctuary in the western end region of Lewa Downs, many animals were translocated to fill the sanctuary and this led to bringing of both a black rhino and a white in to the sanctuary.

After 10 years of operation, rhino population in the reserve had grown and the reserve needed more space thus expanding the ranch to cover the remaining area of the ranch together with Ngare Ndare forest reserve. Lewa conservancy is a very significant area as it where Prince William of wales proposed to his then girlfriend and now wife Catherine Middleton, the conservancy also house the Lewa airport which is used by both local and international people to connect to the conservancy and other areas.

When it comes to wildlife, Lewa wildlife conservancy is a recognized great habitant for many animals together with the big five and for a record the conservancy habits 14% of Kenya’s rhino population, and the largest single population of Grevy’s zebras in the world. Animals habited the conservancy are referred to northern specials, they are only found north of the equator with the ability to thrive through arid weather conditions. These animals include lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffaloes, black rhino, Grevy’s zebras, Eastern black rhinoceros, reticulated giraffe, hippopotamus, beisa Oryx, gerenuk, occasional cheetah, rare hyena, Grant’s gazelle, defassa waterbuck, antelopes that is eland and impala, wild dog and many more. Lewa wildlife conservancy is also a habitant to primates which live in Ngare Ndare forest and they include black and white colobus monkey.

Lewa wildlife conservancy is no stranger to being a great home for bird life in Kenya as many kinds of birds over a total of 350 species use the conservancy as a home, these bird species include amethyst sunbird, blue-cheeked bee-eater, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, golden-breasted starling, golden-breasted bunting, golden-winged sunbird, harlequin quail, Hartlaub’s turaco, Hartlaub’s bustard, Hildebrandt’s francolin, Hildebrandt’s starling, hunter’s sunbird, Mariqua sunbird, red-bellied parrot, scarlet-chested sunbird, Shelley’s francolin, variable sunbird, vulturine guinea fowl, white-bellied bustard, white-bellied go-away bird, yellow-necked spurfowl and many more

Lewa wildlife conservancy is a very wonderful destination offering a great experience of safari when you visit, in the conservancy you get to participate in activities like 

Wildlife viewing

Lewa wildlife conservancy offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities on a drive through the savannah plains of the conservancy, wildlife experience is an opportunity for you see many animals which are protected in the conservancy such as giraffes, hippopotamus, elephants, buffalo, eland, impalas, grant’s gazelle, defassa waterbuck, wild dog, lions, leopards, cheetah, black and white rhino and many. Lewa wildlife conservancy offers game viewing as day game viewing on which you views many animals as the feed and night game viewing which is a good experience for viewing night predators such as lions, leopards, cheetah and many more.

Bird watching

Lewa wildlife conservancy is listed the great habitants of birds in the world, the conservancy hosts 350 bird species which are scattered throughout the park. While on this experience you are rewarded by many views of birds such as blue-cheeked bee-eater, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, golden-breasted starling, golden-breasted bunting, golden-winged sunbird, harlequin quail, Hartlaub’s turaco, Hartlaub’s bustard, Hildebrandt’s francolin, Hildebrandt’s starling, hunter’s sunbird, Mariqua sunbird, red-bellied parrot, scarlet-chested sunbird, Shelley’s francolin, variable sunbird, vulturine guinea fowl, white-bellied bustard, white-bellied go-away bird, yellow-necked spurfowl and many more.

Horse and camel riding

Horse and camel riding is a unique uncommon way of touring Lewa wildlife conservancy and the most environmentally safe of touring as it gives out no fumes, this activity involves riding one the back of a horse and a camel while touring. The most entertaining bit of this activity is that you get to come close to the animals.

Cultural visits

Lewa wildlife conservancy offers African cultural visits into the local communities of the Masai people, when visiting the Masai communities you experience the authentic African cultures, norms and traditions. In the Masai community you enjoy local dances, drama and songs, the local African way of their clothing, view the unique Masai manyattas which will leave you very fascinated. 

Bush dinners and breakfast

Bush dinners are very adventurous and exceptional experience, Lewa wildlife conservancy organizes bush dinners and breakfast to all its visitors upon request. Bush dinners and breakfasts offers an amazing romantic and adventurous experience of enjoying your meals a midst wilderness while sighting animals in the park.

Walking safaris

Lewa wildlife conservancy offers walking safaris to its visitors most especially nature lovers, walking safaris involves walking on foot with a trained safari guide as you encounter and view many creatures and features found in the park. As you walk you visit swamps, Ngare Ndare forest and the savannah grassland where you get to be fascinated by views of animals, birds and the amazing natural scenery.

Educational tours  

Lewa wildlife conservancy organizes and offers educational tours to researchers and student tourists, the conservancy has many educational programs meant to enrich all the visitors with the value of conserving nature and the animals.

Getting to Lewa wildlife conservancy

Lewa wildlife conservancy is found in the south of Isiolo town adjust to Laikipia plateau, you can use both road and air to the conservancy, when using road the conservancy is situated in a drive of 4 hours from Nairobi town the capital city of Kenya using Thinka road. When using air transport which is the easiest way to get to the conservancy, you use flights from Wilson airport in Nairobi to Lewa airport.

Highlights and attractions of Lewa wildlife conservancy

• a great destination for viewing endangered black and white rhino
• great destination to see Grevy’s zebra
• Horse and Camel riding
• visiting Maasai cultural village

Where to stay in Lewa wildlife conservancy

When you visit Lewa wildlife conservancy you can stay in Lewa safari camp, this camp is situated in the conservancy overlooking mountain Kenya. The camp offers a swimming pool, beds and meals. Other lodges offering accommodation include Lewa wilderness, sirikoi lodge, Laragai house, Borana lodge, Sieku Glamping and many more.