Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a pioneer of community conservation in Africa, and one of the best places in Kenya to see rhinos. It began in 1983 as a rhino sanctuary, and it now protects black rhino, white rhino, Grevy's zebra and a large number of other species across a landscape of acacia, open plains and rocky hills.
The conservancy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its work supports schools, clinics and a community fund in the surrounding area. Guests can go on game drives, walking safaris, horseback rides and camel treks, and the neighbouring Ngare Ndare Forest has a canopy walkway and natural swimming pools.
It is a refined, active safari that works well for families, couples and anyone who wants to see conservation at work.
Lewa is a stronghold for both black and white rhino, and it is home to about 14 percent of the world’s Grevy’s zebra. Lion, leopard, cheetah and elephant are present, and sitatunga live in the swamp, together with buffalo, reticulated giraffe, Burchell’s and plains zebra, eland, oryx and gerenuk. Walking safaris, horse safaris and night drives allow you to see them from different angles.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Lewa has rolling grassland, scattered acacia, rocky hills and a swamp, with Mount Kenya rising to the south. The landscape is lovely at dawn, when the mountain turns pink and the plains are still wrapped in mist.
Activities here
Lewa is warm by day at around 24°C to 28°C and cool at night. The main rains fall from March to May, and a short, lighter season follows in November.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27 | 12 | 30 |
| Feb | 28 | 12 | 30 |
| Mar | 28 | 14 | 70 |
| Apr | 26 | 15 | 170 |
| May | 25 | 14 | 130 |
| Jun | 24 | 12 | 50 |
| Jul | 23 | 11 | 40 |
| Aug | 24 | 11 | 50 |
| Sep | 26 | 12 | 45 |
| Oct | 27 | 13 | 70 |
| Nov | 25 | 14 | 130 |
| Dec | 26 | 13 | 60 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to October and January to February are dry and clear, with great views of Mount Kenya. Animals gather around the waterholes and rivers.
The green season brings fresh grass and migratory birds. Roads can be slippery after heavy storms, but the conservancy is open all year.
The dry months of June to October and January to February are best for wildlife. Lewa is a good choice at any time of year, and the green season brings lower rates and fewer visitors.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct
Lewa is about 270 kilometres from Nairobi. Most guests fly from Wilson Airport to the conservancy airstrip in around 50 minutes to an hour. By road it takes about five hours via Nanyuki.
Conservancy fees are included in our safaris. Most visitors need a Kenya eTA arranged online before travel, and a passport valid for at least six months.
The conservancy is at moderate altitude and enjoys a healthy climate. Please take advice on malaria before you travel, and bring sun protection.
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“Our take”
Lewa is one of the best places in Africa to see rhinos and Grevy’s zebra, and the best conservancy for a quiet first night in the north.
Safaris from
US$3,187 per person
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