Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya, spanning 250 square kilometres of pristine wilderness. Originally a cattle ranch, Lewa was transformed into one of Africa’s most successful wildlife conservancies, becoming a global model for community-based conservation.
The conservancy is a critical rhino sanctuary, protecting over 200 black and white rhinos — approximately 14% of Kenya’s total rhino population. It also supports healthy populations of Grevy’s zebra (the world’s most endangered zebra species), with Lewa housing about 15% of the global population.
Lewa’s conservation success extends beyond its fences. The Northern Rangelands Trust, headquartered at Lewa, supports 39 community conservancies across northern Kenya. The annual Lewa Safari Marathon, held within the conservancy, raises millions for conservation and is one of the world’s most unique marathon experiences.
Accommodation at Lewa is exclusively high-end, with intimate luxury lodges and bush camps offering personalised safari experiences. Activities include game drives, guided walks, horse and camel safaris, and helicopter scenic flights over Mount Kenya.