The Lewa Conservancy is located south of the town of Isiolo near the Laikipia Plateau. In 1983, David and Delia Craig set aside 5,000 acres of their ranch as the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary. Anna Merz, a conservationist and philanthropist, came on board and together rounded-up and protect Kenya’s rhinos that were under threat. They tracked, captured and relocated every remaining wild rhino in northern Kenya to the refuge for breeding and safekeeping. The entire ranch was dedicated to conservation and later formed the non-profit Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in 1995. In late June 2013, the World Heritage Committee extended the boundaries of the Mount Kenya World Heritage Site to include Lewa and Ngare Ndare Forest.

Accessibility

The Lewa Conservancy is located south of the town of Isiolo near the Laikipia Plateau. If you are travelling by road the conservancy is a 4-hour drive from Nairobi on the Thika Road.

Airport – The easiest way to get to Lewa Downs is by air on a direct flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport into the conservancy’s private airstrip. There are daily scheduled flights.

Attractions

• A great place to see the endangered Black and White Rhino.
• See the endangered Grevy’s zebras.
• Horse and camel riding through the African savannah.
• Northern Rangelands Trust Headquarters.
• Visits to the Maasai Cultural Village.
• 70 mammal species including the Big Five.

Activities – Game drives, walking safaris, night game drives, bush dinners, helicopter drives, camel rides, horse rides, and educational tours on day-to-day operations of the conservancy.

Conservation efforts

Lewa Conservancy is committed to conserving its rich biodiversity and protecting endangered species in northern Kenya. Key conservation efforts include anti-poaching initiatives that focus on safeguarding elephants and rhinos, supported by a dedicated ranger team. The conservancy engages local communities through education and sustainable livelihoods, promoting eco-tourism that benefits both wildlife and people.

Habitat restoration projects help maintain the integrity of the ecosystem, while wildlife monitoring programs track animal populations and health. Additionally, partnerships with organizations and researchers enhance conservation strategies, ensuring the long-term preservation of Lewa’s unique natural heritage.