good for you

As you wake to the sound of the African dawn and the sight of giraffes striding elegantly across the horizon, a hot cup of steaming hot Kenyan tea or coffee is delivered to the door of your luxury safari tent.

Although it may be difficult to leave the comfort of your tent, an early morning game drive beckons, because the chances of spotting all of the 'big five' on this 65,000 acre-privately-owned wildlife conservancy are almost certain.

Then it's back to camp for a hot breakfast by the pool, while taking in the dramatic views of snow-covered Mt Kenya and the magnificent northern frontier district stretching out before you.

Although at the higher end of the market, at Lewa Safari Camp you will experience luxury sustainable safari at it's best; beautiful tented accommodation, all meals and drinks included and a wide range of night and day safari activities. Originally a working cattle ranch, the camp blends the old and the new and the wild and domestic - it was also the head-quarters of the area's rhino sanctuary and is still heavily involved in anti-poaching activities and protecting endangered or orphaned animals.

good for kenya

Tourism is vital source of funding for the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and by staying at Lewa Safari Camp you will be directly supporting conservation in northern Kenya as all income generated by the camp goes directly towards Lewa's conservation and community projects.

Lewa provides a heavily subsidised clinic and medical program for the neighbouring communities and assists the communities with their own conservation and tourism ventures such as the nearby Masai-owned Il N'gwesi and Tassia Lodges.

Through these educational programs, Lewa has proved to the communities that domestic stock and wildlife can co-exist and by preserving wildlife the communities gain another source of income, and thereby reducing animal poaching.

Rooms

Food

Meals at Lewa Safari Camp are taken at the main camp dining room except for breakfast, where a hearty fare of fruit, cereals, and eggs of your choice is served 'al fresco' by the swimming pool.

All the food prepared at the camp is fresh and mostly sourced from local small-scale Masai farmers nearby helping to support their lifestyle.

The bar is well stocked with well known, worldwide brands of spirits and Kenyan beers. There is also a modest wine list from which you can try a little local African flavour to accompany your evening meal.

Features & Facilities

• Accommodation for up to 26 guests in 12 permanent luxury safari tents
• En-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water and flush toilets.
• Laundry service
• Electric perimeter fence to keep out large game.
• Salt water swimming pool
• A range of activities including game drives, guided walks, and visits to pre-historic sites, all included in the rates.
• Tennis Court
• Stables with horses and camels

See Local Info for more information on activities.

Local Info & Activities

This spectacular region is considered the gateway to Kenya's wild Northern frontier country. Wild and sparsely populated. This is an area of beautiful wilderness, where protected game roams freely and safely. Centred around the original Laikipia National Reserve, this area has become a sanctuary for Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and a wealth of plains game, including many endemic Northern species.

Day and night game drives: Lewa provides vehicles to take you in search of the 'big five'. Night game drives, when most animals are active, are very popular.

Guided walks: One of the best ways to see wildlife is on a guided bush walk. Seeing big game on foot is extremely satisfying and the slower pace means you may see smaller animals that you might miss from a vehicle.

Horse and camel riding: Riding a camel through the African savannah is also a unique way to view game.

Il N'gwesi Cultural Village: Visits to this Masai owned and operated village can be arranged from the camp.

Archaeology: A visit to a pre-historic archaeological site will show you the 'cradle of mankind' and the beginnings or our evolution.

insider tips

Yellow Fever, hepatitis and tetanus vaccinations are recommended for all of East Africa and precautions should be taken.

While in East Africa, only drink bottled water. It is recommended that at least four litres of non-alcoholic fluid be consumed each day to prevent dehydration.

African gastroenteritis 'bugs' are the next most common cause of stomach upsets and diarrhoea. Generally, antibiotics will cure this illness within 24 hours.

Kenya offers warm days with cool early mornings and evenings throughout most of the country. The coldest months are June, July and August; the hottest months are January, February and March.

When travelling on safari, baggage should be kept to a minimum. Charter flights and vehicle transfers do not allow a large amount of baggage. Soft duffle bags should be used rather than suitcases, as frequently the air plane baggage lockers cannot fit a large suitcase.

An airport departure tax of US$40 per person, or its equivalent, is payable when leaving Kenya. A local departure tax of Kshs 200 (approx. US$3) per person, per flight, is payable for internal Kenyan flights.

Sustainability

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was spearheaded by the owners of the safari camp and was the first not-for-profit conservation program in East Africa.

Visitors have privileged access to a scenically spectacular area, densely populated with wildlife. All income generated by the camp goes directly towards Lewa's conservation and community projects.

Through its conservation efforts, Lewa is now home to 34 black and 33 endangered white rhino and is one of the last three remaining habitats of the aquatic sitatunga.

The conservancy also supports the local community by subsidising a clinic and medical services as well as educational programs showing the local community how they can benefit from tourism and sponsors students from the five local schools through to university.

Getting There

Lewa is situated near Mount Kenya with the Northern Frontier District to the North.

Lewa is approximately five hours drive from Nairobi. Road transfers are also available from the town of Nanyuki.

Maps and directions will be provided to guests on booking.

Kenya is well served by major international airlines, which fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa).

There are daily flights with Air Kenya from the domestic Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Lewa with a 45 minute road transfer to the camp.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

All rates are in US$

Rates are $US290 pp per night twin-share plus a $US60 pp per night conservation fee. Children under 12 cost US$145 pp per night, plus a US$30 conservation fee.

Rates include full board accommodation, all meals, soft drinks, beer, house wines and bottled water. Activities such as game drives, guided walks and pre-historic site visits are included.

booking & cancellation policy

• A 25% deposit secures reservations and balance must be paid in full 45 days prior to arrival.
• Cancellation policy: Between 120 and 45 days before stay - 20% deposit is forfeited, 40% if cancelled between 30 and 45 days and 100% if booking cancelled 30 days prior to arrival.

The camp is closed for the months of April and November.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.