Laikipia & Meru Counties, Northern Kenya
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
UNESCO World Heritage Site & Global Catalyst for Rhino Conservation
“Stretching across 62,000 acres of beautiful rolling grasslands beneath the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, Lewa is a legendary wildlife sanctuary. Through award-winning community integration, it serves as a secure fortress for critically endangered black rhinos and the world’s most vital population of endangered Grevy’s zebras.”
The Geography of the Lewa Downs
Lewa sits at the transitional point where the fertile slopes of Mount Kenya merge with the semi-arid northern plains. Rising between 1,400m and 2,000m above sea level, this complex topography traps moisture from the south while accommodating dry northern species, resulting in an exceptionally rich microclimate.
Lewa Plains & Soil Complex
The sweeping golden plains of northern Laikipia are rich in volcanic soil, producing sweet acacia-shaded grasslands that support highly diverse herds of migratory herbivores.
Grevy’s Zebra Feeding BasinNgare Ndare River Network
Sourced directly from the glaciers of Mount Kenya, the cold, crystal-clear Ngare Ndare River flows through the southern canopy, feeding critical freshwater springs.
Freshwater LifelinesSurrounding Community Lands
Lewa’s boundaries are seamlessly shared with community ranches like Il Ngwesi and Leparua, serving as a buffer zone for cooperative, human-wildlife integration.
Integrated Boundary ZonesThe Lewa Swamp Wetland
Located in the heart of the conservancy, this extensive papyrus marsh is a reliable water source that attracts hippos, buffaloes, and secretive semi-aquatic antelopes.
Ecosystem Water FilterExploring the Ecosystem Sectors
Lewa’s diverse landscape ranges from open acacia-dotted grasslands to primeval indigenous forests, providing highly specialized niches for rare African wildlife.
Lewa PlainsSavanna & Grazing Flats
These open, clay-heavy fields are ideal hunting terrains for cheetah coalitions and lions, while providing rich, open grazing grounds for large mixed herds of zebras, elands, and rhinos.
Ngare Ndare ForestNgare Ndare Canopy & Pools
Contiguous with Lewa’s southern border, this ancient forest features massive wild olive and cedar trees. It is famous for a spectacular 450-meter-long canopy walkway and bright turquoise water pools fed by mountain meltwater.
Lewa SwampSwamps & Riparian Zones
An organic wetland fed by the Lewa river system. The dense reedbeds provide essential cover for the shy Sitatunga antelope, a robust family of hippopotamuses, and serves as a major hunting ground for marsh leopards.
Rare Species of the Lewa Sanctuary
Lewa’s highly effective protection models have successfully saved several of Africa’s most endangered mammals. Learn about our priority tracking species.
Black & White Rhinoceros
As one of Kenya’s primary secure zones, Lewa currently hosts over 240 protected rhinos. Our dedicated anti-poaching units track them around the clock.
Grevy’s Zebra
Characterized by beautiful fine stripes, large ears, and white bellies. Lewa is home to over 11% of the world’s remaining wild Grevy’s zebras.
Reticulated Giraffe
Easily distinguished by their beautiful net-like patterns. These elegant browsers share the acacia woodlands with the endangered gerenuk and Beisa oryx.
Pride Lions & Wild Dogs
Lewa provides a safe sanctuary for robust prides of lions, leopards, and highly transient, cooperative packs of hunting African painted wild dogs.
Pioneering the Community Model
Rather than operating as an isolated fortress, the Lewa Conservancy model leverages ecotourism income to directly fund clean water projects, 21 primary schools, and community healthcare clinics in surrounding districts.
By making adjacent pastoralist communities active financial partners, we have successfully reduced poaching incidents to almost zero. Local herders regularly cooperate with our armed scouts to defend our shared borders.
Mount Kenya Elephant Corridor
Lewa initiated the construction of the world’s first elephant underpass beneath the primary northern highway. This pioneering bridge re-established historical migration corridors for giant herds moving between Mount Kenya forests and northern plains.
Elite K9 Anti-Poaching Units
Meet our highly trained bloodhounds and expert canine teams. Working in tandem with armed rangers, these specialized search dogs track trail details across borders to secure vulnerable species.
Annual Lewa Safari Marathon
Run alongside wildlife. Known as one of the world’s most challenging trail races, this globally recognized marathon takes place inside our un-fenced plains to fund northern Kenya community education.
Elite Horseback & Camel Walks
Ditch traditional vehicles. Join armed ranger guides on private horseback treks or camel-riding walks to approach herds of Grevy’s zebras and white rhinos without alarming them.
Best Time to Visit Lewa
Dry Peak Season
June – October, January – February
Ideal savanna trekking. Shorter grasses allow reliable, uninhibited rhino tracking and predator watching. Mount Kenya looms clear and visible on early mornings.
Short Rains Green Peak
November – December
The plains burst into lush emerald green. Exceptional birding as Palearctic migratory species arrive, and newborn calves can be seen playing in the open savanna.
Lush Canopy Swell
March – May
The southern pools of Ngare Ndare swell to maximum capacity. Dynamic cloud dynamics make for breathtaking landscape photography over the surrounding northern gorges.
Laikipia & Lewa Safari Route Planner
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