Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Pros & Cons

• Excellent wildlife viewing with all of the Big Five present
• Great sightings of black and white rhino
• Night drives, horse riding and walking safaris available
• Overnight camel treks available
• Excellent food and service; bush breakfast and picnic lunches offered
• Bush breakfast and picnic lunches offered
• Stunning views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding landscape
• The cattle and fences take away some of the wilderness appeal
• There is only a small animal-viewing circuit
• Most wildlife has been re-introduced so it can lack authenticity

Wildlife

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy offers excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities. All of the Big Five are present and the sightings of both black and white rhino are unsurpassed. Elephant, cheetah and lion are easily seen. Lucky visitors might come across a pack of wild dogs as they move in and out of the area. Northern Kenya specials such as reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra and beisa oryx are also present.

• More about Lewa's wildlife

Scenery

The snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya can be seen clearly in the distance at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The conservancy itself is dominated by rolling, whaleback semi-arid plains dotted with acacia trees. A large swamp area is fringed by yellow fever trees, and several hills offer lookout points over the surrounding plains. The Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve is also part of the Conservancy.

Weather & Climate

The uniform temperatures at Lewa are due to its proximity to the equator. This climatic consistency extends to the Dry season (June to September), when daytime sunshine and evening chill are the norm. The Wet season (October to May) is less predictable. It begins with what’s known as the ‘short rains’, followed by a drier period. On the heels of this come the ‘long rains’, which are at their drenching best in April.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time to Visit

The downpours that mark either end of the Wet season (October to May) see Lewa temporarily close its gates (in both November and April) due to inaccessible roads. Needless to say, it’s better to come here in the Dry season (June to September), when sunny skies lift the spirits and animals are more visible because of the sparse vegetation.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Lewa Conservancy?

• Lewa Conservancy safaris and tours
• Tour operators for Lewa Conservancy